tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-12998966516423114342024-03-13T06:41:28.296-04:00Adventures in BabymakingA highly caffeinated city mom raising two boys. And trust me- I drink coffee for your protection!Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.comBlogger147125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-43249091054186701422010-11-30T09:30:00.001-05:002010-11-30T09:33:17.659-05:00Tis the Season For Christmas Greetings!Oh yes, it is that time of year again...the time of year when I actually don't mind checking my mailbox. Why? Well, because instead of having a mailbox filled with only bills (or junk!) it is usually filled with holiday cards from family and friends.<br /><br />I love Christmas cards! And don't tell my husband, but I have been keeping our Christmas cards for a few years now. Well, at least all the ones with photos on them! I can't help it- I just love seeing how kids and families grow and change from year to year.<br /><br />This week I am working on our family's Christmas cards. That is always a challenge with two boys who DO NOT like to sit still for the camera. Or if I get them both sitting then one isn't looking at the camera, or one isn't smiling, or there is SOMETHING going on! I usually take around 100 pictures and then just try to pick the one that isn't TOO terrible! However, once I have that <span style="font-style: italic;">perfect </span>picture I can then find the perfect card.<br /><br />Where to find that perfect card? Well, that part is easy- <a href="www.shutterfly.com">Shutterfly</a>, of course! If you have not checked out Shutterfly before then GO NOW! Run, don't walk! Shutterfly not only has some <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-photo-cards">fantastic holiday card designs</a>, but they have other products that make great gifts- not just for the holidays, but for birthdays, Mothers & Fathers Day, or you can even use Shutterfly to make birth announcements or party invitations! Shutterfly has SO many great designs for holiday cards that you will definitely find one that is perfect for you! I love to be able to put a great picture (or two or three) on my cards- and Shutterfly has the most options out there!<br /><br />I've been using Shutterfly for several years now. I like that I can upload my pictures to one location and then share with my family and friends AND I can make fun products. <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/calendars">Calendars</a> are a great gift, especially this time of year! Who wouldn't love a personalized calendar with new pictures to view every month!<br /><br />Are you planning a holiday party or cookie swap this year? If so, definitely check out the <a href="http://www.shutterfly.com/cards-stationery/christmas-invitations">invitations</a> that Shutterfly has to offer- what a way to make a great first impression for your guests!<br /><br />Now I need to work on getting that great picture so I can upload and use one of Shutterfly's awesome designs for this year's Christmas card. And while I'm at it I think I'm going to order up some holiday gifts. The grandparents never complain that they have too many pictures of their grandkids!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="border: 0px none; background: none repeat scroll 0% 0% transparent;" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" border="0" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-22095713523140989722010-11-29T14:05:00.002-05:002010-11-29T14:12:57.546-05:00Missing In Action<span style="font-size:85%;">Wow! I guess I disappeared off the face of the earth! That is what happens when life gets in the way, I suppose!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">So, summer was wonderful. We spent a lot of time at Sesame Place, various playgrounds, the shore, and just having fun! September came, and Nicholas started his last year of preschool. He loves it, and I'm sure he'd be there every day if he could! We're fortunate to have a great program through the Rec Department and it makes it quite affordable as well. The kids learn a lot, have lots of fun field trips, and have a ton of in class activities.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">In October Mr. Erik turned two! He had a Thomas the Tank celebration and we now own about a bazillion trains and tracks. Hey- it keeps two little boys happy and busy! Erik at his 2 year WCV was about 29 pounds and 36 inches...so a little above average, but a lot smaller than Nicholas was. Erik is now wearing clothes that Nicholas wore around 18 months of age.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">November...well, we're still in November! Thanksgiving was wonderful. I love me some turkey! We put up our Christmas tree this past weekend as well and decorated outside. I should probably work on buying the kids some presents to put under that tree. Normally I've started at this point, but I think I only have 2 things so far! I'm slacking!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Well, hopefully I can keep up a little better. No promises, but I will try!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-21676255864884669092010-07-07T11:19:00.003-04:002010-07-07T11:52:32.738-04:00Disney Trip: Wednesday- Animal Kingdom<p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_3037.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_3037.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Our start on Wednesday was an early one- we had an 8:00am reservation at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/tusker-house/">Tusker House</a> for the Donald Safari Breakfast. Out of all of our character meals, I think this one was my favorite! I really enjoyed the atmosphere, the food was better than most of the other buffets (especially for breakfast), and they had the kids get up for a parade around the restaurant, which Nicholas had a blast doing! I definitely plan on eating here again!</span><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2929.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2929.jpg" /></a></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">The first stop after breakfast was <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/its-tough-to-be-a-bug/">It's Tough to Be a Bug</a>. Erik really didn't care for the show (or the 3D glasses) but of course Nicholas got a big kick out of it! Our group then split up and the little kids (with their parents) all headed over to DinoLand USA where we rode <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/tricera-top-spin/">Triceratop Spin</a> (a hit for all the kids) and then let the boys run out some energy in the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/boneyard/">Boneyard</a>. </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">I then checked the map and saw that Nicholas was tall enough for the ride <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/dinosaur/">Dinosaur</a>. So, while Ken hung out with Erik, I took Nicholas over. We immediately were approached by a Cast Member who asked if we had a Fast Pass. I let her know we didn't, and she then said we were being picked as a "Magical Family" and we got instant access to the ride- even bypassed the Fast Pass line! Unfortunately, the ride really scared Nicholas! It was completely in the dark and he clung to me for dear life! I have to admit, it was a bumpy ride and had I been on it before I would not have taken him! </span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">However, his fear did not stop Nicholas from riding <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/expedition-everest/">Expedition Everest</a>! I was SHOCKED, especially because Nicholas does not like riding Vapor Trail at Sesame Place, which is a tame roller coaster in comparison! And after Expedition Everest he went on <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/kali-river-rapids/">Kali River Rapids</a>. We then had a quick break for lunch before going to see <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/entertainment/festival-of-the-lion-king/?closeDialog=mdvDialog">Festival of the Lion King</a>. Both of my boys LOVED the show! (On a side note- our last trip we took Nicholas, then age 2, to see <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/entertainment/finding-nemo-the-musical/">Finding Nemo- The Musical</a>, and he loved it! So I recommend both shows!)