Sea World Trip

My Popsicle has been bugging me for two months to go see a dolphin. Here comes in at # 2 on my bucket list going to Sea World. I was a little hesitate about going because of all the drama surrounding this place with Black Fish. Now, I still feel a little guilty going because all the animals are in small cages. I don't agree with it but they still have to make money. Sea World does help animals it's not cheap to do it. It's like a catch 22 you in order to help with anything there is always a downside to it. We had a really great time however I don't think we will go back until Popsicle is much older. The workers seemed to rush us when we were deciding on what pictures to buy from the dolphin, sting rays, and shark feeding. They seemed to be unhappy too maybe it was the heat!

This picture above I'm using in my portfolio for Patricia Photography Company I'm starting. Something new I'm taking on.

It was a great chance to see what my camera lens can actually do.

It was extremely hot here last Sunday it was nice to cool off in the aquarium. Our boys loved sitting there watching the fish. 

Just an F.Y.I to avoid make sure you don't try to eat the fish you are feeding to the dolphins like my little one tried. It's really gross taking it out of his mouth. He did this all day long sometimes I wonder about my child. I think he does it just to see me react with a disgusting face. Each time he would laugh,smile and reply "I'm just joking Mom!" 

The only downside to this place is even after you wash your hands you still smell like fish all day. Thanks to Popsicle in the hot blazing sun after he wiped his hands on me the smell gets a little strong. In Justin's case his little brother thought it was a great ideal to play catch with one of the dead fish then afterwards toss it down his brother's shirt. He tends to be the jokester in the family with NO help from Dad while he is on the ground laughing. At least he didn't try to make me kiss the fish that was Dad's job. We had a blast when it came time for the Shamu Show.

I was able to get this picture after taking 30 of them. It was a little loud for us as well as Popsicle he hates loud stuff. A pair of earplugs is necessary for little ones! The animals seemed fine and performed great! 

Keep in mind if you take a trip to Sea world!

1. Take a change of clothes there are water rides.

2. Don't bring a purse get a backpack. It will be easier to carry.

3. Wait to you leave before you buy anything. Just so you don't have to carry it. 

4. When you sit in the seats at any shows. Look for the signs that say "Soak area" that means you will get wet!

5. We also learn that if you buy any photos from the feedings or the first picture they take of you when you walk in. Save the receipt instead of paying $20.00 for each picture it becomes $10.00 with the proof you already paid for one earlier. That would have helped eight pictures in. They don't tell you we were lucky. 

6. There is a kids playground but water everywhere. Bring a swim suit. 

7. Have fun!!! 

Kids & Chores

How many of you out there have  set chores for your kids? I did at one point but it never worked out for my family. Instead when Justin was little I made a game out of mopping the floor. I got down on my hands and knees with a rag under each one along side was my little man making a mess. It took twice as long to clean the floor but it was fun! I would take a big towel lay him on his back made circles with him on the towel to dry it. He loved it! He would laugh hysterically again it was great bonding time with memories we still share. Now with my Popsicle we have continue to make games out of cleaning.

I have been an easy going parent when it comes to chores. I don't mind picking up after my kids. They are very helpful with everything from cleaning taking care of the cat, make their bed and cleaning their room. If they see me doing something they always ask if they can help. It doesn't seem like work because I don't make it seem that way. It's a game to see who can do it faster or to see who can complete it neatly. I don't use that word chores it just seems like the word stops you in your track before you even start. Since Easter we have been cleaning up confetti for a week now. I do this every year with our egg hunt. The kids love it.  It just leaves a huge mess behind.

Justin and I used to do it with real egg shells he just decided that it was too much work. If you wanted to try it out just take a dozen of  raw eggs. Take a tooth pick and make a hole on both ends of the eggs. Over a bowl blow into one side until the egg comes out the other end. I toss the raw egg or use it in an egg wash for my hair. Which will make your hair shiny.  Let the shells sit for a day or two to dry out fill with confetti. To close up the ends of the eggs with the holes just take a little bit of water and a piece of confetti it will stick to the egg. Have fun and go crack an egg filled with confetti over someones head. Then RUN!!!!

http://youtu.be/-6LgUv4r8hg

Here are my boys cleaning together after they completely destroyed the house. It's okay we had a lot of fun. I let them clean their way for however long it takes them. They are still learning how life goes and this is one way to let them have the opportunity to see what works and what doesn't. Of course once they are in bed I end up cleaning anyways. I love being a Mommy!

