they all blow up

04 Mar 2010 by Mama

On Monday night Sam threw up. He started around 11 and it went on for hours. In the morning he was fine. Ate everything. Was normal.

Until last night. Ryan heard him crying just as we were going to bed and went in to check on him.

“I was blowing up, Dad!”

Again with the washing sheets and layering a little bed of blankets and towels on the floor of my room and getting a bowl and a bunch of cloths to have ready.

Did I mention that I have a really terrible cold that I suspect could be bronchitis? But because I have a pilot in training as a husband, and it is necessary that he not be tired for his flights, it is up to me to be up with any sick babies. Coughing up a lung or not.

So, this morning after I got Jesse fed and ate a little breakfast, I downed some Theraflu and told Kait that I was going to take a nap.
I slept for 4 hours.

I woke up to this from Kait. “Mom, I’m the only one who hasn’t gotten sick.” (however, since writing this post she has contracted the bomb and is blowing up, too.)

While Sam is appearing well now, the rest of the boys are all blowing up today.

The fun never ends around here.
But I’m so thankful for my daughter who let me sleep through it all, taking care of the sick children herself so I could get some rest.

Category: Mama Tags: about the kids 4 Comments

Kait

02 Mar 2010 by Mama

Kait turned 15 last month. I had a post all formulated in my mind but it included a very funny video I haven’t had the chance to edit. So I’ll have to post that later. It’s not something I want any of you to miss.
We really had fun putting together her birthday treasure hunt.

I didn’t want to put off her birthday post any longer. So, here it is.

: kaitlyn at 4 months – so, so long ago

Kait,
I feel unworthy to be blessed with a daughter like you. Even before you were old enough to comprehend your purpose, you were changing my heart – and now everything about me is different.
You are a joy.

Thank you. Thank you for being you, so willing to help, ease a burden, and teach your brothers. Your heart for God is evident every day.

I’ve watched you grow from a little girl into a young lady. Once upon a time I didn’t want you to grow up. I was sad at the idea of you being an adult. But, now that you’re grown, I realize that this time in my life, where I get to watch you become a woman, is just as precious as the time I watched you take your first steps. And although I don’t laugh daily at silly things you say or do anymore (as I do with the littles), I am now finding myself in awe of who you have grown up to be.

Being your mom has been better than I could have ever imagined.
I love you.

Happy 15.

: kaitlyn at 4 months – so, so long ago

Category: Mama Tags: blessings, with a picture One Comment

Sam-elations – Revelations from Sam

02 Mar 2010 by Mama

Yesterday, Sam (2) said stuff, as he usually does.

In the morning while I was getting him dressed (in sweatpants & t-shirt) he said, “I’m going to look amazing!”

Then, after after lunch, when I trimmed up his hair, he said, “Now I look good!”

And after I brushed his freshly washed hair before bed he exclaimed, “I look like a princess!”
To which Ryan replied, shaking his head, ”I have not done a very good job with him”.

The rest of us were laughing our hind ends off.

Today he told me he was going to buy “the horse sh*t.”
Mind you – we don’t ever curse, we don’t watch tv, and we homeschool. So, I had to assume he meant something else. And after asking him to repeat himself a few times and show me what he was talking about I figured out that he meant he was going to buy “the whole set” – speaking of a LEGO set he saw in LEGO Joe’s magazine.

Sam says something everyday. Ryan and I tend to forget what it was he said last so I’m going to start writing Sam’s revelations here.

Category: Mama Tags: a toddler lives here Leave a Comment

you can’t hear me

01 Mar 2010 by Mama

I got this cold over the weekend. I felt bad on Friday, but was better on Saturday. Then, I was really feeling bad on Sunday. And today I feel better.

But I lost my voice.

Ryan called me to tell me he’d landed last night and would be home soon. I tried to ask him to pick something up for me but he couldn’t make out a word I was saying.

(If you were planning on calling me, don’t. Just text me. Or email me.)

I’ve never lost my voice before. Not even after yelling loud as a kid (or at a kid ;o).
It’s so weird to not be heard. Kait was calling a question to me from the kitchen. She couldn’t hear me answer and had forgotten that I have laryngitis.
The same thing just now happened again with Joe.