</span></p><p><span style="font-size:85%;">To finish up our trip to Animal Kingdom we went on the <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/animal-kingdom/attractions/kilimanjaro-safaris/?closeDialog=mdvDialog">Kilimanjaro Safari</a>. Erik was SUPER excited about this, and everyone enjoyed spotting the various animals. It was a great way to end our day before heading back to the pool for some relaxation.</span><br /></p><p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_3005.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_3005.jpg" /></a></p><p><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a><br /></p>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-14185769037265321932010-07-07T10:38:00.003-04:002010-07-07T11:18:40.170-04:00Disney Trip: Tuesday- Magic Kingdom<span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /></div><p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2869.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2869.jpg" /></a></p><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On Tuesday we headed to Magic Kingdom in the early afternoon after relaxing at the pool in the morning. When we arrived it was shortly before the afternoon parade, so we quickly grabbed a good seat to watch. The boys sat in the shade of the stroller, but were right at the curb, so several of the characters came right up to them!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">After the parade we headed to Tomorrowland where we got in line for Monsters, Inc. Laugh Floor- we needed the air conditioning! Nicholas enjoyed the show and Erik was all smilesas well. Next up was <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/parks/magic-kingdom/attractions/buzz-lightyears-space-ranger-spin/">Buzz Lightyear's Space Ranger Spin</a>, which I would say became Nicholas' favorite ride. I think he rode this 3 or 4 times while we were there! Upon exiting the ride I spied Buzz Lightyear himself. I got in line with the boys and both of them were VERY excited! Erik doesn't know many Disney characters, but he knows "Buzz Buzz!" And I had just taken Nicholas to see Toy Story 3 the day before our trip, so he was pumped!<br /><br /></div></span><p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2885.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2885.jpg" /></a></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><div align="left"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">We then spent a few more hours riding a few more rides before our dinner at <a href="http://disneyworld.disney.go.com/dining/cinderellas-royal-table/">Cinderella's Royal Table</a>. Yes, all the young children in our party are boys, but my sister-in-law Megan and I decided we wanted the princess dinner! And in my opinion- TOTALLY worth it! Upon entering the castle we were greeted by Cinderella and our entire group had our picture taken with her. Then throughout our meal we had visits to our table from Belle (Beauty & the Beast), Aurora (Sleeping Beauty), Ariel (Little Mermaid), and Snow White.<br /></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2895.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2895.jpg" /></a> </div><div align="center"><br /><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2911.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2911.jpg" /></a><br /><br /></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">And the meal itself- absolutely delicious! I had a BLT salad followed by prime rib (which was cooked perfectly), grilled asparagus, and roasted potatoes. Despite this being one of the more expensive meals, I do feel that the quality and quantity of food was worth it. I would dine there again, and hopefully one day I will have a little girl to enjoy the princesses with!</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">Unfortunately, after dinner and a few more rides the boys were too exhausted to stay for the fireworks. So we headed back to the condo and called it a night!</span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a> </div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-49718020744773922142010-06-30T11:22:00.010-04:002010-07-07T10:39:24.841-04:00Disney Trip: Monday- EPCOT<span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><div align="left"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY6voJ9FPpF6k-fWLYxZrhw5a5DwNrnz2hI_uDD00KAEHJCXRoeBaCVjXd-efaM_Vwx-FpeZN9L2Fm6DhnLI7IGe9HKBDcVpoFpriknSUHtRACs4RxE1o-DzlOvY0ZmiLxP2UQQNZitw/s1600/IMG_2719.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 214px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5488597301073006594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhcY6voJ9FPpF6k-fWLYxZrhw5a5DwNrnz2hI_uDD00KAEHJCXRoeBaCVjXd-efaM_Vwx-FpeZN9L2Fm6DhnLI7IGe9HKBDcVpoFpriknSUHtRACs4RxE1o-DzlOvY0ZmiLxP2UQQNZitw/s320/IMG_2719.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Monday morning was our first day in the park and we headed to EPCOT! Of course Nicholas immediately wanted to ride Spaceship Earth. We also rode The Seas with Nemo and Friends and then checked out the aqarium. It was VERY hot out, so the boys decided to relax in the stroller while we took a leisurely walk to lunch. We walked through the 'countries' and took some pictures, met Marie from the Aristocats along with Jasmine and Aladdin.</span><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2732jpgcopy.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2732jpgcopy.jpg" /></a></p><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Lunch was at Biergarten in Germany. We had eaten there on our trip in 2008 and Ken requested we go there again. Poor Nicholas was super tired and ended up falling asleep on Ken's lap. Erik was enjoying the German cuisine- often with a sausage in each hand!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Here is a picture of me and my boys in front of the Biergarten. Their German Mickey shirts were made by my friend Faith of <a href="http://www.facebook.com/SassyKatCreations">Sassy Kat Creations</a>. In fact, she made several shirts for the boys for our trip!</span><br /><p align="center"><a href="http://s51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/?action=view&current=IMG_2796.jpg" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Photobucket" src="http://i51.photobucket.com/albums/f381/GiselaElizabeth/Disney%202010/IMG_2796.jpg" /></a></p></div><div align="left"></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">After lunch we decided to head back to the condo so the kids could nap. However, Nicholas' nap after lunch and Erik's nap as we walked to the car were apparantly enough for them, so we just played in the pool and had dinner before heading back to EPCOT for the Illuminations fireworks show.</span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div align="left"><span style="font-size:85%;">As we pulled into our parking space it decided to start raining. Nothing heavy, but a bit more than a drizzle. Once back inside the park we rode Spaceship Earth again (Nicholas really like that ride!) and then found spots to watch the fireworks. Erik was a bit freaked out by the noise, but still enjoyed the show. We decided to walk around before heading out so we could avoid traffic. Our first day at Disney was a bit laid back, but we still had a TON of fun!</span></div><div align="left"><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-43469901490313497822010-06-30T10:12:00.011-04:002010-07-07T11:53:05.050-04:00Our Disney Vacation (Part One)<span style="font-size:85%;">We waited so long for our family trip to Walt Disney World and now it is all over! We had a GREAT trip and Nicholas is already asking when we are going back!