Indian river Festival

Florida isn't really that bad once the season of really hot decides to show up. You have to find things to do like this art fair/ whatever festival shows up. It had a little bit of everything there. It was great bounce houses, games, food trucks a gator guy named gator bill. He talked about snakes which made my skin crawl but had a few good points about snakes that I didn't know. Sometimes I have no ideal where my kids get their sense of adventure at for example.

This picture above was a big giant octopus kite that Justin wanted to climb on and then slide down the legs. It was a kite and insisted that he could do it no problem it wasn't even a ride. He just wanted my okay before in the future he wanted to try it. We had a twenty minute conversation about it which made me laugh he sounded just like his daddy. He weighed out the pro and cons with me then finally said "Life isn't worth living unless you take chances Mom!"

He couldn't make a mother more proud then when he uses my own words against me. He is an amazing kid. I'm so happy I get to be his mother.  I tried to go donate blood and he sound like his father again. 

"Mom, Only a few people have your blood you need to keep it!" 

I have AB- blood the red cross calls me all the time to donate. Then we had another talk about blood types my boys are B positive and hubby is O positive explaining all that lead into a baby talk thank god we ran into someone who we knew which cut that talk in half. 

I love when my son has his mind set to something he doesn't give up at all. Determination is the key for whatever you set your mind to. It was a blast my son had an amazing time. Thanks to all the volunteers that helped out including Coach Mike who helped watch Justin while he tried the wall a dozen times. Justin completed the kids one but got really mad when they refused to let him finish the adult course and be timed.

GO JUSTIN!!!

 

He didn't fall I guess his pull ups at home have worked out. 

THE RUN!!

 ALMOST THERE

MISSION ACCOMPLISHED!!!!!

My son is AWESOME!!!

We will go back next year. 

Things we say well Popsicle says

Being a mom I find that my boys are always saying something off the wall especially my little one. Sometimes we all say things that are funny at that time. Here are a few I can remember. 

My Popsicle told me I wasn't a girl I was his mommy.

Talking in the locker room with another lady I told her you know you have to drain the lizard before we take step class. When I said it I was thinking to myself I can't believe I just said that. I made sure I told her I have two boys. However I'm not so sure that matter the look on her face was priceless.

Popsicle tried to get me to call and buy the total gym. You know the advertisement with Chuck Norris. He was very convincing as he told me. It will make me strong and healthy. I don't have to leave home. My Popsicle was like a  salesperson.

Trying to explain to him why he can't tell the salesman at the tire place he was cute was funny.  Popsicle says " Why Momma he's a good looking man." OKAY he is three I'm sure that will change as it did when we walked into Target.  He told a lady walking by she was Beautiful!  I don't know where he comes up with this stuff it just flows out his mouth like nothing. I'm in big trouble as he gets older.

Justin tried to get him to leave the lizard alone at the park so we could leave.  He tells us the lizard is his friend and he can't leave him. He will be sad. Then he starts bawling his eyes out when we left. I felt so bad but my cat will eat the poor thing if we bring him home. Then Popsicle tells me I hurt his heart he will never get over losing his friend. Now I feel like the worst person alive.

He asked the lady at the grocery store for a hand shake then he kissed her hand and told her she was doing a good job bagging our food. 

When he goes to the bathroom he runs down his own check list

Pee check, Poop check, wipe my butt check. I have no ideal where he came up with that.

Making dinner a few nights ago I dropped pasta on the kitchen floor as I said "Shit" here comes Popsicle "Where shit I don't see shit!" Justin and I was rolling on the floor laughing so hard our stomach hurt. Like he knew what shit was.  Thanks to this movie for that one. 

Having lunch with the ladies he made them laugh. He told both of them they were Beautiful and his new best friends.

I had to tell my oldest not to walk around in his underwear that he is too old for that now. Popsicle says "Momma leave the kid alone!" 

