Where is the world is Tanya Peila?

Where is the world is Tanya Peila?

By   1:09:00 PM   1 comment:

I know I know I have been neglecting my blog. :(

I have been so busy being unemployed! How is that you asked? Well I took on one wonderful projectafter another and decided to create Absolute Mavens, www.absolutemavens.com complete ith my favorite past time COUPONING! Check out my NEW coupon magazine http://absolutemavens.com/htv/

Also we are now urban farmers. We invested in chickens! They are SO great.

We have Tweet Tweet (Rhode Island Red), Pretty Girl (Blue Laced Red Wyandotte), Green Feather (Americana), and Oreo (Barred Rock).

More to come of the too busy unemplyed mom!

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Adventures in mothering!

Adventures in mothering!

By   9:38:00 AM   1 comment:

So being unemployed and trying to be a stay at home mom is not easy. Everyone told me it wasn't but more it' just the juggling act that I still can't figure it out! It is getting better, the routines.

I'm exploring ways to save money, first by starting to be a Krazy Coupon Lady, yes I will have a 15 pound binder with coupons soon! I have started compling the coupons but not shopping yet, well really because there is no money this week!

We have been using our freezer meals which is great. I have been baking a lot. We need to find a way to get more cheap snacks. Not that we can even keep them in the hosue but they are SO expensive!

Ashlee and I have our morning routine, getting dressed needs work for both of us! You know what I'm talking about the SAHM mom rut, staying in PJ's all day! And Ashlee well she likes hanging in her diaper!

I'm learning a lot about Home Improvement, some the hard way but that's ok. My husband thinks I'm funny because I start projects and buy the stuff I need weekly, pieces at a time with what we can afford. But hey no more carpet in teh bathrooms soon!

I also want to start doing something scheduled with Carson in the afternoon, like crafts which he LOVES doing. We are also thinking of Martial Arts, but he has o start getting ready in the morning!

Thanks for reading and have a great day!

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What is your IDEAL job?

What is your IDEAL job?

By   2:42:00 PM   No comments:

I have to admit. I LOVE certain aspects of my job. And honestly never thought I would like to be a stay at home parent. But I have learned I would love to work from home and probably in another field than I am in.


My IDEAL job:

I would love to do social networking from home for companies for bloggers. I would love to coordinate product reviews and giveaways for other people. I have been blogging for about 4 years now and have LEARNED so much, and I love to help people so what better way to do it! I want to market for people and help them become successful.

I would love to write articles for people and gather research information.

I would love to do weird things like Excel, Word and PDF conversions; yes I’m weird like that.

I would of course love to do all of this from home. Telecommuting is becoming a trend again. And I live about an hour (in good traffic) from our “tech” headquarters. I just can’t do that commute. I could be a virtual assistant!

So I ask what is YOUR ideal job. If you could do anything other than just sit at home and eat Bon Bons!

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How will YOU make your community better?

How will YOU make your community better?

By   8:09:00 AM   No comments:

From simplemom.net


May is all about relationships and community service with Simple Living Media. The past few weeks, we’ve discussed (sometimes pretty fervently) what it means to be a good neighbor, whether it’s important to know our surrounding neighbors, and at what level do we allow our children to play freely in our living environments.
These are all important factors in helping us thrive wherever we live, be it a high-rise in an urban metropolis or a wide-open farm with horses as the nearest neighbors.
Regardless where or how we live, we all live in community, to some extent. And communities need its people to make the place what it is, and what it should be. A few weeks ago, contributor Megan Tietz gave us some fabulous ideas for encouraging a tighter-knit community — spearheaded by us.


To read the rest of this article please visit Simple Mom

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Little Man and the BUS!

Little Man and the BUS!

By   9:13:00 PM   No comments:

So here is the story and I'm not backing his behavior BUT there may be a reason why! First off he takes an herbal remedy called Brightspark to help calm him and take away some hyperactivity. WELL he is suppose to take it three times a day. When he started the nurse at the school said since we give it to him at 7AM he should have it at school around 1 or 2. WELL she has been giving it to him at 10:30AM! No wonder the kid has issues in the afternoon! And then come to find out the principal did not even TELL him he was kicked off the bus! I went to school to get him, like I was told to do and he was not there! He substitute teacher sent him home on the bus! So I go to the bus stop and get him and told him there was a mistake and he was not suppose to get a "pride" certificate for the week since he got kicked off the bus. He said "I got kicked off the bus?" GEEZ! So long day but he did really good considering he knew the rules were no electronics if you can't ride the bus. No whining, he took it like a MAN!

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My Weekend!