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Our trip started on Sunday, June 20. Twelve of us heading from Philadelphia to sunny Orlando. My in-laws generously took the whole family to Disney as part of our Christmas present. They left earlier in the day on a different airline, so that left the rest of us...7 adults and 3 kids. Surprisingly we all got through airport security smoothly and had an easy flight to Orlando. I sat with Erik (who slept for part of the flight) and Ken sat with Nicholas (who thinks sleep is for the weak!) Also part of our group were Ken's brother Mike, his wife Melissa, and their son Michael, Ken's sister Megan and her boyfriend James, and Ken's sister Joann. So, we arrived in Orlando and were greeted by rain. Go figure- Central Florida is notorious for the afternoon showers in the summer! My mother-in-law and father-in-law came to pick us up from the airport and headed to the condo. We stayed at the <a href="http://www.starwoodhotels.com/sheraton/property/overview/index.html?propertyID=5607">Sheraton Vistana Villages</a>, and we quickly unpacked and headed to TGIFridays for dinner. It had been a LONG day, so after dinner we headed back and the guys stayed with the little boys, while the girls went to do some grocery shopping for the week. And then off to bed for us to start our busy, fun-filled week!</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Check out my other posts to see how our week turned out!</span><br /></p><span style="font-size:85%;"><a href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2010/06/monday-epcot.html">Monday- EPCOT</a></span><br /><br /><a href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-trip-tuesday-magic-kingdom.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Tuesday- Magic Kingdom</span><br /></a><br /><a href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2010/07/disney-trip-wednesday-animal-kingdom.html"><span style="font-size:85%;">Wednesday- Animal Kingdom</span> </a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Thursday- Disney Hollywood Studio</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Friday- Lazy Day </span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Saturday- Magic Kingdom</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-33069749983993876442010-06-04T17:15:00.005-04:002010-06-09T15:47:49.870-04:00Book #14- Shutter Island<span style="font-size:85%;">Yes, I'm a bit behind on my book reviews! I'm going to try to catch up on a few this weekend!</span><br /><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Shutter-Island-Dennis-Lehane/dp/0061703257/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1275686233&sr=8-1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5479032340121092674" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCwE-2ToOGxlopbyZaZBme78PdHotUMMXo7TIV3rA5omgKtG00URx9MT7jH_vdpSZi-EiN4wBZc3bAabPIB3G2ym2PEiWE3iDJClSB4i5V8FHG-8l9CSr7cQ3jJ5mrEVHbeNQrNfQdE8E/s320/Shutter+Island.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Shutter Island</em> by Dennis Lehane was an excellent read. It is a psychological thriller that tells the story of a mental institution on- you guessed it- Shutter Island. This book has great characters that pulled me in quickly. With these types of stories I often try to "figure it out" and was pleasantly surprised with the ending! I haven't seen the movie yet, but I'm curious to see how closely it follows the book.</span></div><div></div><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-42293002028143058592010-06-03T11:32:00.004-04:002010-06-03T12:02:34.199-04:00FREE (or Cheap) Summer Fun- Movies, Summer 2010<span style="font-size:85%;">Last year I posted <a href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2009/05/free-or-cheap-summer-fun-movies-summer.html">this</a> blog about discounted summer movies. Well, it is that time again! Last year I never made it to any of the movies- I had an infant and the movies showing weren't exactly up Nicholas' alley. THIS year is a different story. There are a LOT of movies that Nicholas enjoys already, so I am hoping to take advantage.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The first theater in my area is AMC and their <a href="http://www.amcentertainment.com/smc/">Summer Movie Camp</a>. On Tuesday mornings throughout the summer (starting June 15 through August 10) for $1 (which is donated to charity) you can take your kids to see some great movies. Check the link for the complete list, but I know I want to take Nicholas to see Shrek the 3rd, Madagascar, and Kung Fu Panda. And for $4 you can purchase a KidsPack concession combo. With or without the snacks this is still a bargain! If you have one child you could go to all 9 movies this summer for under $20. </span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The next theater in my area is the Regal Entertainment Group. Their summer movie program is the <a href="http://www.regmovies.com/nowshowing/familyfilmfestivalschedule.aspx">Free Family Film Fest</a>. As you probably guessed by the title- it is FREE! Regal has theaters in 37 states, so I hope there is one near you! The movies for the Free Family Film Fest vary by theater, so check yours to see what is available. These movies show on Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, and I know at the theaters near me they are showing some older, classic kids films- movies from MY childhood. Some of those are Muppets Take Manhattan and ET. The Free Family Film Fest starts this Tuesday, June 8!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Now, in my area there is not a participating Cinemark theater, but they offer the <a href="http://www.cinemark.com/summermovieclubhouse/index.htm">Summer Movie Clubhouse</a>. Again, the movies vary by theater, but I saw titles such as Monsters Vs. Aliens, Surf's Up, and Madagascar 2. There are 10 weeks worth of movies and if you buy all ten shows in advance it is $5 (that's $0.50 a movie!) or they are $1 each at the door.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">These movie options are a great way to spend a rainy day (or a SUPER HOT day) inside (with air-conditioning) on a budget! So, what movie do YOU want to see?</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-24985397452938404652010-06-03T11:28:00.003-04:002010-06-03T11:31:39.244-04:00I'm Alive<span style="font-size:85%;">I've been slacking, I know! I can't believe it has been almost a month since I've blogged. SLACKER...I admit! We've been keeping busy, so I am going to try to get some posts together to update!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">On a good note, last night I finished book number 20 for the year! My goal is 40 books this year, and I'm halfway through my books and not quite halfway through the year, so I am right on target!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The warm weather is upon us here in Philly, and the boys and I have been keeping busy. In the past month we've been to the zoo and countless trips to the playground and Sesame Place. And keep an eye out for a future blog about some more summer fun I have in store!</span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-45559460223182431122010-05-06T10:39:00.002-04:002010-05-06T10:41:51.184-04:00AWESOME Mother's Day Giveaway!Ok, you need to ACT FAST! As in, you have a little over 4 hours from now to enter, BUT...if you go check out my friend Hope's blog- <a href="http://treasuresofhope.blogspot.com/2010/05/mothers-day.html">Treasures of Hope</a>, she is giving away your choice of a Kitchen Aid Mixer OR an Amazon Kindle for Mother's Day. How awesome is that! So, quickly run over there and check her out!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-72179444706112002882010-04-26T16:17:00.005-04:002010-04-26T16:30:38.484-04:00Maureen Makes It Giveaway WINNER!!!<span style="font-size:85%;">I did not forget...I just needed a minute to post!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />DRUMROLL PLEASE.................<br /><br />And the winner, decided by random.org is #14- PAULETTE!<br /><br /></span><a href="http://www.blogger.com/profile/05298053755426344722" rel="nofollow"><span style="font-size:78%;">pblarr</span></a><span style="font-size:78%;"> Says:<br /></span><a title="comment permalink" href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2010/04/maureen-makes-it-giveaway.html#c5643697701229780312"><span style="font-size:78%;">April 19, 2010 9:51 AM </span></a><br /><br /><span style="font-size:78%;">LOVE the "wine o'clock" towel ~ it MUST be time for a glass somewhere, right? awesome!