The boys and I made some prayer sticks about a year ago. They are Popsicle sticks with pictures of family and friends on them. Christopher prayed for his self last night because he was tired. 

I think my son has an imagination gone wild or he talks to the dead. First it was Carol and Jack who went down in a shipwreck now it's some man named John. He was sitting on the floor playing when he kept talking to someone. 

"What are you doing babe?" I asked 

Christopher says "I'm trying to build a robot but John won't let me." 

Me "Who is John?"

Christopher "He is my friend."

Me "Well tell John to be nice."

Christopher tells John "Mommy said be nice!"

Me "He can stay as long as he is nice."

He runs up to me gives me a hug and tells me I'm the best Mommy ever. I'm not sure what to think about that.  However the kids were laying on the couch and the floor when a Lego block spontaneously was thrown through the living room at Justin. I seen it and couldn't believe it. Justin said "I think John did that! I think he was trying to make it in the box with the other Lego's."

Christopher yells "I'm not telling you again John stop!"

I do know he keeps us on our feet all day long he never stops. I like that he has tons of character. I love my boys! Not to sure about John yet but Carol and Jack left so maybe John will too. 

Handprints

This pin has been pinned as of today 208 times. I thought I would share what it is. 

Take your toddler's hand and draw an outline on some paper or felt. Cut it out and use it as a pattern to cut out handprints in different colored felt. Now, Put the handprints all over the floor,couch,table and ask your toddler to find the "green" handprint and give it a hi-five! This can be an activity for a group of toddlers as well!

My Popsicle loves this game. It keeps him laughing all day long. I will let you know beforehand if your toddler is anything like mind you will have to make many handprints. The color felt is about 29 cents at Michael's Craft Store.  He tends to rip the hands by trying to high five it in the air and that’s when my cat Mickey takes off with it.  It’s an all-around tug a war with them two my cat is in the wrong body. It’s been a year since I pinned the picture above I don’t know where I found it online but it works. He knows his colors like the back of his hand. I thought he was color blind for a few months he would get the colors absolutely wrong. Turns out he knew all along he was just being silly. Daddy says “He is full of  jokes already!” My Popsicle has so much energy it at times can be a little overwhelming.  This is a great before nap activity for him. Have fun mommy's or daddy's they are only little once. 

Getting back

 

I have been fighting allergies for almost a month now until today. I'm getting back to my normal schedule with getting fit. My journey is still full speed ahead as I took up yet again a new workout. I hit a plateau back in January it was time to switch up my workout routine. Turbo Jam was fun today lots of energy in the DVD still very entertaining when you watch the other people on the DVD. The faces they make are just silly. I guess overall the DVD was great! Along with intense weight lifting with cardio combo and muscle conditioning it has made that plateau non existing.
I'm not looking to lose weight I just want to tone up.
Losing the weight was a plus.
 I have to say my results are wonderful. I weigh 149 as of today lost five pounds and went from a size 8 to a size 5 in my jeans. How exciting until I realized I no longer have any boobs all to due to shopping this past weekend. I was a little upset until I walked past the cute little bikini's hanging on the racks then I was alright. The funny thing about my journey to getting fit is that I didn't even notice the weight loss. My pants were a little big sagging between my legs I just thought they were a little worn out. You know from wearing them maybe four times a month. I'm never in jeans I hate jeans because they are all stretchy junk. I just want the hip hugger with flair bottoms like when I was in high school. They no longer make them as the nice lady at Old Navy told me. I guess not really a loss I never really liked that store anyways. I did find some jeans at Macy's.Yes, They have a little stretch to them which I'm not happy but old well they are a size five. I could even fit into a four but my thighs won't.
( There was a picture here Google took it off with most of my pictures on my blog. I don't know why I apologize in advance.)

 Here is me with my Popsicle doing squats. He is my weight of 34 pounds. Trust me I feel it with 30 lunges each leg and then 20 regular squats. 

I really need a full body picture I'm more then happy with my arms and body overall. My hard work, dedication and consistency has really paid off. My Journey isn't over yet still working on my six pack with a no processed food no meat unless my hubby makes me eat chicken which just kills me. I had to fight him on this last time he wanted me to eat chicken. It really upsets my stomach I'm a veggie, fruit ,water, protein shake kind of person. 

