Wow! It's been a long time!

It's been a really long time since we've posted a blog. Tori's been bugging me to post so maybe I should let her start posting?

Things are good at the Rees house. We've been really busy, but good.

Kenzie is now going to Pre-K full time and taking gymnastics. Tori is working hard at school (it amazes me what they learn in third grade these days) and in school choir, gymnastics and also playing piano. I'm managing to keep several balls up in the air as I'm still working for Juice In the City (now as a full time Manager) and also doing some project management consulting on the side. Tim's well-still busy at work and at home with his honey-do lists. Oh ya, and there's still Jakki-yep, she's still kickin' even after being diagnosed with a growth in her spleen and the didn't think she'd make it past September. The vet calls her the "miracle dog" and I'm not surprised as she never fails to amaze us with the crazy things she pulls.

We had a nice holiday season as we were able to spend a couple weeks in IL with family and friends.

Back to some Sunday family time, we'll try to post more often. In the meantime though, I'll leave you all with a sweet photo from right before Christmas.

Friday Dance Party!!!

http://screen.yahoo.com/father-daughter-dance-medley-27138015.html

Spam Email sent out yesterday and Email address update

Hello everyone.  I'm so sorry if you ended up with some strange emails from me yesterday.  Somehow my email went crazy sending out random spam messages to contacts in my address book.  Hopefully most of your spam filters caught it.  The email went out from kareytimtori@yahoo.com.  Please note my current email address is kareyrees@yahoo.com and you can block that kareytimtori@yahoo.com email if  you continue to get spam messages.

Sorry for those emails...it may be time to switch to gmail.

Have a great rest of the weekend,

Karey Rees

www.twogirlsjewelry.com

Two Girls Jewelry

Oh, my God! I can't believe that you haven't visited this site! You must do it immediately!.. http://laroyaleseresienne.be/link_friend.php?umshowtopic=06ci9

Living Wax Museum

Tori's open house theme this year was a Living Wax Museum. Each child had to study a historical figure and act their part the day of the open house. Tori was assigned Susanna Dickinson which was a learning experience for me as well. Since we aren't familiar with Texas history, it was good to learn about some of the great history of our new state. The kids were told they had to wear something we already had. SO...we dug this dress out of the dress-up box that I wore for a wedding in the early 80s when I was 11 old (which is why it's pinned and pulled up on Tori.) They all did a great job, they were so cute!

Friends...Albert Einstein and Susanna Dickenson

December 2010

December was full of fun things. We went to a glass blowing studio to make glass ornaments, Kenzie got to make her first Build-A-Bear, we had our community holiday party with Santa (whom Kenzie was NOT a fan), the girls both had class parties, and the activities just never seemed to stop.

Christmas however, was a quiet time this year...other than me trying to set our house on fire. Christmas Eve I decided to be a "big girl" and make a fire on my own while Tim was out smoking our dinner (on the smoker, not literally smoking it.) Well, I opened the flue, but apparently not all the way. We had a friend over for some cocktails when he and I realized the fire as awfully smoky. Suddenly our house was filled with smoke and we noticed it billowing from the fireplace. I watched as Tim literally threw his arms and hands into the fire to open the flue all the way. I still can't believe he didn't get burned-it was scary-there was a LOT of smoke. Tim to the rescue that night, that's for sure. Thank goodness we all took action and was able to clear the smoke within minutes. There was no damage...we were lucky. We also found out our fire alarm works well-the alarm company and the fire department called us within about 90 seconds.

November 2010

Thanksgiving was fun as always. My mom and her boyfriend came to visit along with my brother and sister-in-law and baby cousin Madi. We all had a blast, did a lot of "tourist" things and had a nice Thanksgiving meal (and even found out one of my ovens cooks 25 degrees lower than what you set it at.) They were here for a week which was a real treat. The girls couldn't get enough of "Baby Madi" and I think Madi felt the same about them.

November was also Tim's and my 11th wedding anniversary. He surprised me with a great new lens for my camera-so, warning-photo content going forward is going to be high ;)

October 9, 2010. Really???

Wow! Talk about slacking! October 9th was the last time we blogged. I get an "F" in keeping up, don't I? I guess facebook has completely replaced blogging for us. If you are on facebook, be sure to "friend" Karey for updates and photos.

Well, I'm not sure where to start. I guess I'll do a quick summary and post photos from the rest of 2010.