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6rTeOdr8brmNpoaMExLwksRg_E9bhSEO0PDOLG-VkLt-6nM9wek35gL66HW1ncH-z6YADpZmHx8VoizD-wIdkEdKNV2jUEX6Kj6rB9g2jhiaUlhsYBJ2pFyy_nAlY6M2Bt5yqNQLywY/s1600/RANDOM.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 192px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 288px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5464543485867666482" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjY6rTeOdr8brmNpoaMExLwksRg_E9bhSEO0PDOLG-VkLt-6nM9wek35gL66HW1ncH-z6YADpZmHx8VoizD-wIdkEdKNV2jUEX6Kj6rB9g2jhiaUlhsYBJ2pFyy_nAlY6M2Bt5yqNQLywY/s320/RANDOM.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Congrats, Paulette! I will get you in touch with Maureen so you can work out the details of your towel! I hope you enjoy yours as much as I LOVE mine! And thank you again, Maureen for making one of these GORGEOUS towels!</span></div><div> </div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-58846807498834208332010-04-21T21:27:00.005-04:002010-04-21T21:34:49.948-04:00Book #13- Midwives<span style="font-size:85%;">It has been brought to my attention (thanks, Mom) that I have no updated my most recent books I've read. I apologize!</span><br /><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Midwives-Oprahs-Book-Chris-Bohjalian/dp/0375706771/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1271899750&sr=8-1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5462768015957210706" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh2K4_cxe2gUhplp1qGZ6QN-A_IZG5Q8E0288DYXsmDQuHF5-xr34DoRuWRqouoNqD96jIB4qkNNdITzTUFo6Noe6_AGGIXlgKKtclGmTHLrbLZ228MbMlMPCnZy0wx5yqQ-FFvUMDmGec/s320/Midwives.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Book number thirteen was Midwives by Chris Bohjalian. This story is about a midwife who is put on trial after a patient of hers dies during childbirth. The midwife, wanting to save the life of the baby, performs an emergency cesarean section on the mother. The question is raised- was the mother actually dead, or did she die as a result of the surgery.</span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">While I enjoyed the book and thought it was interesting, I also felt it moved very slowly and dragged on a bit long. I did enjoy that the story was told through the point of view of the midwife's daughter, as well as having excepts from the midwife's journal.</span></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-1757945844928513942010-04-14T11:00:00.001-04:002010-04-14T11:06:07.543-04:00Maureen Makes It Giveaway!<span style="font-size:85%;">WHEW...it was been a LONG week. Two sick children + an out-of-town husband= One tired and stressed out Mommy! We all survived though, and both of the boys are feeling MUCH better!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Now, as promised- the details on this AWESOME, personalized towel I first introduced to you on Wordless Wednesday. This ROCKIN' towel was a gift from my wonderfully talented friend, Maureen from </span><a href="http://www.maureenmakesit.com/"><span style="font-size:85%;">Maureen Makes It</span></a><span style="font-size:85%;">. She knows how much I LOVE coffee (I mean, who doesn't, really?) and surprised me with this towel for my kitchen. Little did she know I'm in the process of looking for new coffee decor for my kitchen...which means, I'll probably just pay her to make me some really cool stuff!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0NOUqKGzOOMxJrefTqRysf7XxoiQC3SbUQJJ1n2Y5Fjjc4Yj-s1xAhjTgHCsoAVKWo_XRUJm_qQYGjtMisSaa4y58TLTGXIKzlCcpjaNly_57rZIzPgsRcDLTu68t9FF0Ul19WR5cPU/s1600/2010-03-3011.33.01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5459733922391609714" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEga0NOUqKGzOOMxJrefTqRysf7XxoiQC3SbUQJJ1n2Y5Fjjc4Yj-s1xAhjTgHCsoAVKWo_XRUJm_qQYGjtMisSaa4y58TLTGXIKzlCcpjaNly_57rZIzPgsRcDLTu68t9FF0Ul19WR5cPU/s320/2010-03-3011.33.01.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><br /><div></div></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Anyway, Maureen is SUPER talented, as I've already mentioned. She not only sews, but she has gorgeous hand-painted glasses, personalized wristlets, nap mats for toddlers, toddler backpacks, aprons- seriously, she can create something personalized for anyone! In fact, she has agreed to make a towel for one of my readers, so I am hosting my first giveaway! The winner will get to choose their coffee cup color and thread color for their name. This giveaway will end on Sunday, April 25 @ 6:00p Eastern.</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Here is how to win! </span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*Check out Maureen's Etsy shop (<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/maureenmakesit">Maureen Makes It</a>) and in a comment tell me what your favorite item is. This must be done first for any additional entries to count!</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">For <em>additional</em> entries (please add new comment for each entry)</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*Follow my blog AND become a follower of Maureen's <a href="http://www.maureenmakesit.com/">blog</a></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*Follow me on <a href="http://twitter.com/GiselaElizabeth">Twitter</a></span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*Tweet about the giveaway (you can Tweet once per day)</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">*Blog about the giveaway- be sure to send me the link</span></div><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><span style="font-size:85%;">Good luck! I know you will love Maureen's work as much as I do!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com21tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-22715309251525778672010-04-06T23:14:00.000-04:002010-04-06T23:45:00.260-04:00Easter Recap<span style="font-size:85%;">We had a busy, fun-filled Easter weekend here!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The fun started on Friday afternoon when we had a few friends over to help dye Easter eggs. It was a gorgeous day (highs close to 80!) and so we set up the egg dying station out in the backyard. We actually had bets as to how quickly it was going to turn disasterous and when the dye would start being spilled, knocked over, or drank. Much to our surprise all nine cups of dye remained upright and all five kids had a BLAST coloring eggs! They were upset that I hadn't hard boiled more! (Note to self: hard boil at least three dozen eggs next year, as this kept the children well occupied!)</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjkH6-yPVHZXX6YKfcKDQ5j1tI4GisJRiRMOqZoZctsvjOIC-TTEmI8Yb0kD6gbH_CpG08WaG6lhyphenhypheneyx26IlGF5mlwTiQZvrp35-0GsJpOSApagf4Hz3z_ThS_teGdfOD-Nu5JPYS04Y/s1600/2010-04-0212.20.11_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457234489518218658" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhqjkH6-yPVHZXX6YKfcKDQ5j1tI4GisJRiRMOqZoZctsvjOIC-TTEmI8Yb0kD6gbH_CpG08WaG6lhyphenhypheneyx26IlGF5mlwTiQZvrp35-0GsJpOSApagf4Hz3z_ThS_teGdfOD-Nu5JPYS04Y/s320/2010-04-0212.20.11_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAAAzoICJ5u3kqN2s5e-QFSbJlFJeYiTzWuYOk0f9ZOFxlDDX4lZTuO5U-So9UylHiNLT8jpDp0JTH5qf2-GVRMwLV_LuvgK5rI3YHOcTJbjq_Odjzgp8UjCnD7hd_H1ie01gyYj_zCk/s1600/2010-04-0212.23.46_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457234480746056258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAAAAzoICJ5u3kqN2s5e-QFSbJlFJeYiTzWuYOk0f9ZOFxlDDX4lZTuO5U-So9UylHiNLT8jpDp0JTH5qf2-GVRMwLV_LuvgK5rI3YHOcTJbjq_Odjzgp8UjCnD7hd_H1ie01gyYj_zCk/s320/2010-04-0212.23.46_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg" /></a> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">And apparently after coloring eggs it makes five hungry children devour a five pound bowl of fruit in minutes!