I'm happy with that I still have my cheat days once a week you have to in order to stay on this kind of lifestyle.  It is a life style not a diet. My weakness above all is cookie dough ice cream and maybe pizza. Until next time just remember it takes time to meet a goal in fitness. It has to be your goal not anyone elses. Get fit for you challenge yourself to be better then you were yesterday. Have fun with it make it work for you.

Valentine’s Day, what’s the big deal?

That is what my ten year old asked me. I had to think before I told him It's a time to share how much you love someone. My son confused at first then added that there doesn't need to be a special day to say I LOVE YOU! He's right my his daddy always says I love you with flowers, notes on our chalkboard cabinet and simply just being there for us. We celebrate life and love daily in our household I'm forever telling my boys I love them to the moon and back. My little one likes to blow kisses to us. We pretend to catch his kiss and slap it on our cheek. My oldest still gives me a kiss before he leaves for school.  We decide that this year we will extend that love by putting a smile on someone else's face.

http://www.dosomething.org/loveletters#1

Write and create a Valentine's day card for a Senior Citizen. I have to say I have never thought about this subject too often since I went to Mother Daughter work day when I was a teenager. My mother has taken care of elderly people all her life. It was sad to see all those men and women sitting in there rooms doing nothing but rioting away. No one to talk to no one to care to stop by and say hello. It's sad so let's spread the love together sign up today to make someone SMILE!

Depression and isolation in older adults affects people of all backgrounds. 

AN ESTIMATED 6 PERCENT OF PEOPLE AGES 65 AND OLDER IN A GIVEN, OR APPROXIMATELY 2 MILLION INDIVIDUALS IN THIS AGE GROUP, HAVE A DIAGNOSE DEPRESSIVE ILLNESS

http://www.dosomething.org/loveletters#3

Click on this link to print out a list of places you can send your cards to. They list all states there are few of them in Florida. We are sending ours too 

Seniors First, Inc 5395 LB McLeod Road, Orlando, Fl 32811 

 Justin would like to send candy as well we will  be creating a few goodies bags to go with our cards. So far he has made ten cards all different. Christopher two right now with my help. 

Find one in your state have fun spread the love!

Life size

I'm always looking for things to keep my boys occupied

in our free time instead of sitting in front of the TV or on the computer as I type my little is at his desk drawing a picture for daddy. After Christmas we always have tons of wrapping paper left in order to keep Santa alive I have to find a way to get rid of the paper from the year before. That will leave less questions in the near Future. 

We took the left over gift wrapping paper to make life size portraits. I traced the boys then they did the rest. 

Here is Justin's although it looks like my Popsicle is drawing on it. This picture made me laugh because Justin is kneeling down as Popsicle is standing in front as I take the picture. It took them about a week to complete it. A self portrait of themselves takes time between school, homework, basketball and dance for Justin. Now that my Popsicle is more into sports we are always outside. I can't keep him in the house. I'm not complaining at all I like the fact we find better things to do with our time as individuals as well as a family. It keeps us on our toes not to get too lazy. 

Here is Christopher he moved that's why his shoulder looks bigger then it actually is in real life. He had a blast but kept complaining that there were lines in his pictures do to the tile floor. He was too funny. Just an ideal to think about to keep the kids busy. Have fun as always live life to the fullest it only comes once. 

Rope Fitness

I have blog about this before but I thought showing you a video of my oldest trying out the rope would be great. Mind you the rope is way to big for him in the first place. We only let him do it as long as the video then we played basketball for about 45 minutes. Let me tell you my arms were jello I never thought it would be so hard to left a basketball up after my workout. Mind you there isn't a pole to rap it around for my hubby to work it so I volunteer to sit in between it. From experience don't do it. I had to put my hands up in order not to get hit with it as my hubby slide me across the floor with it. I ended up with a hardwood floor burn on my butt.That sounds so funny as I type it. We workout for about two hours a day together as a family between lifting weights,playing basketball, running and classes such as kickboxing,step and zumba it's all our road to fitness. If you want it bad enough you will find a way to get in shape NO EXCUSES! 

Christmas lights in Port St John

 Port St John, Fl Holiday Houses

I thought I would share some of these awesome pictures from Christmas that is now long gone. 