Before now, I hadn’t realized how much we yell in this small house. Not at each other. But toeach other. Now, my kids have to actually look at my face to see what I’m saying – but they forget that and just keep hollering, “Mom!”.

I’m glad that laryngitis is usually short lived.

Now, if I could only figure out a way to spread this non-contagious thing to the kids…

Category: Mama Leave a Comment

Contest Winners Posted HERE!

28 Feb 2010 by Mama

For ease of winner announcing and winnings claiming, all winners will be posted on this page. This means that you can always come back to this page to find out if you are a winner without having to scroll through all the other blog entries! YIPPEE!

Winner notifications will be left up for about a week.
******If you see your name here you can contact me here to give me your shipping info, if necessary, or to let me know how to contact you so I can send you info. Quite often winner notifications that I send by email go into the winner’s spam folder. There is nothing I can do about that and I am close to giving up on trying to contact winner’s by email altogether.

- The Rainbow Brite Doll winner is:
  Mami2jcn
- The winner of the Yoplait Smoothie giveaway is:
  Laura B

Note to winners:
I ALWAYS ship winnings (when applicable). I do my best to ship them within a week but life being what it is there are times when that just doesn’t happen. Please be patient if you haven’t recieved your package yet.
I WILL NOT be responsible for lost or damaged packages. This hasn’t ever happened but if you do not receive your package or it arrives damaged I am sorry but I will not be able to re-ship or substitute anything in cases like these.

Category: giveaway winners 7 Comments

who is that little boy who looks a lot like my baby?

26 Feb 2010 by Mama

Sam on his first birthday (now 2)

Today my 2 year old asked my husband, “What does God the Creator mean?” And I wonder what happened to my baby. And where was I when he got smart enough to wonder something like that?

And how does somebody intelligent enough to think up a question like that still forget where to pee?

It all happened overnight. I went to bed and he was still a toddler. Then I woke up and he was a small boy. He still can’t tie his shoes but he can get his boots on without my help. And although I still have to pour his milk for him, he can drink it out of a regular cup without spilling (most of the time).

And let’s not forget that he can put his shirt on the right way ICANDOITMYSELF.

His hands are still pudgy. I’ve still got time. But not much.

Tomorrow I might wake up to find him perusing college brochures.

Category: Mama Tags: a toddler lives here One Comment

Free Photo Coasters!

17 Feb 2010 by Mama

Hey – follow me on Twitter to keep up with freebies and stuff.

There are some freebies & cheapies available at Snapfish right now.

Here is what you need to do to get a set of 6 photo coasters (retail at $24.99) for free – and free shipping too!

Follow this link to open a new Snapfish account.
Upload six of your favorite photos (yellow box, says upload photos)
Close the photo upload box & click the “your account” link in the top right hand corner.
In your credits and offers, click to redeem your free photo coasters.
Then, in the search box in the upper left side, type in coasters.
Click the link for coasters, and follow the directions to personalize them.
Continue to checkout, look to make sure your credit was applied, and add the code PRESDAY for free shipping.

The Photo Mug deal (or anything you want, really) -

Using this link, create a new Snapfish account (you’ll receive a $10 credit upon checkout).
Upload a favorite photo or photos depending on what photo gift you want to create.
Click the “store” tab and find the “mugs” link (or any photo gift link you want) on the left hand side.
I picked the commuter mug. You can pick anything you want except prints for this deal.
After creating your photo gift continue to checkout and make sure your $10 credit shows up.
If after the $10 credit you still have a balance (other than shipping), open an Ebates account here. Search for Snapfish and click through for 7.5% cashback to complete your order at Snapfish.
Remember to use the code “presday” for free shipping.
Complete your transaction (mine cost $5.96 – and I’ll get $7.5% cashback from Ebates).
Excitedly check your mailbox everyday waiting for your cool package to arrive.

There are a few things you’ll want to know to make this deal go smoothly -

-You’ll need to still pay with a credit card if your order is free. But, you cannot pay with your Paypal balance on $0.00 orders.

