Home Again

Vinson & Tanek are finally home from the BSA  National Jamboree. They had such a great time. We spent the past two days listening to their stories and looking at pictures and video. They are hoping to go again in four years. 

Check out this Youtube video of Tanek on the Big Zip Line. I think he enjoyed that the most!

If  you want to read more about their trip check out Tripping with Vins .

BSA National Jamboree 2013

My husband and oldest son just arrived at Summit Bechtel Reserve this morning for the BSA 2013 National Jamboree. They will be having all kinds of fun for the next 12 days. You can follow their daily adventures at Tripping with Vins . 

Paparazzi June Promotion

There is no better time than June 2013 to join Paparazzi Accessories! Paparazzi is having an incredible promotion. Throughout the month of June if you join with a starter kit you get 25 extra pieces! That means if you order a $300 kit you get 125 pieces of jewelry. If you sell all 125 pieces of jewelry at $5 each, you will bring in $625. That is a great value! 

Paparazzi is so fun and easy to sell. Women love this jewelry and they love the $5 price. Every piece is trendy and affordable. If you are looking to make a little extra money or want to make Paparazzi a full time job, it is possible. Don't miss out on this chance, contact me for more info about how to become an Independent Consultant for Paparazzi! Tomorrow is too late, if you want to make a change, do it today!!

First Steps to Running a Sucessful Scout Group

Sometimes we get thrown into positions without a guide to help us start out. We really want to see our group succeed but are left floundering in the question of what do I do first? 

Here are some tips that have helped me get my scout group up and running smoothly:

#1 - If you already have leadership positions filled that is great! If not, start trying to recruit people that you think will be helpful in making your group a success. Let them know what their position requires of them.

#2 - Pick a date and sit down with your leadership and plan out your calendar for the Program Year. This includes dates for meetings, trips, events, fundraisers and what badges will be worked on at meetings. You want to find a quiet place and have at least 4 hrs free to get this done.

#3 - Make a list of rules for your group.

#4 - Create a budget for your group! Determine which things the group will pay for and which things families will pay for out of pocket. This will determine exactly how much money you need to make on fundraisers.

AHG - Nature & Wildlife Badge - Part 2

We finally finished up our Nature and Wildlife Badge for the Explorers. 

For Req. #4 the girls made pinecone birdfeeders to take home. 

For Req. #8 I put together a PowerPoint Presentation about Water Conservation. After watching it, we took the girls to the nearby bayou which is right next to the towns walking track and they picked up litter along the bayou. They were able to remove two garbage bags full of trash!

Toddler Onesie

Yesterday my daughter got rid of some clothes that no longer fit her. One of the shirts was an old Cub Scout t-shirt from when her older brother was in scouts. She wanted to save it for her baby brother to wear when he gets older. I said I have a better idea, lets turn it into a onesie.

I got one of Finn's oneises he currently wears and used it to trace a pattern onto the t-shirt. I cut it out and brought it over to my mother-in-law who sewed it up and we attached some velcro to the bottom for a closure. I think it came out really cute!

AHG - Nature & Wildlife Badge

Here are some of the things we did in Troop LA0101 for the Explorers to earn the Nature & Wildlife Badge. Feel free to use the info for your troop.

Req. #6 - We took the girls on a 4 mile hike on the Wild Azalea Trail near Woodworth, LA. The girls each brought a notebook & pencil. We stopped at 3 different habitats, sat silently and they wrote down what sounds they heard. We discussed their findings at each stop. The girls loved the hike and leaders enjoyed it too!


Req. #7 - I put together the following Powerpoint presentation and we discussed each animal: Unfortunately the videos I added did not work but the presentation is still usable.




Req. #10 - I put together the following Powerpoint Presentation and we discussed each fruit or nut:





We still have Req. #8 to complete and one more optional requirement before we complete the badge. We plan to do optional Req. #4 by making pinecone bird feeders at our next meeting for the girls to take home. 