The whole neighbor hood was lite up. I haven't seen anything like this since I was a kid. I never did get the name of the subdivision that put this on. 

The Santa one was neat.

This one above was my favorite longtime Winnie the Pooh fan.

This one was all decked out. Hope you liked all the lights I guess this neighborhood puts this show on every year. Just remember to turn your headlights off as you drive through. 

Disney World Christmas Eve

                                                 Bucket List markdown here we go.

                                      37. Take the boys to Disney World for Christmas.CHECK

I didn't think we would be able to do it this year but I'm glad we did. It was even better that my sister,mom and my little niece Eva were able to share this Journey with us. My sister has never been I was surprised my baby sister had a great time!

She is a big kid herself she was really excited calling everyone telling them where she was at. She was a total spaz she was more excited then the kids were. It was a blast! A little cold during the morning hours it was a jacket pants kind of day. The shops were insane it reminded me of New York tons of stuff you can buy. Just an F.Y.I wait to buy your stuff at the end when you are leaving which leaves your arms free all day. That's what we did.

We had to stop by and see Buzz. It was funny how my little one just carried on a conversation with him like he knew him for years. We had to dance with Frozone  I believe was a women inside the suit.

Justin and I got down but Eva not so much danced the super hero dance.

 Tea cup ride we are holding on for dear life

as my hubby tries to make us all dizzy with the help of our other son. 

Boys with the little mermaid Christopher was being funny as you can see his eyes are closed. He just saw the movie the lady in this picture kept in character. I liked that everyone who was at Disney had very high energy. It was great!

We had to fight aliens!

Love the Castle! 

The castle was beautiful in with that saying it was over crowed. My hubby almost got into a fight because some old man about 50 or so thought it was a good ideal to push his way though the crowd to try to get past our son. The man started talking trash which lead my hubby to tell him to show him. I almost had a heart attack for as long as we have been married I have only seen him get mad once. Again at another old man who pushed our son in our house not a good thing to push our son then when he was two or now that he is ten. I made him count to ten and breath we all had to. My sister almost dropped my niece thanks from an adult who two handed push her and others to get through the crowd. Thank god the stroller saved her from the concert because that wouldn't have been good for the adult. There wasn't a place where you weren't elbow to elbow or butt cheek to butt cheek with someone waiting for the fireworks to start.

Still not a stroller place there were too many people pushing the stroller I felt bad for my niece who was in an umbrella stroller and my Popsicle who was in a jogging stroller. The adults there were the worst of all.You would think they would get the hint that it's a kids place. Christopher had to be saved by me at the end of the night from being trampled on by adults. Hubby had to save him once again by another adult from falling on him as we were leaving. It was insane at the end of the night. There where just way too many people other then that it was a lot of fun. Thinking about next year already. My advice pick any other day beside Christmas Eve to go to Disney World if not leave before the castle lights up with fireworks. It's a lesson learn I guess if I had to do it over we would have just picked a spot up by main street to sit and wait for the fireworks to start.  Over all My mom had a blast she loved it made her feel like a kid again. She was able to go on rides with her grandkids and be silly.

Super Dad to the rescue!!!! 

Things to know for next time
1. Bring a jacket in December it will get cold once the sun goes down.
2. Be aware of stupid people mainly the ADULTS who have NO common sense that it's a children's place.
3. Get a spot up by main street if you want to watch the fireworks and stay don't leave till the crowd leaves.
4. Buy your stuff at the end
5. Take a backpack to put all your goodies in
6. Take a camera
7. Have fun
8. Be a kid again

Justin's steps

                                               My son's steps to make a difference


I have decide to turn his page into a post until I fix the his page for 2014. Just a little ideal of what he has done in the last two years to help out.

