I'm a Wrapper

Watch out Jay-Z and Lil Wayne! On second thought, let's leave the rapping to you guys. I'm simply talking about wrapping, as in Christmas paper.

As most couples do, Ian and I share different beliefs and traditions when it comes to Christmas. I grew-up in a large household where there were several children. It was only logical to wrap every present. Otherwise, we would have no clue which gift belonged to who.

Ian, on the other hand, only had to share with his two siblings. They left certain presents unwrapped to give the illusion that Saint Nick had made a stop during the night, and left their wish-list wants. This is something Ian wants to do for Kaden.

I remember one Christmas Eve, once Kaden had gone to bed, I sat on the floor wrapping gifts. I was on a roll. Ian came out to join me, but immediately interrupted my assembly line.

"What are you doing? Why are you wrapping all of his gifts?"

I gave him a look as if I was puzzled. I should have scratched my head, but I'm sure there was way too much tape on my fingers to do so. "Ummmm, what do you mean? It's Christmas."

"You need to leave the presents out that he actually asked Santa Claus to bring him."

"Oh yeah...right!"

I was totally thrown. This was not the way I had done Christmas as a child. I liked the idea of having a child rip through dollar store paper, and toss it aimlessly across the room. The excitement in their eyes was so worth all the trouble of folding corners, taping, cutting endlessly, taping, etc.

Wouldn't you like to know that I actually compromised. Now, we spend all our time wrapping his birthday presents, and only wrap a few of the Christmas presents. Makes sense, huh?

So, what Christmas traditions does your family have? Do you have to blend traditions to reach a compromise?

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Zhu Zhu Pets Hamsters LIVE Giveaway

Random Integer Generator

Here are your random numbers:

19 

Timestamp: 2009-12-20 22:14:07 UTC

CONGRATULATIONS

Krissy said...

I'm still trying :) I have 4 kids, 12 year old girl, 7 year old boy, 5 year old girl and a 3 year old girl! They all would love me to bring this to them for Christmas!!

Sunday, December 20, 2009 3:31:00 PM EST

Please send me your information withing the next 10 minutes, or another winner will be chosen.




That's me below!

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I'm sitting on the floor, wrecking my brain as I try to figure out how to put together all the pieces to create a Zhu Zhu Pets habitat. Little did I know that my frustrations would be well-worth it. Zhu Zhu Pets are one of the most sought-after toys for the holiday season. And thanks to MomSelect, my family was able to try them out months before they hit the shelves at local toy stores.

Mariah could not decide just what Zhu Zhu Pet she wanted.
She finally settled on Chunk (the white one).

Want to win your very own CHUNK ZHU ZHU PET?

Here's all you have to do:

• Leave a comment.
  
  • Must be a complete sentence.
  • No back-to-back comments, but as many as you want.
    
  • Any topic.
  
  
• Contest will close sometime today, 12/20/2009. Good Luck!
  

I will pick a winner from all of the comments using Random.org. Any comments that do not follow the rules will be deleted. I will try to ship the Zhu Zhu Pet out on Monday so that you can possibly receive it by Christmas. Keep in mind that the state of Maryland (where I reside) is currently under a State of Emergency due to heavy snowfall. This may or may not delay the time of delivery.

I was not paid to write this post. The Zhu Zhu Pet was provided months ago thanks to MomSelect.

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Wordless Wednesday - Disney on Ice Celebrations

The children were excited when we arrived.

Our seats were fantastic (thanks MomCentral)!

Minnie is adorable.

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Buzzed Driving is Drunk Driving

I attended my first Christmas party this past Saturday. I had a blast meeting new people and spending time with my BFF Tamara. We exchanged gifts, ate delicious food, and of course had drinks...at least others did. That's right, I did not have one alcoholic beverage. I indulged myself with ginger-ale and bottled water the entire night. And guess what...I still had a wonderful time.

I'll have to admit, I have driven under the influence before. Not that I am bragging, but It was one of those situations where I felt like I could manage driving myself home. I felt I would pass my field sobriety test if necessary, and I had the alphabet (recited backwards that is) down to a science. It wasn't until I realized that my irresponsibility could cause tremendous harm or ruin an innocent life. I could even ruin mine.

Now, when my friends and I go out, we make a pact. One of us has to be the designated driver. The funny thing about our circle of friends is that we can make the best out of any situation. Alcohol is not needed. After reading the following information below, you may agree with me:

In 2008, nearly 12,000 people in the U.S. were killed in alcohol-impaired driving crashes - and during the periods around Christmas and New Year's, this number was particularly high, with 316 people killed in alchol-impaired driving crashes. In 2007, 162,493 women were arrested for a DUI, an increase of almost 29% since 1998. You can't help but wonder if lives could have been saved if people thought twice before getting behind the wheel. With the holidays approaching, it's important that drivers be reminded about the dangers of buzzed driving. Who knows...it could save a life.