Moms Day Off

As a SAHM who homeschools life can get overwhelming sometimes. Luckily, I have a husband who understands and tries to help out when he can. Sometimes it's a just a few quiet moments to myself and other times he gives me a whole day off.

Yesterday he surprised me with a sitter (thank you Betty!) and a trip to Natchez for the Spring Pilgrimage Tour of Antebellum Homes. He didn't even tell me where we were going. Just told me what time to wake up and to be ready. I had no clue that this was the trip he had in store.

When we got to Natchez we picked up the tickets for the tours and a carriage ride. We were able to tour the House on Ellicot Hill 1798, The Towers 1798, Stanton Hall & Longwood. My favorites were The Towers and Longwood. The Towers is privately owned and absolutely gorgeous. They also have a sculpture garden with sculptures from artist of New Mexico. The owner lives in the house and also gives private tours by appointment. Longwood is a museum that can be toured year round. Longwood was never completed due to the start of the Civil War and the family losing much of its fortune during the war. It is such a unique house. It has an octagon shape and 5 floors. Only one floor was completed. The tour takes you through the first and second floor of the house. An absolute must see!

We broke up the tours with lunch at Magnolia Grill. We ate Bayou Egg Rolls and Bacon & Cheese Samburgers. So delicious and we were stuffed when we left.

We finished the trip with a carriage ride tour of downtown Natchez. The weather was perfect and the carriage ride was relaxing and showed many of downtown Natchez's old homes.

Thanks to my husband I had a wonderful relaxing day with him. Knowing that my children were well cared for in my absence, let me truly enjoy my time away and I was able to come back home renewed.

Fun Photo Friday

Nurse In at Sydney Caf'e

At a Sydney cafe a nursing mother is asked to stop breastfeeding because it is offensive. Read the story here: http://au.news.yahoo.com/nsw/latest/a/-/latest/16241625/breastfeeding-offence-to-humanity/

Vocabulary Spelling City Review Begins

I have been invited to review a website to help children with spelling. In a few weeks I will let you know about our experience with Vocabulary Spelling City.


Disclosure:
I've been given a Premium Membership to VocabularySpellingCity.com for a candid, personal, online review.
VocabularySpellingCity helps students study word lists using 25 different learning activities such as Unscramble, Hangman, WordFind, and Crossword Puzzle. Parents can create their own spelling lists, find published lists already available on the site, or use any of dozens of free teaching resources on topics such as Multiple Meaning Words and Possessive Nouns . Be sure to come back in three weeks to read about my experience.
There might be more free memberships available for bloggers. If you're interested, find out how you can review VocabularySpellingCity.com.

Dark Bayou

I recently read the book Dark Bayou by author Nancy K. Duplechain. The story is set in Louisiana, in Cajun Country, and centers around a young woman named Leigh and her niece Lyla. At the start of the story Leigh is living in California but is summoned home by her grandmother when her brother and his wife die. When Leigh comes home for the funeral she starts to learn that she is needed in Louisiana to help keep Lyla safe from the "Dark Man"

I love supernatural stories and was pleased to find this book. I enjoyed reading a story where the author actually knew what she was talking about when she wrote about Cajun Country. The supernatural part was a new twist compared to books I've previously read, and I liked the back story that explained the Dark Man's existence. If you have a little time on your hands and are looking for a good read then check out "Dark Bayou".

Weird Wednesday - Zombie Apocalypse? Not!

Some residents in Montana got pranked yesterday when someone hacked into a television broadcast with the claim that the dead were rising. The TV station apologized for the broadcast and let viewers know that it wasn't real. Guess we will have to wait a little longer for the Zombie Apocalypse.

You can watch the actual broadcast below:

Dare to Care Challenge - Week 6 - Patience

Patience - Some days patience is hard to come by! Especially when you have little ones or a job that is stressful. Our challenge this week is to try to be more patient. 

When you start to feel your blood pressure rise, take a deep breath and slowly let it out. Patience can change the way you feel at the end of the day.