April 2012
Justin Steps to make a difference is what he wants to call it. Hubby and I were talking about the website I just bought coffee from when Justin walked into the room "What can I do to Help?" We explain to him why we bought coffee from Three Avocados(http://www.threeavocados.org/) instead of from the store. Now, He wants to turn it into a project for school. We are having a bake sale which all proceeds will go to Three Avocados.If you would like to help out please email me. Here are the things we have came up with so far. Mind you most if not all are Justin's idea's. If you have any more idea's please contact me. I also have a facebook page to www.facebook.com/placesintime



1. Donate reusable bags to a local food pantry.(Monthly)
2. Have a bake sale May 5th for Three Avocados
3. Help save the Polar bears by donating $10.00 a month for a year to WWF. Already started this month(http://www.worldwildlife.org/gift-center/gifts/Species-Adoptions/Polar-Bear.aspx?sc=AWY1200WCGF1&gclid=CNirp_nA1q8CFQpY7AodCSKVEA)
4. Plant a tree with Mom and Dad.
5. Help out Sea Turtles by adopting one. http://www.seaturtle.org/adopt/
6. I will donate my time to a local shelter. ( He has to wait till he is a little older to do this by his self.)http://www.theanimalrescuesite.com/clickToGive/home.faces?siteId=3&ThirdPartyClicks=PF-PublicPages-text_Bottom
7. Help raise money for a children's playground.( This is a long work in progress)
8. Nine random acts of kindness on my birthday.(http://mixmingleglow.com/blog/?p=1358)
9. Make someone smile daily
10. Help children who are being abused by Taking a Stand in Stopping Child abuse.I'm in the process with my son on creating a product to sell for children safety.(http://www.nspcc.org.uk/)
11. Play WeTopia with my mom. It really helps kids all you have to do is play.
Here are some links of Justin's Step's.


http://lifeisonlywhatyoumakeit.blogspot.com/2012/09/acts-of-kindness.html
http://lifeisonlywhatyoumakeit.blogspot.com/2012/05/this-is-playground-justin-is-trying-to.html

12.Making a cookbook to sell for playground equipment.(pictures will come soon with a link to buy)
13. Catching fish for a fish fry.
14. Babysitting
15. Baking bake goods giving them away to see a smile.

There are a few steps my son is still working on in the year 2013. The biggest step he has made is in his own age group. He stands up for the ones who can't. My son Justin is the reason I'm a better person everyday. My hubby and I are amazed by his acts of kindness daily. We love you Justin very much.
1. Help our Men and Women by buying coffee from a Cup of Joe every month.
https://www.greenbeanscoffee.com/coj/

2. Visit a children's hospital to make them feel better and make some new friends.(couldn't do it last year still too young)
3. Help out with children who need help
4. Justin will Jump Rope for a little girl name Lexi who needs a new heart on Feb 20,2013. He raised $40.00 on his own by asking friends and family here in Tampa and in Michigan to donate money. He will jump for 45 minutes. It takes Heart to be a Hero! The American Heart Association puts this on every year at his school. www.heart.org

Happy New year 2014

What a year for The Needham family I couldn't ask for more. Last night was amazing we stayed home for once. We played all sorts of music from 1978,1992,1995,1999,2000,2003 and 2013. I have to say music back then was much better now. I could play all of it without having to worry about someone saying the F word. Justin was looking at us like yup they are old! Christopher and I was rocking to Mc Hammer dancing while the hubby played the DJ singing to 3 doors down. We had to bust out with Bye bye bye from Nsync. You know you will get up and dance it's a classic! 

Now, That's funny saying it's a classic it's old school still much better then Miley Cyrus today. 

Up to the New Year Justin and the hubby played Minecraft. You build stuff on the site just like you would in a real house. They had a blast just their conversation alone was about the cutest thing ever. It mad me realize that my ten year old is growing up before my eyes. I remember celebrating our first New Year together we talked on the phone with the hubby well I talked he just listen Since then it's amazing how life turns out.

We spent the last ten minutes of 2013 reading our notes of special events of last year. We wrote them down throughout the year and put them in a glass jar to open on New Year's Eve. Going to the beach was one of our favorites. Here are just a few of moments.

1. Going to Disney

2. Justin making team captain in soccer

3. Taking Justin to wet n wild for his birthday

4. Justin learning how to surf

5. Christopher made the newspaper

6. Watching the rocket launch

7. Sitting outside looking at the stars with my hubby

8. Mom and sister coming to visit

We will be working on our new bucket list for 2014 while we still mark off things from before. I hope you all had a great year. Good luck to the new 2014 Set goals and make them happen only you have control of what the New year will bring.