</span><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw8UcoOSHHi6-RLuVfKKhKpW72NJC8lK_9YqnoC0vHo8egSs6Xuh7FPhqBaXxyzZwjcrxaSF91_R9fnzxUxCvFcegfkDf1S_N0SuCWaUhdxMuqKv0P494lXbhwH1bKRp_UCfJjT5wxr8/s1600/2010-04-0212.39.28_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5457234467678527106" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgNw8UcoOSHHi6-RLuVfKKhKpW72NJC8lK_9YqnoC0vHo8egSs6Xuh7FPhqBaXxyzZwjcrxaSF91_R9fnzxUxCvFcegfkDf1S_N0SuCWaUhdxMuqKv0P494lXbhwH1bKRp_UCfJjT5wxr8/s320/2010-04-0212.39.28_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Saturday morning Ken and I loaded the boys up in the car and headed to Ocean City for the day.</span></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7KO9BZRIv4FI3rab5IBSwbJojWNu3b-c7m_stgRPNpJKUU5OmCsse8lA8k3FqqXPsZLFjFYkm6zKAKz1sW-S-FrdFZQs4Y7jQbmI14KCifSb8Kr1M2emB_Ig3e1HGCPSrkqIsoHu0vs/s1600/26279_379231314403_664254403_3460685_4076730_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456688494773673890" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib7KO9BZRIv4FI3rab5IBSwbJojWNu3b-c7m_stgRPNpJKUU5OmCsse8lA8k3FqqXPsZLFjFYkm6zKAKz1sW-S-FrdFZQs4Y7jQbmI14KCifSb8Kr1M2emB_Ig3e1HGCPSrkqIsoHu0vs/s320/26279_379231314403_664254403_3460685_4076730_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiE5jWmr7GR6Qu1UTms2VDNeJdTdeZ7ZszC3W6TfkucA09AjcpWVB9HfNL_yPyG8qqbu-9ir47_eMTqbnObTNnj96UtVuaklATMQxbp9xQLPH1P1t8aS1hM4LddRDDiPioNAA96n-WRo/s1600/24048_379230894403_664254403_3460677_3821793_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456688486832612034" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyiE5jWmr7GR6Qu1UTms2VDNeJdTdeZ7ZszC3W6TfkucA09AjcpWVB9HfNL_yPyG8qqbu-9ir47_eMTqbnObTNnj96UtVuaklATMQxbp9xQLPH1P1t8aS1hM4LddRDDiPioNAA96n-WRo/s320/24048_379230894403_664254403_3460677_3821793_n.jpg" /></a> </div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Sunday morning we woke up and the boys hunted for eggs around the house (no pictures...Mommy was still half asleep!) and checked out the loot in their baskets. Erik loved his Buzz Lightyear basket, while Nicholas was thrilled with his Star Wars basket. We quickly got ready and headed to church and then to Ken's parents for brunch and another egg hunt with their cousin. All the boys had fun and ended up with more loot! It was definitely a fun-filled weekend! </span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Oh, and the boys cute Peeps shirts are courtesy of my friend Faith of Sassy Kat Creations. You can find her on <a href="http://www.facebook.com/OceanCityNJVacation?ref=ts&v=wall#!/pages/Sassy-Kat-Creations/304604933983?ref=ts">Facebook </a>or <a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/SassyKatCreations">Etsy</a>!</span><br /><br /></div><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_TA643i8mY53BJe0Y2P9otBWMb6N2xV5JjIDQivI2VkN_MxBu-rLWH7yc4KgM-eWl3n3YTz57rj60sGek5PMcMwdU27ruFDmR9yfBq5cjflfZcF9xvwnV8dClgbMfybsccsMtyRQZZw/s1600/24048_379434274403_664254403_3466206_1115564_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456687918688871074" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2_TA643i8mY53BJe0Y2P9otBWMb6N2xV5JjIDQivI2VkN_MxBu-rLWH7yc4KgM-eWl3n3YTz57rj60sGek5PMcMwdU27ruFDmR9yfBq5cjflfZcF9xvwnV8dClgbMfybsccsMtyRQZZw/s320/24048_379434274403_664254403_3466206_1115564_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfAnghMPvYZNtUvctBh3Qbsu6dupyZDhJxr-i5EuFwgLE4PlYd0RyMHId_BSHurAdNAn__jzXI-UFkeLnOZBQ8CL4vbXOJC9ttZY02WDmR1a0o-Ija06NBNhmmfvDoN8XsnsU_sggurA/s1600/24048_379434849403_664254403_3466221_7494106_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456687914355456274" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyfAnghMPvYZNtUvctBh3Qbsu6dupyZDhJxr-i5EuFwgLE4PlYd0RyMHId_BSHurAdNAn__jzXI-UFkeLnOZBQ8CL4vbXOJC9ttZY02WDmR1a0o-Ija06NBNhmmfvDoN8XsnsU_sggurA/s320/24048_379434849403_664254403_3466221_7494106_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezeD_r3sKOFOOhvbdXpvGhdSItyxDeQqhXix5pBY4WXkHGp9fcVItuIFooLnnPYgHs5ODuIXrnbpVCkJxSxyoUkKWTqaHdmESzHmrObLM6RWkaH19zOd1d39eiHbxIMlEgAK9I8wfZc8/s1600/24048_379433889403_664254403_3466204_3351942_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 242px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456687905029835058" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiezeD_r3sKOFOOhvbdXpvGhdSItyxDeQqhXix5pBY4WXkHGp9fcVItuIFooLnnPYgHs5ODuIXrnbpVCkJxSxyoUkKWTqaHdmESzHmrObLM6RWkaH19zOd1d39eiHbxIMlEgAK9I8wfZc8/s320/24048_379433889403_664254403_3466204_3351942_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW2r0uoGcq_1zbMjCN9-XWdj45ZkEIzebFa2Wu7PxBKMNGx1RhBfRRsSeZP9mTXaj0qql21KRKYz3xQSqTfT_7gEmvPknjS_o3ZxG6aC2FfqlZb2A48jtpS2h2QhZHs7oc9fVdzNH6-E/s1600/24048_379434399403_664254403_3466207_854936_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456687901082915490" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvW2r0uoGcq_1zbMjCN9-XWdj45ZkEIzebFa2Wu7PxBKMNGx1RhBfRRsSeZP9mTXaj0qql21KRKYz3xQSqTfT_7gEmvPknjS_o3ZxG6aC2FfqlZb2A48jtpS2h2QhZHs7oc9fVdzNH6-E/s320/24048_379434399403_664254403_3466207_854936_n.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1u-DLFPyYoF_7dUxAYCo-YDubP5-yw5YIX4DrUSduz5LIGCmat2Y0oK5g-SOcEIOtAG4xuf4_OtYFI59hoYIKVOEwwD8uIsls5TIkVPRV9Hg658RZYGoXRfIoHMPY9k3aFD7lHQe9XXk/s1600/24048_379445484403_664254403_3466588_7478862_n.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5456687899419304834" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1u-DLFPyYoF_7dUxAYCo-YDubP5-yw5YIX4DrUSduz5LIGCmat2Y0oK5g-SOcEIOtAG4xuf4_OtYFI59hoYIKVOEwwD8uIsls5TIkVPRV9Hg658RZYGoXRfIoHMPY9k3aFD7lHQe9XXk/s320/24048_379445484403_664254403_3466588_7478862_n.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-3615543584073177142010-03-31T17:23:00.002-04:002010-03-31T17:26:38.952-04:00Wordless Wednesday<span style="font-size:85%;">More about this to come!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG0lgcvbnYoekfjTGlxwyZ7oK6QbVEKtNZCy5pX8pP4VQu4RJ5RaJ30gbDcGJm0vQ-kFXgppErCj5z5sJT_r_PpOomkfxpAb65mk-Xoh_D-N7tG2pdaroeF8TF-Wo9QIoJxiZj6n30d4/s1600/2010-03-3011.33.01.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454912118389894258" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihG0lgcvbnYoekfjTGlxwyZ7oK6QbVEKtNZCy5pX8pP4VQu4RJ5RaJ30gbDcGJm0vQ-kFXgppErCj5z5sJT_r_PpOomkfxpAb65mk-Xoh_D-N7tG2pdaroeF8TF-Wo9QIoJxiZj6n30d4/s320/2010-03-3011.33.01.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0G-U53P00ihI-3AUywsxXTOOa1moH2XAiUjiF07KaDzdxL7XYryWZfHudFZv1rMjqp3nbFQbB5I-omyqZtRZLgtLWsodSkh8ipToCtzNeRQzUwP8DGVA2NJGefGz3DYHvShILuJ4IvQ/s1600/2010-03-3011.33.14.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454912107223059026" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjX0G-U53P00ihI-3AUywsxXTOOa1moH2XAiUjiF07KaDzdxL7XYryWZfHudFZv1rMjqp3nbFQbB5I-omyqZtRZLgtLWsodSkh8ipToCtzNeRQzUwP8DGVA2NJGefGz3DYHvShILuJ4IvQ/s320/2010-03-3011.33.14.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUZm7DDLABJ7o5Y280iLgEC2yl7n9nb0duqZYOelNPXQDI3aTbgcqrcfHEXePIfBH7QA6CXI6q4cOWrNQDAcHqbN61ANF217KTXNZxjXVQUsAYrnWn5Kb3TdvXZ4X9kxajQU1c_Itgx8/s1600/2010-03-3011.33.27.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5454912106135385666" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPUZm7DDLABJ7o5Y280iLgEC2yl7n9nb0duqZYOelNPXQDI3aTbgcqrcfHEXePIfBH7QA6CXI6q4cOWrNQDAcHqbN61ANF217KTXNZxjXVQUsAYrnWn5Kb3TdvXZ4X9kxajQU1c_Itgx8/s320/2010-03-3011.33.27.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><div><div><div></div><br /><div></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div></div></div></div></div></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-64385492566039553362010-03-22T16:13:00.004-04:002010-03-22T16:24:51.261-04:00Book #12- Back to Life<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Back-Life-Trophy-Wives-Club/dp/0061378771/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1269288879&sr=8-2"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5451554400224026594" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZC2wTvwRoHaz5Xo_9vJw-TXkMoYjEK91dMjknviZv7pwMZAdNHP0LyiyAG8-S6d4dq1nGXlfAhvpUloboKUnoGS0KwXItawAvZdHEhkAY34fEaeqdY4RgsyVMb8kVGNmTkBaIkKuTkTE/s320/Back+to+Life.jpg" /></a><span style="font-size:85%;"> I chose my latest read because it was the sequel to my <a href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2010/03/book-10-trophy-wives-club.html">book #10</a>- <em>The Trophy Wives Club</em>. I have to say, I did not enjoy this book as much as the first in the series. This book did not focus on the same main character as the original. Instead, <em>Back to Life</em> was told by two characters- Lindsey and Jane, both who had been married to the same man, Ron. Lindsey is Ron's widow, however, after his death his ex-wife Jane appears because she is in charge of his will. The story goes back and forth between Lindsey and Jane, their relationship with Ron, and the similaries and differences between the women.