St. Patrick's Day Weekend Activities

Well Monday is St. Patty's Day. Here are some activities for the family this weekend.

1. Atlanta 2008 127 th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade 2008 (GA) Saturday, March 15th @ 12 Noon
2. Savannah Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (GA) Friday, March 14, 2008
3. 247th New York City Parade 2008 (NYC) Monday, March 17th @11 am
4. Holyoke St. Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (MA) Sunday, March 30th Since the first Parade in 1952, it has grown to become the second largest St. Patrick’s Parade second only to New York City’s event.
5. Houston 47th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (TX) Saturday, March 15th at 12 noon
6. San Antonio St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2008 (TX) Saturday, March 15, 2008
7. Seattle St Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (WA) Saturday, 15 March 2008
8. 37th Annual Washington, D.C. Saint Patrick's Day Parade (D.C) Sunday, March 16, 2008
9. Baltimore 52nd St. Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (MD) Sunday, March16th, 2008 2:00 PM
10. Reno's 39th Annual St. Patrick's Day Dinner and Show 2008 (NV)Saturday - March 15, at 6.00 pm
11. Denver 44th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (CO) The Bellco Credit Union Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade will be on Saturday, March 15th, 2008, from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm.
12. Jackson Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (MS) or Mal's St Paddys Parade
    Saturday March 15, 2008
13. Chicago's Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2008 (IL) Saturday March 15 Noon
14. 2008Indianapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade & Shamrock Run (IN) Monday March 17

Have fun!!

Going to bed early?!? NOT

13 reasons why I never go to bed early, its like Murphy's Law is working against me. Almost ALL of these happened last night.

1. "Mama, I want chocolate milk"
2. "(cough, cough cough) bllahhh (then he's thrown up all over him and the bed), case in point last nigh =(
3. The dogs will start barking
4. The power goes out and I'm paranoid about not waking up on time
5. W comes in whining that he got hurt at work (he works 3rd shift)
6. I'm up and down going to pee.
7. A huge spring is poking me in the back, maybe its telling me to get a new mattress.
8. I start thinking and remember that I forgot to do something with Ballyhoo Creations.
9. I lay in bed watching TV and get into the show and then can't go to sleep.
10. Little feet that are cold and little hands that bury themselves in my hair (Nate sleeping in bed with me)
11. After getting into the TV show I fall asleep late, ignore the alarm clock and then Nate is late to school
12. The phone rings, its family who can't seem to remember that people do go to bed before 3am!
13. oh how could I forget .... Having to go wash the clothes from number 2!!

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Temper Tantrums (TT)

Here is a list of ways to avoid and also deal with temper tantrums.

1. Reward positive behavior - Positive re-enforcement of good behavior is a good way to prevent tantrums. Children will want to make you happy and if you are super excited about good behavior they will try to repeat. "Great job sharing your toys!"
2. Don't ask! - Avoid arguments that will lead to tantrums by NOT asking your child to do something that they have to do. Don't ask "Ready to brush your teeth?" Instead say "OK time to brush your teeth now"
3. Allow options! - Give a little leeway and allow your child to make some choices for himself. Ask "Do you want to wear the green shirt or the blue shirt today?" Allowing your child to be active in choices when appropriate will help to prevent power struggles.
4. Distraction - If a situation is getting touchy and you know that your child will throw a tantrum redirect their attention immediately. If its raining outside and the child is throwing a tantrum to go outside think of an indoor activity that your child loves and suggest it instead.
5. Establish a routine and stick to it! - This can help eliminate many many nighttime tantrums. Once your child learns what is expected to happen there will be less of a struggle and less tantrums.
6. Allow a grace period before an activity ends - This is one that I have started doing constantly with everything and it has worked wonders for us. Carry a timer or even use the alarm on a cell phone. Tell your child for example "OK you have 5 minutes left to watch TV before bed. When the alarm goes off then time is up". I normally play the alarm to let Nate know what it will sound like before I set it.
7. Remain Calm - I know its hard to do, but if you remain calm then it will help to shorten your childs tantrum and help keep you sane. Spanking or yelling at your child while he is throwing a tantrum will only make the tantrum worse and cause you to become madder.
8. Ignore - Sometimes its best to ignore a tantrum that is being thrown for the sole purpose to attract your attention. Tell your child that when he decides to act appropriate then you will pay attention. After the child has finished the tantrum then provide the attention wanted.
9. Never give in - Giving in to a tantrum will only encourage the behavior and will result in the child throwing tantrums more often. If your childs knows that you will cave if he throws a tantrum then it will most likely happen anytime you refuse to give something wanted.
10. Do not reward - Don't reward your child after a tantrum. They may associate tantrums with ways to get better treats.
11. Count - If you child is starting to get worked up step aside with your child and say "Lets count". This will help to distract your child and refocus his mind on something else. Count with your child until he calms down. Then you can calmly discuss the situation that caused a tantrum if needed.
12. Tolerance - How many times do you say NO to your child each day? Avoid fighting over minor things to help prevent tantrums.
13. Establish a reward system for good behavior - Set up a chart with your childs name on it and squares for each day of the week. Buy some stickers that your child likes. When your child has a good day have him place a "reward sticker" on the square for that day. You can offer different rewards for different amounts of stickers. We offer Nate a prize day where if he has had good behavior for the week the we will get him a "prize" while he is at school. We have done toys (small toys like cars, trucks, etc), movies, and books.