My Weekend!

By   9:30:00 AM   No comments:

What did you do this weekend?
This weekend we FINALLY/OFFICIALLY finished unpacking. (with some HEAVY persuasion from the Milk Man).
But that is just where the weekend finished!
Saturday, I mowed the lawn, this is very therapeutic for me. Especially when I crack up the iPod and sing my little heart away! THEN, my mom came over and brought me some veggie seedlings and we added them to the garden.
Sunday, after the final unpacking, we had some family time and painted and played some games. THEN it was time to break out the weed whacker put the finishing touches on the yard! Lastly, spreaded the Weed And Feed on the ever growing Chia Pet (newly seeded front yard) and the weekend was done!
I'm a bit sore today and think I almost need a day to recover from the weekend. But it was GREAT exercise and lots of great family fun!

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In Less Than 24 Hours

In Less Than 24 Hours

By   8:50:00 AM   No comments:

YOU ARE AMAZING!
You will be a legal adult.
For 18 years now I have watched you grow from this little being into a woman.
With your beautiful smile and contagious personality.
I have witnessed your first steps, your first dance, and your first boyfriend.
You make us all so proud in your accomplishments.
We cannot wait to continue to watch you grow into an amazing women.
Remember you can accomplish anything you put your mind to.
I secretly pray that you will never lease this block.
I enjoy every minute we spend together, and feel like it is not enough at times.
I am here if you need me, and always will be.

Happy Birthday Caylah Christine

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What did YOU do this weekend?

What did YOU do this weekend?

By   12:50:00 PM   1 comment:

The inspiration - We are not treehouse engineers but we want a treehouse for the kids!

The Tree

The Planning/Pondering - Seriously he did this ALL day on Saturday, part of Sunday, and EARLY Monday morning!

The Auger - Meant for TWO people, 4' deep, 12" diameter...

The Holes - Warning this video may cause excessive laughing to the point where you may pee your pants.

The Tree Roots

More Holes

And this is just day one... More next weekend!

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Top Ten Family Vacation Tips #DriveHappy

Top Ten Family Vacation Tips #DriveHappy

By   9:26:00 AM   No comments:

This post is being written as part of a contest at Twitter Moms. Bloggers have been asked to share their tips for creating a fun family vacation that is free of distractions. Here are my top 10.
1. Invest in a portable DVD player. Some moms don't agree with me on this one but it is nice to have when you just need some quite time.
2. Bring a backpack filled with "new" things for your kids to do. They can use it in the car, on the air plane, in restaurants, etc.
3. Let everyone help plan your trip! Include you kids in what they want to do.
4. Be prepared to deviate from the plan. Anyone who has kids knows, the plan can change at any moment with an unexpected nap, or accident!
5. Don't plan too much in one day. When we took our 3-year old to Disneyland we scheduled to go back to the hotel twice a day for his naps. He was on a schedule and a cranky child makes for an unhappy vacation!
6. Don't spend a ton on souvenirs. Just let everyone chose one or two things.
7. For babies plan, plan. plan. My sister-in-law took a gallon sized zip loc bag and put a bib and utensils in it for every day they were traveling. Great way to remember babies are messy at times!
8. Don't think you have to do it all. Even if you only see a couple things, as long as you are having fun and relaxing it will be a trip to remember.
9. If traveling by plane remember small children may need something to help them with the altitude adjustment. Bring suckers, gum, pacifiers, or a bottle to help ease the ear discomfort.
10. Just HAVE fun!

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LOL Kids say the cutest things!

LOL Kids say the cutest things!

By   6:45:00 AM   No comments:

So this morning I was washing my face with my Clarisonic, (basically a vibrating brush works GREAT). Little Man asked what I was doing. I told him "Washing my face."
He proceeds to tell me that he saw on "real" t.v. that there was this thing you could put around your tummy that made your tummy REALLY flat (showing me the visual of a size 0). But then he said the lady on the t.v. still had an ugly face because she was really old. Then he told me I was really old. LOL. Of course he took that part back.
Then he said people can go to the store and buy it if they want a flat tummy but he forgot which store.
Then he blurts out "Costco! They have it a Costco!"
They are so innocent!
Last night he told me it looked like I had a baby in my tummy. I told him "nope just fat." Then he asked why I had tummy fat and I told him it was because of his sister just like I have gray hair from him!
Hope you got a good laught at this today!

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Life

Life

By   3:45:00 PM   No comments:

The last month has been an eye opener for me. An old friend unexpectly had a brain tumor removed. An old friends dad passed . This has made me stop to think. Life is short. Make that call. Say those words. Reconnect. Before it is too late. We are not immortal. One day we will all meet again. But until then make the most of your life and don't forget to keep in touch.