</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">To be honest, I was really a bit bored with the story overall. The book did have a stronger ending than the first in the series, but <em>Back to Life</em> moved slowly and was just lacking in excitement for me.</span><br /><br /></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-48014484693651330772010-03-19T10:15:00.001-04:002010-03-19T10:15:00.280-04:00Call Me Klutzy<span style="font-size:85%;">So, as I mentioned in my previous <a href="http://adventures-in-babymaking.blogspot.com/2010/03/99-random-things-about-me.html">post</a> I have broken a bone. To be more accurate, I've broken several. Each arm twice and a stress fracture on my hip. The first three arm breaks were within a four month period. Yes, three breaks in four months- first was my left arm (I fell down roller skating), then my right arm (fell from a pile of logs), and then the week after I got that cast off I broke it again (fell off my bike). I was five years old and in kindergarten. I wondered if <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_0" class="blsp-spelling-error">DYFS</span> was ever called, but my mom says that school just asked me a bunch of questions. <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_1" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">Apparently</span> I was able to explain that I'm just klutzy!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">The next break was a few years later when I was eight. Once again, I was roller skating. Same skating rink. Broke the same arm. I think my orthopedic doctor really liked me. I'm sure my parents wanted to put me in a bubble! The stress fracture on my hip was when I was in high school. NOT pleasant at all, and that hip still irritates me at times. I joke that I'll need a hip replacement by the time I'm forty.</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I have had plenty of other klutzy moments. I tripped over a curb and busted my chin open...had to get a few stitches. I've slipped on a patch of black ice and sprained my arm- although had to get X-Rays for that, because it was swollen and hurt like heck. When I took gym in ninth grade I managed to get hurt playing every sport...hit in the face with a basketball (yes, I was a basketball player, too), had a lacrosse stick hit me across the nose (lovely black eye), and heck, I even managed to cut my thumb open on a <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_2" class="blsp-spelling-corrected">badminton</span> <span id="SPELLING_ERROR_3" class="blsp-spelling-error">racquet</span>. Seriously, WHO gets hurt playing badminton? Yours truly!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I do klutzy things on a fairly regular basis, and most don't involve serious physical injury. I walk into walls, fall down AND up stairs, trip over my own feet. I'm a mess sometimes! I sure do hope my kids do NOT inherit my klutziness. And I sure hope they don't have nearly as many broken bones as I have had! Personally, I could do without any!</span><br /><br /><br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-31135112963885839562010-03-18T12:48:00.001-04:002010-03-18T12:48:00.097-04:0099 Random Things About Me<span style="font-size:85%;">I saw this posted on another <a href="http://ellabellamozzarella.blogspot.com/">blog</a>, and I thought it might be interesting. In completing this I think I have gathered some ideas for some future posts. But feel free to ask questions about any of these. And when all is said and done, you may find some interesting things out about me.</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"></span><br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">Instructions: The post is a list of 99 random things. Bold the ones that you yourself have done (I highlighted mine in red). And for some I added my own little commentary.<br /><br />1. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Started your own blog</span> (I suppose you already knew this if you're here though)<br />2. Slept under the stars<br />3. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Played in a band</span> (I played the clarinet in middle school)<br />4. Visited Hawaii<br />5. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Watched a meteor shower</span><br />6. Given more than you can afford to charity<br />7. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Been to Disney World</span> (going again in June, CAN'T WAIT!)<br />8. Climbed a mountain<br />9. Held a praying mantis<br />10. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Sang a solo</span><br />11. Bungee jumped<br />12. Visited Paris<br />13. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Watched a lightning storm</span><br />14. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Taught yourself an art from scratch</span><br />15. Adopted a child<br />16. Had food poisoning<br />17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty<br />18. Grown your own vegetables<br />19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France<br />20. Slept on an overnight train<br />21. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Had a pillow fight</span><br />22. Hitch hiked<br />23. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Taken a sick day when you’re not ill</span><br />24. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Built a snow fort</span><br />25. Held a lamb<br />26. Gone skinny dipping<br />27. Run a Marathon<br />28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice<br />29. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Seen a total eclipse</span><br />30. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Watched a sunrise or sunset</span><br />31. Hit a home run<br />32. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Been on a cruise</span> (ok...nowhere exotic, but I've been on the Spirit of Baltimore and Spirit of Philadelphia!)<br />33. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Seen Niagara Falls in person</span><br />34. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Visited the birthplace of your ancestors</span> (visited Germany in 1995 and I cannot wait until I have the opportunity to go back)<br />35. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Seen an Amish </span><span style="color:#ff0000;">community</span><br />36. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Learned a new language</span> (I learned Spanish and forgot most of it. When my 3 year old son asked me how to say 'goodbye' in Spanish I had to Google it. No lie.)<br />37. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Had enough money to be truly satisfied</span><br />38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person<br />39. Gone rock climbing<br />40. Seen Michelangelo’s David<br />41. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Sung karaoke</span><br />42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt<br />43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant<br />44. Visited Africa<br />45. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Walked on a beach by moonlight</span><br />46. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Been transported in an ambulance</span><br />47. Had your portrait painted<br />48. Gone deep sea fishing<br />50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris<br />51. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Gone</span> scuba diving or <span style="color:#ff0000;">snorkeling</span> (Cozumel, Mexico- absolutely amazing!)<br />52. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Kissed in the rain</span><br />53. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Played in the mud</span><br />54. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Gone to a drive-in theater</span><br />55. Been in a movie<br />56. Visited the Great Wall of China<br />57. Started a business<br />58. