Family Vacay Reader’s Digest Version Part I

I have a lot of catching up to do, but having gone of vacation for 2 weeks to Arizona and Utah… well, I’m just in lazy mode. So, here’s the Reader’s Digest version. I’ll give more details later.: We went to the Grand Canyon and no one fell it. It sure is beautiful. The kids loved it. We hiked down a little, but figured going too far wouldn’t be smart since most of... [Read more]

Tori’s Soapbox: I am an American

We’re planning a trip this summer that will take us thru Arizona. I told my husband from the very beginning that we will be staying in Arizona at least one nite and buying souvenirs as well. I’m on a BUYcott for Az., rather than a BOYcott. I feel strongly about a lot of things: littering, bullies, being honest with your kids, etc… but I rarely get involved in political things. I mean,... [Read more]

Tropical Traditions rocks again! CLOSED

This giveaway is closed. Congrats to comment #64!! I heart Tropical Traditions. I do. They have been the best company to work with in reviewing their products and hosting giveaways. I have loved all the products I have tried from Tropical Traditions!! This time I had the opportunity to review their All-Purpose Non-Toxic Household Cleaner. Um, hi, I LOVE IT!!!! I love that my kiddos can help clean... [Read more]

Six Flags Rocked!!

Taj and Isabel had free tickets to Six Flags Over Texas for reading during the school year. Sei scored free tickets from work. We decided while the older boys were at scout camp that we’d brave the heat and the crowds and go to Six Flags. Livie stayed with a friend 1/2 the day and my brother and SIL for the evening. Thanks again Cheryl, Woogs and Lissette!!! Y’all- SIX FLAGS ROCKED! It... [Read more]

Mailboxes add curb-appeal

In Utah our house was a total “fixer upper.” It just looked horrible on the inside and out. We worked so hard to make it a nice home. We replaced windows, painted, pulled up carpet and laid wood floor, landscapred the outside, and even replaced our mailbox. Yes- even a new mailbox made a difference. We put so much work into our home in Utah. I miss it a lot. With every new thing we added... [Read more]

Have you used Local.com?

Have you heard of Local.com? It is a local search engine.  It’s a hybrid of the following sites – Citysearch.com, Yelp.com, Yellowpages.com, Superages.com. Local.com offers the convenience of viewing the content from all these sites that I listed (Citysearch.com, Yelp.com, Yellowpages.com, Superages.com) with just one stop. If you are trying to find accurate driving directions, business... [Read more]

MIA

I haven’t posted in quite a while! It’s been a fun, busy summer so far. We’ve gone to the pool at least 4 times a week. Taj and Liv have gone to 2 different Vacation Bible Schools. I’ve been couponing. The older kids have been at the ex’s for 2 weeks.  I’ve been playing basketball twice a week.  Sei’s been working. And working some more. Tristan, Alec and... [Read more]

Decisions, decisions…

Taj told me today that he knows what his talents are: Singing and mud sculpting. Yes, singing and mud sculpting. He most definitely does have a sweet voice. He sang “Mother I Love You” to me the other day while Sei accompanied him on the piano and it made me cry. He also likes to make up songs… some are much longer than others. He is also very good at sculpting things out of mud.... [Read more]

Taj makes me smile

Taj is my little spiritual son. He always has scriptures stories he needs to tell and likes to pretend to give talks at church. He’s also the one that was invited to a birthday party that was during the same time as an activity at church. All I said was, “We’ll see. The primary activity is at the same time.” A few days later he said something about the activity and I said, “What... [Read more]

Say what?

Livie, the preschool graduate Livie is funny. She says things all the time that make it very obvious she has older siblings– or a mom who has become lax in her language around her kids…  I’m thinkin’ it’s the older siblings. Anyhoo… today at the pool she was swimming– like a 4yr old BIG GIRL with NO FLOATIES I might add– and she swam to the side where... [Read more]