Fun Photo Friday

Christian Poems by J. J. Davis: Faith, Hope and Love - February 6, 1956

 If you are looking for a little inspiration for your day then check out this blog:

Christian Poems by J. J. Davis: Faith, Hope and Love - February 6, 1956: Photo by: Clint Mouser / Editing by: Lucrecia Mouser "Now abideth faith, hope and love," But greatest of them all; Is love, for God...

High Heel Phone

Talk to the phone, it's under my shoe! O2 is a company that is making phone shoes as part of a promotional campaign for O2 recycle. You can read more about the story here:  Digital Life on Today

Personally I don't want to talk to the bottom of my shoe. Just imagine all the things you may have stepped in today. Yuck!

Dare to Care Challenge - Week 5 - Helping Hand

This weeks challenge is to Lend a Helping Hand! 

Go out into your community and help someone. It can be big or small. There is always someone who can use a helping hand. 

Photo by: Lucrecia Mouser

From helping someone with their groceries to volunteering at the local animal shelter. You can do it! You will feel better about your day, and so will the person you helped.

Psych!

Psych is such a great show! We have been enjoying it on Netflix. If you haven't seen it, you should try it out. Psych is a fun, interesting tv show about a Physic Detective. Only, he really isn't psychic. His father, a police detective, trained him as a child to be super observant. As an adult he is now using those abilities to help the police solve crimes. 

Unlike other detective shows this one isn't so gory. The friendship/business partnership between Shawn and Gus is unique and can be quite hilarious at times. The relationship between Shawn and some of the other police detectives is quirky and makes the show even more fun. 

Unlike many other shows this one sometimes changes the theme song to fit the theme of that particular episode. From changing it to Spanish to having Boyz II Men sing it acappella you never know what's going to happen. Which, makes the show that much, more entertaining!

The 7th season of Pysch starts in just a few weeks and you can catch it on the USA Network. Psych is so popular that it has already been picked up for an 8th season. Starring in the show are James Roday, Dule Hill, Corbin Bernsen, Timothy Omundson, Maggie Lawson, and Kirsten Nelson. In later seasons, many of the episodes have guest stars, like Molly Ringwald, Judd Nelson, William Shatner,  Jason Priestly and so many more!

Fun Photo Friday

So, it's another video instead of a picture but Fun Video Friday doesn't sound as good :)

Weird Wednesday - Carjackers Can't Drive Car

If your going to try to steal a car, know how to drive one! Two car thieves try to steal a car but give up when they realize they can't drive a standard.

Here's a link to the story:Would-be car thieves gave up when they couldn't drive a stick - FOX 35 News Orlando

Dare to Care Challenge - Week 4 - Share

 This week lets talk about sharing. I know I always have more than I need. There are things I no longer need and it's time to let them go! So, my challenge for you this week is to go through your home and find those things you no longer need or want and give them a new home. Those items may no longer be needed by you but they could bless another person's life. If you don't have a friend or family member to give them to, take it to your local thrift store or non-profit organization that could use the items.

Comment below and let us know how you blessed someones life with items you no longer need.

Dog Show

Photo by: Lucrecia Mouser

Yesterday, Kaia and I went to the Dog Show at Rapides Coliseum. We both expected a little more pomp and circumstance. Guess, we've only seen the dog shows on Animal Planet. We thought there would only be one show happening at a time. Not so, there were at least 10 shows starting and finishing at different intervals. 

Photo by: Lucrecia Mouser

It was still fun to see all the different  breeds and how well trained and prepared the animals were throughout the process. Not only did we get to watch them as they were judged, we also got to see some as they were being groomed. I can't imagine the amount of time and money these owners spend to do this, but it looks like everyone was enjoying the competition.

Below is a short video of what we saw at the Dog Show:

 

Fun Photo Friday

Well today's post isn't a photo but it is a fun video. When we visited Oakley Plantation a chicken thought Tanek's shoe lace was a worm.