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Taken a martial arts class</span> (I took Tae Kwon Do as a kid.)<br />59. Visited Russia<br />60. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Served at a soup kitchen</span><br />61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies<br />62. Gone whale watching<br />63. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Got flowers for no reason</span><br />64. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Donated blood, platelets or plasma</span><br />65. Gone sky diving<br />66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp<br />67. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Bounced a check</span><br />68. Flown in a helicopter<br />69. Saved a favorite childhood toy<br />70. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Visited the Lincoln Memorial</span><br />71. Eaten caviar<br />72. Pieced a quilt<br />73. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Stood in Times Square</span><br />74. Toured the Everglades<br />75. Been fired from a job<br />76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London<br />77. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Broken a bone</span> (I've actually broken several bones. Including 3 broken arms in a period of 4 months. Yes, I am quite klutzy!)<br />78. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Been a passenger on a motorcycle</span><br />79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person<br />80. Published a book<br />81. Visited the Vatican<br />82. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Bought a brand new car</span> (And we still have that car! I no longer drive it on a regular basis, but I love it!)<br />83. Walked in Jerusalem<br />84. Had your picture in the newspaper<br />85. Kissed a stranger at midnight on New Year’s Eve<br />86. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Visited the White House</span><br />87. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Killed and prepared an animal for eating</span> (fishing counts, right?)<br />88. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Had chickenpox</span><br />89. Saved someone’s life<br />90. Sat on a jury<br />91. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Met someone famous</span><br />92. Joined a book club<br />93. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Got a tattoo</span> (when I was 19, about a month before I met my husband. He doesn't like tattoos though, so no more for me.)<br />94. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Had a baby</span> (Two of them actually!)<br />95. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Seen the Alamo in person</span> (I'd love to go back to San Antonio...I love Texas!)<br />96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake<br />97. Been involved in a law suit<br />98. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Owned a cell phone</span><br />99. <span style="color:#ff0000;">Been stung by a bee</span> (Yes, including in the corner of my eye and inside my mouth. Fortunately I am not allergic, and bees really don't bother me. Don't tell, but my husband is terrified of them!)<br /></span><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-26386959136535563692010-03-17T11:09:00.002-04:002010-03-17T11:12:19.333-04:00Wordless Wednesday<span style="font-size:85%;">My little Irish boys (they get their Irish from their daddy...not me!) sporting their green!</span><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1oxbEgigbtHPGHVR-TMeYf7UlfD90fg_aQEafshX5C30uJxkOKqv1pLCPxZyk6CQSBhbCbLeNt3vHzIdKszaCnMS4OmqUMEyyZkSHPTmoBk2YmjVnMWGuuz1XHBSpmlFt6XF7T2NkD0/s1600-h/Erik+St.+Patrick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449620573885197650" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB1oxbEgigbtHPGHVR-TMeYf7UlfD90fg_aQEafshX5C30uJxkOKqv1pLCPxZyk6CQSBhbCbLeNt3vHzIdKszaCnMS4OmqUMEyyZkSHPTmoBk2YmjVnMWGuuz1XHBSpmlFt6XF7T2NkD0/s320/Erik+St.+Patrick.jpg" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3UmDArzcsXQNKrB1SacJmsBedlZjO3ncdCxXSaMifa9MpURQu-9k1gOGoS0mpcCPdI53PXVphBas3ViEVwGXcNJbNq12HJZmQXfPyelUP5AA_MpXBxPdnopwgvGvc6fPWwcItJUtnMw/s1600-h/Nicholas+St.+Patrick.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 238px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5449620558126891186" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjs3UmDArzcsXQNKrB1SacJmsBedlZjO3ncdCxXSaMifa9MpURQu-9k1gOGoS0mpcCPdI53PXVphBas3ViEVwGXcNJbNq12HJZmQXfPyelUP5AA_MpXBxPdnopwgvGvc6fPWwcItJUtnMw/s320/Nicholas+St.+Patrick.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-80410127102178224492010-03-15T15:21:00.003-04:002010-03-15T15:29:45.809-04:00Book #11- Lady Killer<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Lady-Killer-Lisa-Scottoline/dp/0060833211/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268680962&sr=1-5"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5448943809000025842" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwaMiwxAf9rRukdEXC9paoeO60vcXUdnfWq7Z_RtkTjOMIB2Lj3kvYDRsRVsVHxqEcuaIE-W2dM2cHBjcW9IbVrsuXOUjsogG98kllnqGVxPFYuxtA4zVYMr-QHtICY1YEpuFX25aNCAo/s320/Lady+Killer.jpg" /></a><br /><div></div><span style="font-size:85%;">My latest read was <em>Lady Killer</em> by Lisa Scottoline. This was a chick-lit, mystery/thriller type story...in other words, right up my alley! In this story the main character, Mary, is trying to find her high school rival, Trish, who has gone missing after coming to Mary (a lawyer) for help because she fears her Mob boyfriend is going to kill her. The story takes place in Philly, and I later found out Scottoline is a Philadelphia native- WOOHOO! While the book wasn't super believable, it was still an enjoyable read. I look forward to checking out more of Scottoline's books.</span><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-32724512822759969622010-03-10T09:07:00.008-05:002010-03-10T09:21:27.170-05:00Book #10- The Trophy Wives Club<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Trophy-Wives-Club-Book/dp/0061375462/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1268230193&sr=8-1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5447007484859378162" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5KARRqlLioevvXhlFmmDQZfDl_rX5K0udgRYXVdGRqNrZXKYQPlETn8SqJhcQzQchtpBa_G7hsQ-l486L1RR7d5GhkuWpui2VIaAMZOPXqbygV2UDQRLHGwiVIdpRr806xMV5erJkmv0/s320/Trophy+Wives+Club.jpg" /></a><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">One Saturday night as I was walking through Barnes & Noble, sipping my Cinnamon Dolce Latte, I was looking for some new books and stumbled upon <em>The Trophy Wives Club</em> by Kristin Billerbeck. I had never heard of Billerbeck, but after reading the back of the book (and being happy with the discounted price tag on the cover) I decided to bring the book home. I'm definitely glad I made that decision!</span><br /><p><span style="font-size:85%;">Billerbeck writes Christian Chick Lit. I did not even know that Christian Chick Lit was a genre! The story is about a woman living in Los Angeles who is suddenly kicked out of her home by her producer husband, who now wants a divorce. She eventually meets a support group at church (The Trophy Wives Club) who help her move on and start her new life. The book moved at a great pace and was an enjoyable read! In fact, I've already ordered the next book in the series!</span><br /></p><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-29005997153832090272010-03-08T13:09:00.003-05:002010-03-08T17:28:31.571-05:00Wonderful Weekend!<span style="font-size:85%;">What a WONDERFUL weekend! Has spring actually arrived?!?! If this weekend was any indication, then it certainly has! Abundant sunshine brought our family outdoors! On Saturday afternoon we all hung out in the backyard getting some fresh air and exercise. Throwing, kicking, and hitting balls, playing hockey, riding bikes and cars- you name it and we did it!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />Saturday night was a night out for Ken and I. A LONG overdue night out! We went downtown and had dinner at <a href="http://www.butcherandsinger.com/">Butcher and Singer</a> with his cousin and her husband. The food was outstanding and we really liked the atmosphere. It had a very "old Hollywood" feel to it. I discovered a new (old) drink- Sidecar. And I also enjoyed possibly the best steak I've ever eaten. I definitely recommend the place!