Remember to ignore the disapproving glances by others in the stores if your child is throwing a tantrum. Handle the tantrum appropriately and remember that they have either been in the same situation with their child or its been so long since they had to deal with a tantrum that they have forgotten what its like. It will take some time but being consistent with how you handle tantrums will help to eliminate most if not all of them in the future!

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Summer Festivals (tt)

Summer is fast approaching and if you're like me you will be looking for things to do with the family. Check out some of these great festivals for ideas of great family fun.

1. Riverbend Festival - 64 days and counting. A huge music celebration in Chattanooga TN. Some of the performers this year include Daughtry, Vince Gill, and Craig Morgan to name a few.
2. Memphis in May - a month long celebration of culture. There is a National BBQ Cookoff Contest too .. yum you can sample the bbq too!
3. California Strawberry Festival - who can resist strawberries?
4. Worlds Longest Yardsale - 630 miles of goods offered for sale.
5. International Dogwood Festival - beautiful dogwood trees with lots of entertainment.
6. Santa Barbara Kite Festival - great fun. Kite are available to purchase too.
7. Movies in the Park, Cumming, Ga - they'll be showing Happy Feet and Night at the Museum
8. New Jersey State Sandsculpting Championship
9. Taste of New Orleans - in San Antonio!
10. Texas Reds Steak & Grape Festival
11. Bite of Seattle - FREE ADMISSION
12. Pittsburgh International Children's Festival
13. Maryland Seafood Festival


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Thirteen great family places in TN and GA

1. Georgia Aquarium - the worlds largest saltwater aquarium.
2. Six Flags Over Georgia - another staple in Atlanta. If you go make sure you ride the 'Scream Machine' and the 'Georgia Cyclone' both are wood roller coasters.
3. Rock City - located in Lookout Mountain this is a neat natural site to see. You can see seven states from the overlook. Can you fit in fat man squeeze?
4. Ruby Falls - another great natural site in Lookout Mountain. Travel deep into the rocky earth to see a natural waterfall and crystals.
5. Creative Discovery Museum - a great place for the entire family to play. They have different stations for all ages from infants to teenagers. Even Mom and Dad will have fun playing!
6. Dollywood - a staple of Pigeon Forge. This park used to be Silverdollar City. Dolly Parton has expanded it into a mega amusement park and now also has a water park just down the street. This is a great place to visit during Winterfest at Christmas when the night is lit up with over a million lights!
7. Ripley's Aquarium - another great aquarium for the family.
8. Ripley's Believe it or Not Museum - each location has something different. Ripley's houses some of the worlds best oddities.
9. Atlanta Zoo - a wonderful large zoo. Be sure to arive early and wear good shoes. This zoo is very large (and a little hilly) but something that the kids are guaranteed to love!
10. Chickamauga Battlefield - a great place for the history buffs. You can see actual battle cannons still in the fields. There is also a visitors center telling all the history of the battlefield.
11. White Water - a huge water park located in Atlanta. The park offers special areas for the young infants away from the older children which is great. Make sure to take LOTS of sunscreen.
12. Gatlinburg - a great family vacation spot. Lots of sightseeing, great food, great shopping and more. This place is great for both summer vacations and also in the winter when you just might see some snow!

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The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted!

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Thirteen Random Things

Sorry I'm late.

1. I wish financial aid would call me so that I would know if I'll be attending class next Tuesday.
2. I wish that I had won the Mega Millions and not my neighbor.
3. I really need to list Nates clothes that he's outgrown on ebay.
4. I want to buy a Rebel camera.
5. I am saving money for vacation later this year.
6. I don't spend any $5 bills. They all go into a jar and saved.
7. I need to update Ballyhoo Creations with new Easter designs.
8. I am trying to plan where we want to vacation .. I'm thinking another cruise.
9. I am so so so tired of stepping on stupid little toy trucks, cars, firetrucks, etc.
10. I need to purge Nates toys and donate them to the daycare.
11. I handed out several business cards today, with 2 good leads on business.
12. I landed a big commercial account for a local restaurant.
13. I am looking forward to going to the movies to see 'Premonition'

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Birthday Party Planning (TT)

Well my Thursday Thirteen is a list of 13 things I need to do before Nate's 3rd birthday party on Saturday.