-The PRESDAY coupon code is only good throught he 19th. So hurry. And it will not work on a prints order, just Photo gift orders.

-My redeemable credits included a free 4×6 inch photobook, too. Check to see if yours does. You can get these for free with the free shipping code, too.

***TIP***If your credit isn’t there you can easily remedy this situation by doing live chat with Snapfish. They are very quick to help. I’ve experienced this personally once when I was supposed to have a discount and they refunded me – no kidding – within a minute. So, don’t be afraid to chat with them about your issue. Snapfish customer service is excellent.

Let me know if you have any questions!

Category: Mama Tags: pinch-a-penny One Comment

To Googlibear on your birthday

15 Feb 2010 by Mama

Happy Birthday, Husband.

You’re graying. I think I spotted some thinning going on in the upper regions of your scalp. And maybe you’re a bit more wrinkled than you were yesterday.

But you can always rest in the fact that you will never be older than I am.

I love

love

love

you.

You make me laugh.
You make me feel better.
You keep me from taking myself too seriously.

You always have the right answer to, “How do I look in this?” or “How does my hair look?”
And I believe you.

You’re a good man. I’m completely blessed to have you for my husband.

So, again, happy birthday Googlibear.

P.S. You look like a princess (to quote Sam).

Category: Mama Tags: blessings 2 Comments

b-rated decorating – another finished project.

15 Feb 2010 by Mama

It’s the most horrible paint job ever.

And I love it.

And the kids love it.

It’s bright. It’s cheerful. It gives my dining area a completely new feel.

I learned a lot about spray paint this past week. In case you’re interested in embarking on a spray painting adventure of your own, I’ll give you a heads up on the stuff I learned while completing this, my first big spray painting project.

I learned not to start a spray paining project in the backyard before you take a look at the 10 day forecast.
I learned that 40 degree furniture does not like being sprayed with paint.
I learned to be okay with some drippage, or a little more than some drippage.
I learned that little boys are amazed at the site of multi-colored grass.
I learned not to spray into the wind.
I learned that it’s actually not a good idea to spray paint when windy at all.
I learned that small bugs are attracted to wet paint.
And small hands…
I learned to trust my kids instincts on color.
I learned that perfection is overrated.
I learned that a spray painting project takes longer than you think.
I learned that cheap spray paint is not necessarily the best value.
I learned that spray paint lids have multiple uses.
I learned that it is completely acceptable to blame every imperfection on cheap spray paint.

Whew! That was a busy week of learning!

[Table Then]
(that’s how much ice cream you need for 12 children and 4 adults)
read more on this story here if you’re curious
[Table Now]

The cost of a new table for our large family would be no less than $500 – and that is a cheap bargain table that wouldn’t hold up too long in this group. I spruced this table up for about $40 (though I recommend spending a little more and getting higher quality paint). It took a week because of the crazy weather. But, I could have had it done in 3 days easy if I had began this project with a few sunny, warmer days.

Though it’s not perfect, I am counting it as a success. I think it’s really cute and fun. And it adds a lot of life to the dining area.

Next project – wall art and picture hanging – b-rated style.

Stay tuned!

Category: Mama Tags: b-rated, pinch-a-penny, things that work, with a picture 2 Comments

Giveaway time – Rainbow Brite is back!

12 Feb 2010 by Mama

Guess who’s back?

[original Rainbow Brite doll with Twink]

I remember Rainbow Brite from when I was a little girl. I watched the mid-80’s cartoon with it’s many bright colors and rooted for Rainbow Brite and the Color Kids as they fought against the villainous Murkwell, all while clutching my beloved Rainbow Brite doll in my lap and donning a little blue star under my left eye.
I always wanted the little blue sprite, Hammy, for my own. Not a plush one, but a real one – a pet.

While I don’t recall ever getting a real Rainbow Brite Sprite in any color, I do recall loving my big Rainbow Brite doll and her talking horse, Starlite.

And now, even as an adult, I still have fond memories of Rainbow Brite. I keep a smaller, original Rainbow Brite doll and Twink, her sprite by my computer desk in my personal toy family.