</span><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><br />On Sunday morning after church and breakfast the whole family decided to take advantage of the nice weather and headed to the zoo! Erik actually walked most of the time- he certainly is Mr. Independent! Nicholas loved checking all the animals out and could not tell us enough what a great time he had. I'm glad that he appreciated it! Of course I did forget my camera at home, so the few pictures I have are from my cell phone!</span><br /><br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR8FC_bc60lxs0gIxrakaqkqPAUaMt8_cNDG_IaQx3pVRx_KCnERM4djdMXe7TGdx3IZzxJqS668aPjvTn5kFG2Z4CEPESjhJMmqIhyphenhyphenHGO0obzK2KuEmcgB7fEPfW6K9jf7qZvXjFdAA/s1600-h/2010-03-07+12.43.43_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446392811641856434" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeR8FC_bc60lxs0gIxrakaqkqPAUaMt8_cNDG_IaQx3pVRx_KCnERM4djdMXe7TGdx3IZzxJqS668aPjvTn5kFG2Z4CEPESjhJMmqIhyphenhyphenHGO0obzK2KuEmcgB7fEPfW6K9jf7qZvXjFdAA/s320/2010-03-07+12.43.43_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg" /></a><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84JD6nYI6bFk-18eh_TKY1wPXj0ghWbfIuzkRr1-SZACAVvwRhlobYvJS-xqqezdjw6gcei84QJcBjniS8fJ9Rrhp2ZnJuH38YBKT7m-BpE8JmXrR70QnAa6rUTbdI2FuwRUa3NB9wHo/s1600-h/2010-03-07+11.59.01_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446392799852483778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj84JD6nYI6bFk-18eh_TKY1wPXj0ghWbfIuzkRr1-SZACAVvwRhlobYvJS-xqqezdjw6gcei84QJcBjniS8fJ9Rrhp2ZnJuH38YBKT7m-BpE8JmXrR70QnAa6rUTbdI2FuwRUa3NB9wHo/s320/2010-03-07+11.59.01_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLNB-NF5FSxqwgEGVS5jA098UAa0_P9XFORI-GPjQdfMENjybhe_8he8ISSmIJqXLDYGBMBoQXm6euIFCEtlH3hsRZg3r62T1KmUAGe7ZNO1nCV8wVS5uzV8v3hxcGTRdTdtK5vvmn1M/s1600-h/2010-03-07+11.52.47_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446392791202205746" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgHLNB-NF5FSxqwgEGVS5jA098UAa0_P9XFORI-GPjQdfMENjybhe_8he8ISSmIJqXLDYGBMBoQXm6euIFCEtlH3hsRZg3r62T1KmUAGe7ZNO1nCV8wVS5uzV8v3hxcGTRdTdtK5vvmn1M/s320/2010-03-07+11.52.47_Philadelphia_Pennsylvania_US.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6lnE6cL3ZldA_OFh4t1qSJagWc0ckdrRPQHfjAFmaV69IpPc97FV-Seq8FiPcOa9W_gu9rs4CTYjbJl5zmXwNtvnr0H1iVzeNweMuMRHSFcU5Mnp7xxCpkL2TMBnVlb4Dsim1JkzC0w/s1600-h/2010-03-07+11.32.57.jpg"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 320px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5446392782382411778" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhF6lnE6cL3ZldA_OFh4t1qSJagWc0ckdrRPQHfjAFmaV69IpPc97FV-Seq8FiPcOa9W_gu9rs4CTYjbJl5zmXwNtvnr0H1iVzeNweMuMRHSFcU5Mnp7xxCpkL2TMBnVlb4Dsim1JkzC0w/s320/2010-03-07+11.32.57.jpg" /></a><br /><br /><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div></div></div></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-43493882998882591562010-03-04T13:01:00.004-05:002010-03-04T13:11:27.436-05:00Book #9- The Gospel According to Lost<span style="font-size:85%;"></span><a href="http://www.amazon.com/Gospel-According-Lost-Chris-Seay/dp/0849920728/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267725787&sr=8-1#noop"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 300px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 300px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444841136998393266" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgO716_VVzKkQpPBz_-OwX_P6X-yOy4she5S4N4jvqFPrMYqMVoG6jtQRPX7JbJCeX93N5lbs6j0JYJ7uw0bMgCsbA4aS0bh5QMSODXtKCtT5zIzMy9d1-sTOTRozqyzVq9TCQ6aTuwI9o/s320/Gospel+Lost.jpg" /></a> <div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">A few weeks ago I was wandering through blogs and various book review sites, where I stumbled upon <em>The Gospel According to Lost</em>, by Chris Seay. I immediately knew I would be buying this book. I am a Lost junkie. It is one of the few things on television that my husband and I watch together. (The only other things we watch together are sporting events- baseball games, hockey games, and football games.) ANYWAY, I bought this book on Saturday night. I finished the book on Sunday morning. </span></div><div> </div><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><div><span style="font-size:85%;">My thoughts on the book- it was good, but I have to say I didn't LOVE it. The author looks into the character conflicts and relationships on the show and how faith and religion play a role in the show. This book was written after last season, and personally I wish the author would have waited until after this final season. The book was a quick read, and if you are a Lost junkie and have a chance to read it I'd definitely say to pick it up, but don't have high expectations.</span><br /></div><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-37922710383102780792010-03-03T11:37:00.003-05:002010-03-03T11:48:29.735-05:00Book #8- Mary Mary<a href="http://www.amazon.com/Mary-James-Patterson/dp/B000OUALTG/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&s=books&qid=1267634837&sr=1-1"><img style="TEXT-ALIGN: center; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; DISPLAY: block; HEIGHT: 240px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5444450382343813138" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjYU3_9c7tsJT32Pu7tHj43Mz9_27vblt0Z0M5KEgrTjeUPMDe1RdEqLm3fbzw3sKxsVvEfu5UfNSZR1RZoQPINmkboNCLeW87BFsPwK12TOLbCyGtatXZ0CZdK6_bPEcD2i4sU_U4LNNk/s320/Mary+Mary.jpg" /></a><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Yes, as I mentioned previously...I'm a big James Patterson fan. I don't know what it is about his books, but they suck me in! For those unfamiliar with his books, let me try to explain.</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">His chapters are SHORT. I'm talking they are two to four pages. This, in my opinion, is a blessing and a curse. A blessing, because if I quickly need to stop and put my book down I can easily do that and not be stuck in the middle of a chapter. (I HATE when that happens!) The curse- well...I like to read at night in bed. And I find myself reading Patterson's books and saying to myself, "Just one more chapter. Ok, just one more. Well, just another quick one." Next thing I know I've read another 100 pages and it is 2:00 in the morning. And remember, I have two young, EARLY RISING, boys. Reading until 2:00 is just NOT a good idea! Well, ok...I do complain about my lack of sleep, but I really do love reading alone at night. It is MY quiet time!</span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;"></span></div><br /><div><span style="font-size:85%;">Enough of my rambling here. I thoroughly enjoyed Mary Mary. This is one of the <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alex_Cross">Alex Cross</a> novels, and this one takes place in Los Angeles where there is a serial killer on the loose killing famous stars...specifically mothers. I always try to figure out who the killer is in Patterson's crime novels, but I never seem to! There is always a wrench thrown in! I LOVE IT! It keeps me coming back for more!</span></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a></div>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1299896651642311434.post-80595076303471508842010-02-28T00:18:00.003-05:002010-02-28T00:21:04.630-05:00Mini MakeoverDecided to give my blog a mini makeover. Eventually I want to get a personalized design, but for now this will do! I love the coffee theme. Anyone who knows me knows how much I love my coffee! I'm still working on all the minor details, but so far I'm liking the new look!<br /><br /><a href="http://www.mylivesignature.com/" target="_blank"><img style="BORDER-BOTTOM: 0px; BORDER-LEFT: 0px; BACKGROUND: none transparent scroll repeat 0% 0%; BORDER-TOP: 0px; BORDER-RIGHT: 0px" border="0" src="http://signatures.mylivesignature.com/85722/gisela/990e418e7672acc120f75ea7ef4df568.png" /></a>Giselahttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12941938571038780448noreply@blogger.com4