 

Paparazzi Promotions Blog: Now is the Time to Join the Party!

There are only 7 days left to get in on this great deal! If you decide to sign up please use my Independent Consultant # 9508.

Deciding to start your own business can be an intimidating and overwhelming process full of questions: Where do I begin?   Follow the link below for more info.

Paparazzi Promotions Blog: Now is the Time to Join the Party!

Weird Wednesday - Pizza Hut unveils pizza-scented perfume in Canada

 This is certainly an interesting choice in perfumes.

Pizza Hut unveils pizza-scented perfume in Canada

Dare to Care Challenge - Week 3 - Pamper a Pet

Photo by: Kaia Mouser

This week take a little time to show your pet you care. It can be as simple as taking a minute to give them a little extra attention. Not only is this good for your pet but it can also decrease your anxiety :)

Oakley Plantation Field Trip

Yesterday we decided to take the family out for a field trip. We packed snacks and picked up the kids friends and headed to St. Francisville. The trip was long but everyone was glad to be going somewhere and not stuck in the house. We set the GPS to guide us to Oakley Plantation.

The ride was just long enough to give Finnegan a good nap. There wasn't much to see along the way. Just houses, fields and road. When we arrived at our destination everyone was happy to get out and stretch their legs.

Oakley Plantation

We entered the museum and found out the tour would start shortly. We made our way down the path to the plantation house. The outside looks quite grand. It is a three story home with a sweeping staircase that rises to the second floor front entrance. The tour began on the bottom floor where we learned some history about the family and John James Audubon, who worked there as a tutor for a brief period. When the tour guide mentioned the matriarchs name was Lucretia everyone snickered and looked my way.

The tour guide offered lots of interesting information about the family and the home. He brought us through each area and pointed out furnishings and paintings that were original to the house. He was always happy to answer any questions.

After the guided tour of the house we continued outside to see the grounds and out buildings on our own. The kids were happy to run and play outside. There were also some short nature trails to hike along with info about native animals and plants.

We finally made it back to the museum/gift shop and read a little more history about the area. Everyone agreed it was a nice way to spend the day and we had all learned some interesting history. The drive home was uneventful. We dropped the guests at their homes and then made it safely back to our house.

If you are ever in the mood for a nice day trip then check out the Oakley Plantation. It is an Audubon State Historic Site in St. Francisville. The entrance fee was only $4 per person over the age of 12.

Below is a video of some of the things we saw as we toured Oakley Plantation. 

Fun Photo Friday

Paparazzi Facebook Giveaway!

Want to enter a giveaway? All you have to do is go to my Facebook Page - Magnolia Charms and LIKE it. https://www.facebook.com/magnoliacharms .

When I reach 100 LIKES everyone who has liked the page will be entered into a drawing for a chance to win the bracelet pictured.

Don't wait go like my page now!!!

Another way to get free Paparazzi jewelry is to host a Paparazzi Party! Comment below with your email address if you are interested in hosting a party.

Or join Paparazzi as an Independent Consultant and have fun while you work! Need more info let me know in the comments below or check out http://www.paparazziaccessories.com/9508.

I forgot to tell you, Paparazzi jewelry & hair accessories are only $5 each! You read that right $5 and it is cute, trendy and affordable. You won't find a better deal!

Redneck / Cajun Snowsled

 In Louisiana we don't get much snow, and when we do it isn't a whole lot of snow. So, in order to get the most enjoyment out of a snow day we have to think outside the box. Up north people have great snowsleds and awesome snowy hills to ride down. Not so in Louisiana.

A few years ago we had a nice batch of snow land on top of us. The kids (hubby included) were ecstatic! Vinson decided to drag out the snowsled we had in the barn. It was from a previous trip to Wisconsin where they really get some snow. Since the snow wasn't really thick enough to get a good slide down the hill, he decided to attach it to the riding lawnmower. Everyone had a blast! Watch the video below to see the adventure.