1. Make sure that we have enough cupcakes for everyone.
2. Call to confirm the time with all the guest.
3. Get things together to make sandwich snacks for the kids and adults.
4. Buy chips, dip.
5. Get some mylar balloons for decorations.
6. Clean my house just incase we get company over.
7. Get an extra pair of clothes to take with us for Nate ... just incase.
8. Wrap gifts.
9. Get party bags ready for the kids.
10. Get medicine for Nate to get rid of his cough before Saturday.. hey I can dream right?
11. Call my mother to see if they are coming down for sure.
12. Buy fruit and drinks.
13. Get last minute decorations for the party room.

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Winter Woes (TT)

So after spending all day yesterday sick I decided to do a Thursday Thirteen in honor of winter woes. So here is 13 things I dislike about winter.

1. Icky dreary days
2. Snot, snot and more snot that comes with all the colds.
3. Colds
4. Flu Shots
5. Running out of Kellnex
6. High utility bills
7. Always being cold even with the heat on 75.
8. Icy Roads
9. Ear Infections
10. All the wasted money on medicine, dr's appointments, and missed work.
11. How it gets dark so early
12. Not being able to let Nate play outside
13. Never getting any snow ... only getting teased.

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New Years Resolutions (TT)

Well I guess since it is the first of a new year its only appropriate to have my Thursday Thirteen be a list of 13 resolutions that I have good intentions of keeping but know that most will fall through.

My Resolutions

1. Lose Weight (who doesn't say this?)
2. Work on buliding up my business (www.ballyhoocreations.com)
3. Pay down debt
4. Buy a house
5. Save money all year long so I don't have crunch time before Christmas
6. Health (overall)
7. Take some college classes to start my RN degree
8. Be a great Mom
9. Be a great Wife
10. Take Nate to the beach this year (will be his first visit)
11. Visit my friends in Ma again
12. Save Money
13. Enjoy everyday no matter how much I feel like crap!

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Christmas Dinner Ideas (TT)

Merry Christmas! Here are some ideas for your Christmas Dinner with a bonus recipe at the end.

1. Ham
2. Green Beans
3. Sweet Potato Casserole
4. Turkey and Dressing
5. Cranberry Sauce
6. Mac n Cheese
7. Mashed Potatoes
8. Slaw
9. Broccoli and Cheese
10. Rolls
11. Potato Salad
12. Squash Casserole
13. Pecan Pie

And for a bonus Monkey Bread (recipe follows):

3 cans Pilsbury Biscuits
1 cup Sugar
1 tablespoon of Cinnamon
1 cup brown sugar
1 stick butter
Nuts if wanted
Preheat oven to 350 degrees

Directions:

Mix sugar and cinnamon in a zip lock bag.

Cut biscuits into quarters. Place a few biscuits at a time into the sugar/cinnamon bag and coat with mixture. Then layer the biscuits into your cake pan (or bundt is recommended) alternating with nut layers until all biscuits are in the pan. Do not put nuts on the top after all the biscuits are used as it will make it uneven when you flip it over.

Melt butter and brown sugar together then pour over top of the biscuits. Then bake for 45 minutes on 350. When you remove from the oven the sugar will be very runny so take care to flip it over into something with sides to prevent a huge mess.

A day for joy! (TT)

I know that this is the Thursday Thirteen and I love playing with everyone. However my list of 13 pales in comparison to this miracle story.

Let me introduce you to Truman ( and I hope that his parents don't mind my sharing his story with you). I've never met Truman or his parents but his story has touched my heart none the less. I hope that you will take a moment to read the latest post on Trumans blog (link below) because it not only shed's light on my Thursday Thirteen but it also is a story of love and miracles that happen that we would normally never know about. This time of year the sad stories are always sadder and the happy stories fill our hearts with joy. So this is my Thursday Thirteen even though its unconventional.

My 13 is only 3 today:

1. Family
2. Love
3. Hope

Truman's Blog

13 must see Holiday Displays

I love Christmas time and going to look at all the different light displays. Here are some of the best. If you have one that should be added please let me know in the comments section.

1. Gatlinburg Winterfest
2. Lake Lanier Night of Lights
3. Rock City Enchanted Garden of Lights
4. Calloway Garden Fantasy in Lights
5. Christmas at Biltmore Estates
6. Centenial Park (Atlanta) Holiday in Lights
7. Festival of Lights at Oglebay
8. Bright Nights in Springfield, Ma
9. Winter Festival of Lights, Niagra Falls Canada
10. Dollywood - Smokie Mountain Christmas
11. Rockefeller Center NYC
12. This is a MUST SEE ... Alek's house in Denver Co. You can actually CONTROL his lights!
13. and finally here are some links to AWESOME animated displays. If you live close to these I'm sure they would be amazing to see in person!

Carson Williams House in Ohio this display cost $10k to create! He said it takes 3 HOURS per 1 minute of show to organize!

Frisco Christmas in Frisco, Texas

Carson Williams House again with different music

Frisco Christmas again with different music