The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHSTA) and the Ad Council are asking everyone to drive smart this holiday season and to pledge not to drive buzzed. Help spread this message during the holiday season by posting about the dangers of buzzed driving, sharing a story or experience you might have had with buzzed driving and encouraging readers to follow Buzzed Driving on Twitter (@buzzeddriving) and Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving) to get the latest updates and news. You can also visit the Buzzed Driving website (http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org/) where readers can sign a pledge to not drive buzzed, play an interactive game which demonstrates the difference between buzzed and drunk, and hear personal stories from people who have driven buzzed.

While at holiday events, it's easy to lose track of a drink here or there - but this can be fatal. This holiday season, keep you and your family safe by spreading this message.

Have a safe and happy holiday and remember that buzzed driving IS drunk driving.

How you can help on Facebook:

Become a fan of the Buzzed Driving campaign on Facebook

http://www.facebook.com/buzzeddrivingisdrunkdriving

How you can help on Twitter:

Follow @buzzeddriving on Twitter

http://resourcefulmommy.blogspot.com/2009/12/buzzed-driving-is-drunk-driving-twitter.html

Take the pledge to not drive buzzed here: http://buzzeddriving.adcouncil.org

Stick around to enjoy your family, friends, and the holiday. Be safe. Drive sober.

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Happy Birthday with the Harlem Globetrotters

While everyone else is tackling their child's massive Christmas list, I am just beginning to work on Kaden's birthday list. As much as I tried to bargain with him to soak a few more weeks in the womb until January, he insisted on coming into the world on Christmas Eve. Merry Christmas to us, huh?!

He has indeed been the greatest present. My life has taken a few turns that I never expected it would ever take. He keeps everyone on their toes, brings a fresh perspective to conversation, and of course, likes STUFF! Tons of it. I'm talking Transformers, Wii games, Legos, books, puzzles, and anything sports related.

Well, I think I have finally found (or have been given) the greatest experience for Kaden's birthday, and it is not on his list...The Harlem Globetrotters.

Now, I don't know about you, but I have always wanted to see the Harlem Globetrotters (how does everything magically become about me...perhaps I miss my childhood). It takes an extreme amount of talent, passion, and dedication to perform tricks and display athleticism as these guys do. Kaden will be amazed by this show, and it helps that he has begun basketball season too.

We have been given the wonderful opportunity to experience the Harlem Globetrotters in their 84th season for the 2010 U.S. “Magical Memories” tour, which is slated to begin on December 26th in Baltimore, MD. This tour will continue through May 2, 2010, and will visit a total of 216 cities. At each stop, the Globetrotters are scheduled to play their arch-rivals, the Washington Generals. Whew, that's a lot of ball-playing!

Not only are we going to the show (thanks to the Harlem Globetrotters and Coyne Public Relations), but Kaden can also bring along a few friends and meet the players. We are going to have a BALL...you get it, BALL, like basketBALL. Okay, so I'm cheesy, but I'll wear this title proudly in exchange for the smile on Kaden's face when I tell him the big news. Let's just say this makes the countdown to his birthday even more exciting.

Please visit my blog for a follow-up post including pictures and details about our experience with the Harlem Globetrotters.

If your child loves sports, or just great entertainment, check-out how you can attend one of the shows to see the Harlem Globetrotters:

Coupon Offer

The Globetrotters are offering a $7 discount for each ticket purchased*. Ticket prices do vary slightly at the various arenas, but they typically average $25 each, thus allowing a family of four to save $28 in total. Readers can simply visit www.harlemglobetrotters.com, to locate a game in their area and purchase tickets using the promotional code: HGMOM to redeem the offer.

*Please Note:

-Not valid on VIP or courtside seats

-Available online only

-Valid until the day before the show

Disclosure: I was not compensated for this post. The Harlem Globetrotters have provided me with information and tickets (free of charge) through Coyne Public Relations.

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It's Snowing in Maryland

I stepped outside today, and this is what I saw:

I actually did a back-bend in this video. I should get major points for that.

Did you check-out my vintage necklace? It is so gorgeous.

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I'm a FiOS Fan

Check out Mommy 2K

In life, there are essentials. For every person, this will mean something completely different. Although I consider myself to be down-to-earth, there are a few items that I cannot would not like to live without. Here is my short list (in no particular order):

• Family
• Father (Son and Holy Spirit)
  
• Friends
• Food
• Fun
  
• Fios

I know that FiOS sounds completely ridiculous, but I can almost guarantee you would feel like the world was coming to an end if you could not catch-up on the latest reality show (cable), connect to the internet (internet), or not be able to talk to your BFF on the phone (phone). That, my friends, is how FiOS made it on the list.  

If you visit the site, you can see my featured customer testimonial.

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