Weird Wednesday - Dragon Tree

On a recent hike in Chicot Arboretum we saw this very weird tree. The roots take on the appearance of a dragons foot. You don't see that everyday!

Dare to Care Challenge - Week 2 - Say a Little Prayer

I hope you felt your heart open with love in last weeks challenge. This week the Challenge is to Say a Prayer! If you already pray everyday then add in an extra prayer. You can never pray too much :)

Prayer can really heal the soul and uplift your spirit. Please share your experience in the comment section below.

Rayado and Kit Carson Museum - Philmont Family Program

Flylady Helps CHAOS

I love Flylady! It helps keep the CHAOS at bay in my house. She gives you simple, easy steps and tips to help you get your house clean and things in order. Sometimes I get busy and fall off the Flylady bandwagon but I always know I can jump back on the wagon.

If you are having trouble with CHAOS (Can't Have Anyone Over Syndrome) then check out the website http://www.flylady.net/. Flylady will help get you back on track :)

Good luck and happy flying!

Paparazzi January Sign Up Bonus

If you haven't signed up with Paparazzi yet then you are missing out on an amazing opportunity! The jewelry is fantastic and it practically sells itself. I have had people buy the necklace I was wearing right off my neck. Everyone loves the jewelry and they love the $5 price even more!

This January we have a special sign up bonus. When you sign up if you purchase a starter kit you get 15% more items in your kit for free!!You can make even more profit with your starter kit purchase! Don't wait, sign up today!! When you sign up please use my Independent Consultant ID # 9508. If you have any questions please let me know. Email me at mortal2112@yahoo.com

Dare to Care Challenge - Week 1 - Spread the Love

I'm gonna try a little something new. We are going to try a weekly Dare to Care Challenge! This will be the first week and my challenge for you is to tell 5 people that you love them. It can be your spouse, kids, parents, friends. You can say it, message it, text it, mail it , whatever works for you. Just let the people you love, know how much you care! Feel free to tell more than 5 people. I think once you start you'll realize just how many people out there make a difference in your life.

I would love to hear about your experience in the comment section! Now go out and spread the love!!!!

Homeschool Park Day

Spent a wonderful day today at the park with friends! We left the house this morning and met several homeschooling families at the Evergreen Park. My husband has informed me that the park's real name is Cappell Park.

Photo by: Vinson Mouser

The adults had the pleasure of talking to other adults. Yay!!! The kids enjoyed playing and visiting. The little ones ran and played on the swings and slides. The older girls visited and climbed the jungle gym while the older boys played cards at the picnic table.

The only drawback was the cold. It wasn't too bad when the sun was out, but when it decided to disappear behind the clouds we were left shivering. Everyone wanted to stay longer but it was getting colder and we all had to get home. Finnegan wore himself out at the park and fell asleep as soon as the car started. Can't wait for the next park day and visiting with friends!

A Hiking We Will Go!

 
Vins decided the last day of 2012 was a great day for a hike. He was right! We headed out to Chicot Arboretum, minus Tanek who didn't feel like going, for a nice hike. The drive there was uneventful and the weather looked promising.

It was chilly when we began our hike. We decided to take the wetlands trail, which is a nice short hike with some hills and a boardwalk over the wetlands. Finnegan loved being outside and exploring nature. He played in the leaves that were scattered along the trail and chased Kaia up and down the hills. He learned to say tree and thought it was fun to hug trees as we hiked. 


About halfway through the hike it started to warm up. Chicot has benches along the trail and a gazebo in the wetlands area. We stopped a few times to rest and enjoy the peace and quiet. We didn't see any other people while we were there. We did see lots of birds and heard their friendly chirping. 



Near the end Finnegan got tired and wanted to be carried. After about ten minutes of being carried he got another spurt of energy and decided to finish the trail on his own two feet. Kaia and Vins finished the last of the trail with a race uphill. Kaia won:)

It was a beautiful way to end 2012. I hope we get to spend more time hiking in 2013.