Needless to say, when MomSelect offered to send me one of Rainbow Brite’s 25th anniversary friends to review here on my blog, I was more than interested. I waited on the edge of my seat for my package to arrive so I could introduce my current Rainbow Brite doll to her new and improved friend, Moonglow.

Now that I’ve had a chance to see both dolls side by side, I have to admit to being partial to the old Rainbow Brite. There are a few reasons for this, which I’ll explain in a minute. Before I get to that, however, I’d like to focus on the positive things about this new Rainbow Brite doll.

The new Rainbow Brite dolls are more like action figures for girls. They’re pose-able, really colorful, and quite stylish. Moonglow’s dress, quite short in the older versions of Rainbow Brite, now hits at her almost non-existent knees (thought her new cartoon self dress is a little shorter). And her curves, well, let’s just say she’s built more like a tall little girl and less like a blossoming teenager or woman. Her big blue and purple hair is fun and somewhat stylable, and her boots actually look like multi-colored moon boots, which I find absolutely hilarious.

However.

And this is a big however.

She is definitely made to look older and cooler. I think little girls are better off playing with dolls that more resemble babies and less reminds me of a fashion queen. The new Moonglow is not the pudgy cheeked doll the old versions of Rainbow Brite characters were. And, though she is an excellent alternative to Barbie and Bratz, I still tend to want to lump her in the same category of doll.

All that being said, however, I would let my daughter play with these dolls. They are cute, colorful, and lean towards a more modest wardrobe, with a simple and fun message about courage, kindness and friendship.

While I don’t know anything about what is going to follow the new doll releases, you can go here to learn more about Rainbow Brite in her 25th year.

This 10″ doll retails (from what I could find online) at around $30.

So, you think you might wanna win one?

Here’s what you do.

The rules:
While I’d love to be able to hand pick your choice of doll, I can’t. Should you win you will receive one of three 10″ dolls available. All of them are seriously adorable, so I’m sure you’ll be pleased with whichever one you get.
It is so easy to enter and there are 4 ways to win! You’re only required to enter using one method below to win, however, if you use all four methods you’ll have a better chance!

US address holders are welcome to enter per the rules below. Pay special attention to the closing date! You can enter 4 times by following the directions here by 2/22/2010. Everybody is welcome to enter – even if I ‘know’ you.

Leave a comment telling me what was your favorite childhood toy or show.
Leave a post on your blog or website spreading the news about this giveaway. Make sure to leave a link back here.
Twitter about this giveaway. The tiny URL for this is http://tinyurl.com/winmoonglow.
Subscribe to We Are Culbertson’s RSS feed.

To receive each entry you have to leave a separate comment for each of the 4 entries.

1 winner will be chosen on or around 2/23/2010.

We will announce it on the blog here. I’ll also email you if you’ve provided your email address. But, I can’t hang onto your winnings forever so make sure you check back!

Subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don’t miss any of our giveaways and winner announcements!!!
Contact me if you would like me to host your giveaway!
Visit this page to see our complete contest rules.
View our privacy policy.

Category: Mama Tags: giveaways 40 Comments

they all blow up

Kait

Sam-elations – Revelations from Sam

you can’t hear me

Contest Winners Posted HERE!

who is that little boy who looks a lot like my baby?

Free Photo Coasters!

To Googlibear on your birthday

b-rated decorating – another finished project.

Giveaway time – Rainbow Brite is back!

Subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don’t miss any of our giveaways and winner announcements!!!
Contact me if you would like me to host your giveaway!
Visit this page to see our complete contest rules.
View our privacy policy.

the basics

My Latest Posts

Blogs I Read

what am i doing?

Blogs Just Keep Rolling

go visiting

Subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don’t miss any of our giveaways and winner announcements!!! Contact me if you would like me to host your giveaway! Visit this page to see our complete contest rules. View our privacy policy.

the basics

My Latest Posts

Blogs I Read

what am i doing?

Tags

Blogs Just Keep Rolling

go visiting

Subscribe to our RSS Feed so you don’t miss any of our giveaways and winner announcements!!!
Contact me if you would like me to host your giveaway!
Visit this page to see our complete contest rules.
View our privacy policy.