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPod Touch

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Day 148

Day 148

By   1:54:00 PM   No comments:

Well I have not stepped on a scale. I think it is because I am disappointed I have not lost any weight. But I do feel good for a change. I just ordered dumbbells, a jump rope and a pedometer at lunch. I like going to the gym but since we don't have the funds for me to continue with a personal trainer I feel stupid doing it by myself. I got a great iPod App that I can do at home and still go to the gym once or twice a week for a boxing class and swimming.
So looking forward to keeping at it. IT WILL PAY OFF. I am sure of it!

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Day 155

Day 155

By   12:56:00 PM   No comments:

I am on my way! Have not lost any weight yet but my HUGE accomplishment is drinking water. I HATE HATE HATE water. But have started drinking it in the form of Crystal Light and I am not to the goal of 8 "servings" per day but I do anywhere between 2-6 which is a HUGH step for me!
I also had a slight foot injury which is healing nicely so will be back at the gym this Sunday. Only missed one day at the gym!

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Day 159

Day 159

By   10:58:00 AM   No comments:

So how many of you think I gave up already?

NOT! I've been working my butt off. Yesterday had the personal trainer cancel on me. So instead of just waiting around for her to reschedule I called and got a same day appt with Phil. Right now, Phil is EVIL (so are air squats and lunges!). What was suppose to be an assessment turned into what Phil calls "prescribed torture", so INTENTIONAL torture was the REAL words he was looking for. Thanks for Phil, I DID get a GREAT workout and am cursing him every time I walk today! He said I was doing the assessment too easily, which IS a compliment.

Tonight I go back for some solo "Interval" cardio. I would like to do it outside but it is POURING, and I even contemplated that the rain would not be so bad until I thought of how WET my feet would be GROSS!!!

Tomorrow it's a rest day. A light walk or maybe some laps in the pool. More like sitting in the hot tub is probably what I will want to do!

Wednesday back to see Phil and tell him how much I LOVE him, YEAH RIGHT!!!

Onto the nutrition. I have to admit I did not track this weekend. I did not think it would be hard but it was. For one I just did not think about tracking. Two I don't eat nearly as much on the weekends as I do on the week days. But I was aware of what I was eating even if it was "not as much" and noticed it was "not as healthy" for me either. Guess this coming weekend I have some work to do.

I want to THANK everyone for their support. I have never done this before. I think having a trainer will help TREMENDOUSLY no matter how much I say I don't like him. Next question is can we afford it?

Nope did not weigh in this morning. Took all my energy to get dressed and out of the house! OUCH!

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Day 164

Day 164

By   11:22:00 AM   No comments:

Ok so first I have a challenge for you! Along with my Weight Loss Challenge 2010 my good friend Lori turned me onto this completely FREE website which is a WONDERFUL resource for my challenge and I think will be a great tool for you all. It is called SparkPeople.com
Here is my challenge for you!

Compete with Me at SparkPeople.com

I'm getting in shape and tracking my workouts at SparkPeople.com. Now, I'm challenging YOU to try and keep up! Below is my monthly exercise goal, which I log on SparkPeople.com. Can you match me-or maybe even beat me?!My Monthly Fitness Minute Goal: 360SparkPeople is the world's largest healthy living community with a FREE online nutrition and fitness program. SparkPeople is helping thousands of people achieve their fitness goals every single day! By Joining SparkPeople You Get:
1. Calorie Counter & Meal Plans Take the guesswork out of what to eat with these powerful customizable tools.
2. Personalized Fitness Plan & Exercise Demos -Burn calories and tone your muscles with routines you can do at home or at the gym, plus online exercise videos.
3. Active Support Message Boards Get help from thousands of other people like you who are losing weight with SparkPeople.
4. Advice From Our Experts -Our programs are designed by registered dietitians and personal trainers, who are also there to answer your questions.
5. Member Created Goal Teams Find others with similar goals and work towards success together.
6. Recipes, Articles, Tips and More Thousands of articles and over 100,000 recipes to learn more about eating right, staying active, and sticking to your program.

To join go here! http://www.sparkpeople.com/myspark/register.asp?from=friend&ReferredBy=6391382

And now for the weigh in.............

170 pounds! Oh My!