In October we decided that we could handle the remodel of the girls bathroom. To my surprise I think we actually did a great job. Tim let me do the tiling which I've always wanted to do and it was actually kind of therapeutic for me. We gutted everything except the tub and surround...and...it's all still standing! Halloween was great. The girls were so excited this year to be "fairies". Tori was a candy faerie and Kenzie was a cupcake faerie. We had a big bash with over 50 people and tons of kids. It was a great time and we'll probably do it again this year.

Sisterly Sleepovers

Every week the girls count down how many days until the weekend so they can have "sleepovers". They were especially excited this week for the three day weekend. Apparently things got a little "wild" tonight...Tim just went and checked on them and found this... I don't understand how sleeping like this is something to look forward to...

Mabel's Labels-Check 'Em Out!

Have you noticed my pretty little Buzzmama button down on the left? That's my Buzzmama Button! It means I am a proud Mabel's Labels Buzzmama.

As a Mabel’s Labels Buzzmama I'm acting as an ambassador for Mabel's Labels. If you're not familiar with them, you really need to check them out!

With two girls, we have a lot of stuff around our house and since they always like matching things, we have a lot of double items. I have tried many ways to keep each girl's items separated. From personalized plastic totes, to masking tape, to stickers, I have used it all. None of the methods have really worked.

I'm excited to say that I have finally found something that will make my life a whole lot easier. They are called Mabel's Labels and I am sure that if you are a blogger or just hanging around the blogging world, you have had the chance to hear and see all about Mabel's Labels. They are a truly unique and a great solution to organizing, labeling, and identifying your children's things (and your things too!) They have labels for just about anything-from sippy cups, to lunchboxes, to toys and clothes, there's a Mabel's Labels for everything around your home.

Last week, I was able to have the chance to review some of the products they offer. I have to say that all the items I got to review (6 in all) were VERY high quality and I'm hooked, forever. All their items are customizable with colors, names and the coolest and cutest little icons. I have to say my favorite are the Classic Sticky Labels. These labels are perfect for everything from a lunch thermos to school supplies to even personal items like toothbrushes! Best of all, they are both dishwasher and microwave safe and UV resistant.

There's definitely something for everyone at Mabel's Labels! Even celebrities like Jennifer Garner, Reese Witherspoon and Jason Priestly have been spotted with Mabel's Labels. They can't live without their Mabel's Labels and trust me, you won't be able to either once you get your hands on them (my labeler is going to feel abandoned.)

Mabel's Labels has been featured on shows like The View and The Early Show as well as numerous magazines such as Parents, The Washington Post, and Newsday.

For more information on Mabel's Labels and to see all of the wonderful products that they have to offer, please head over HERE. Some of my favorite are My 411 wristbands, personalized stationery items and bag tags. All products are manufactured in house at Mabel's Labels.

As a disclaimer, I receive some sample products in exchange for my honest opinions. The words expressed in this review are my own and not influenced in any way.

Friday Dance Party (kind of)

Canine Participation!!!

Friday Dance Party!!!

The "Brush Off"

So, Tuesday night I walked into my bathroom to find Kenzie with her shirt off and rubbing a hair brush against her stomach. When I asked her what she was doing, she looked at me like I had 3 heads and said, "Bwushing the Goldfish crumbs off my stomach!"

Well, then. How does one argue with that?

Couponing and Shopping Stuff has MOVED!

I've finally moved the couponing and shopping stuff over to another blog. You can now find all that stuff going forward at:

http://couponkarey.blogspot.com/

There will be a repost every day for about 15 days with some current stuff thrown in as well, then all new after that!

We'll stick to all personal stuff here. I may call out one or two things, but other than that, I'll try to stick to personal stuff.

Still unsure?

Are you still thinking about couponing but not quite sure if you want to take the plunge...Here's an example of what happens when you have a good stockpile and you're only shopping for either things you run out of (in my case, the pepper mill and Bush's beans) or things that are a great deal (the other stuff below.)

This is what I got at my Tom Thumb trip today (Safeway/Dominick's) all for $2.57 out of pocket (the regular price of the Jam alone is $2.98!)

(Retail price of these items is 16.92. That's an 85% savings. 3 cans Campbells soup, 1 Large Bush's baked beans, 2 boxes of popcorn, McCormick Pepper Grinder, and a jar of Smucker's Jam)

For those who are sick of reading the coupon posts, I'm going to be moving the couponing stuff to a different blog site.

Friday Dance Party!!!

Cmac, this one goes out to you...