Check out my sparkpeople.com page for my weight loss goals

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Weight Loss Challenge 2010

Weight Loss Challenge 2010

By   4:33:00 PM   No comments:

Ok so this is not a resolution just something that has to be done!
My goal = 25 pounds by June 19th 2010 and an additional 25 by December 31, 2010
So I might as well share with the world! I will weigh myself and yes you will see it tomorrow.
So NO diet. I refuse! But I do believe in
1. trying to eat better,
2. snack healthier and
3. start exercising. (Yes I said the E Word)
4. Cut down on Starbucks, yes sorry to report maximum 3 times a week.
5. And cut down on the soda, switching to diet at home to start with.
And...progress today I made the appointment with the personal trainer for Sunday.
Exercise goal, workout three times a week, Sunday - Wednesday and the other days use the Wii. Yes I know lame but that is how it has to be with my busy schedule. Maybe someone will give me one of the new EA Wii's to test out?
And today I ate a donut! Yes they say if you want it eat it in moderation. So I did. Because normally I buy the entire dozen and eat two or three. So I ate one.
Tomorrow...my actualy weight! Scary!
166 days to go, and 25 pounds...

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Ahh Kids At Christmas

Ahh Kids At Christmas

By   9:00:00 AM   No comments:

So all night on Friday and all day on Saturday Little Man kept asking me if he had to wear the earrings his friend "Turtle" bought him. Hmm I wondered, I know he chose Little Man's gift himself but his mom would not have let him buy him earrings would she?

Saturday night we had our friends over for dinner as we do every year. We exchanged gifts and no earrings. I was not sure what he was talking about.

Then I heard the story of the year from Turtle's mom!

Little Man was over at their house and there was a jewelry box on her table. He was asked not to touch it. He said "It's my Christmas present isn't it?"

He was told in fact it was not. But he kept insisting it was.

Son finally Turtle's mom said, "Yes it is your present we bought you earrings from the jewelry store."

To his disappointment Little Man said "But I can't wear earrings I have no holes."

My friend simply explained we will just add holes to his ears then for him to wear them.

LOL so after all that "sneaking" he did not get earrings for Christmas. But he was sure worried for the week that he was getting earrings and that we would give him holes to wear them in!

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Family Update Time!

Family Update Time!

By   8:51:00 AM   1 comment:

We have all been SICK! Can't wait for us all to get well at the same time! I feel it coming soon! We have been sick consecutively for the past 6 weeks. NOT fun! Little Man missed his first 3 days of school and got behind in reading!
Little Princess sounds horrible but if feeling better every day. She is now able to sit herself up from the laying position and still crawling backwards and occasionally forwards. But she is already pulling herself up to her knees and sometimes standing position so I think walking will be sooner than her brother was!
Little Man loves school but seems to have trouble understanding the concept of "personal space". I am constantly getting calls from school that he cannot keeps his hands to himself. So we ordered a book and found some games online to help him out with that. Who knew teaching a child could be SO hard!
He is loving to learn to read. He sounds out all kinds of words and even wrote his letter to Santa a couple of weeks ago. It is SO cute. His teacher told me to let him write phonetically in the beginning so Santa is "santu" and good is "god". This is one to keep for the scrapbook.
Speaking of scrapbooking, I need to get started on that again! Little Man is 5 and I only have made it through his first year! And have not even started on Little Princesses!
Little Man also found a love of board games! He cannot get enough of them.
Well off to clean house I go!

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It’s my Birthday, I’ll Cry if I want to!

It’s my Birthday, I’ll Cry if I want to!

By   8:05:00 AM   No comments:

Well not really. I don’t want to cry. I just want to take this day and thank God for all he has provided for me. A WONDERFUL family and friends who are irreplaceable.

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It’s Monday!!!

It’s Monday!!!

By   8:04:00 AM   No comments:

Do you feel tired? I do! Trying to tell a 5-year old and an 8-month old that the time has changed is impossible! I have to say other than the holidays, fall is my least favorite time of the year. It is cold and rainy and I come home in the dark. UGH!! How depressing!

However just this last weekend I started looking forward to spring and summer even more when I found a layout of our new yard and all the YUMMY and BEAUTIFUL plants that the previous homeowner left for us. Kiwis, grapes, rhubarb, blueberries, potatoes, green peppers, tomatoes, apples, plums, cherries, and the list goes on and on! Now I‘m just hoping they are easy to care for since my thumb is not that green!

Little Man is looking forward to Spring to so he can play and eat in the yard. It is really funny he just goes and has a snack when he needs one!

This weekend was fun family time with no stress!

Halloween was cold but not rainy as usual in the Puget Sound. We did a little trick or treating and then the kids went to Aunties house while Milkman and I went off to an adult only party for a couple hours!

Looking forward to celebrating my birthday this coming weekend with my friends and family.

Have a great week readers!

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