Movie Mania

Two of my favorite book series have news this week. I'm a Potter Head and a Twi Hard so this is long awaited news for me. Every one is a nerd in some way- this is mine. Feel free to have a chuckle at my expense. I don't mind.

Tonight is the Eclipse release and I'm going with some of my friends to see it. Can't wait! It's a true girls night out including dinner, a lot of waiting in line, listening to some younger girls screaming over the cute boys and remembering fondly "those were the days" and possibly ice cream afterwards from my favorite place- Oberweis. If you've not had it you are missing out!

Equally exciting is the first teaser trailer came out for Harry Potter 7 this week. Here's a link if you've not seen it!

Wednesday: Allergy free recipes- pumpkin muffins

This is a great easy fluffy muffin recipe that does not have eggs or nuts. Plus since you don't add the oil it is pretty good for you too. Enjoy!

1 package spice cake mix

1 can of pumpkin

Mix together and fill your muffin tins. I love using mini muffins for this recipe. I've sprinkled it with powdered sugar, spread on melted cream cheese frosting to make a drizzle, put a dollop of cool whip on them and served them plain and they are always a big hit!

Bake at 350 for about 15-18 minutes. Mini muffins need to be watched carefully to make sure they don't burn.

Side note- it's best with these since they are so moist not to use muffin cups. Just spray the bottom of your muffin tin and they will come out nicely.

Tuesday: Effective Advocating- IEP goal bank

For those who have children with IEP's (Individualized Education Plan) or are interested in learning more here is one of the most valuable assets I have- the IEP goal bank. It's a google document so everyone should be able to look at it. 177 pages of sample goals organized for easy searching. It's a great resource.

IEP goals are a team decision, but you can bet the educators are prepared with their ideas so you should be too. Go in to the meeting with your plan and an open mind to listen to the other ideas presented and you'll leave with the feeling that you did your best to provide for your child's education. If your child already has an IEP look to last years goals and you can use this tool to help you build on those goals.

http://docs.google.com/fileview?id=0B9EOfg1w7YqGYjUxOTAwMTYtNWMwYi00YzY3LWJmODQtOWY5YjBhNjVjZjM1&hl=en&pli=1

Monday is Picture Day! Guess who?

So many people commented to me about how much Tyler and Spencer look alike I thought I'd post a guessing game today called: WHO IS IT ANYWAY?

I'll post the answers next Monday! Good luck!

Sunday: Week of Fun!- Plague

Well, another week of summer has gone past. It's been so hot it's hard to get out to do anything, but we managed a few things. I guess it was a good week to be sick since it was too hot to get out much anyway.

Monday- Library day! Finally my book is in that I wanted to start reading. I hurried to finish "Lightning" so I could read "Gone". Now I need the library to hurry it up with "Hunger" and "Lies" by Michael Grant. Also, did a training for our new babysitter.

Tuesday- The plague hit our house.

Wednesday-plague.

Thursday- Still plaguey.

Friday- recovering from plague- did the shopping in the evening, but not much else.

Saturday- Went to Aqua Port with Darrin's family. We went to J'Bucks for dinner with Darrin, Lex, and Parker. Maybe I'll take Thomas there for his b-day if it's good. He was looking forward to it, but had to stay home because of the plague.

Sunday- Went to church and relaxed. Hope to get in a nap. It's been kind of a bummer week with sickness hitting everyone and me just barely making it through, but feeling like I'm fighting to not get it.

Watched a lot of movies this week, read a few books. I guess it was kind of relaxing.

Saturday: I'm a Weight Watcher! I'm a Weight Watcher!

This week was all about Gizmo. Needless to say if I didn't have a dog I wouldn't have walked. Also, if I had a dog who would go potty in my yard I wouldn't have walked either. Never thought I'd say this, but: Thanks Gizmo!

Exercise Log for the week: We had sickness all week so my big plans to exercise a bunch didn't happen, but I got a bit in. I joined Sparkpeople.com and I might only do weight watchers once a month or so since that is about how often I can make a meeting anyway. So far sparkpeople seems good- at least the 4 days I've been on it now. Might be a tad too early to tell.

Monday- Walk with Gizmo 20 minutes

Tuesday- None

Wednesday- Walk with Gizmo 30 minutes

Thursday- Walk with Gizmo 20 minutes

Friday- Walk with Gizmo 20 minutes

Saturday- Swimming/sliding at Aquaport :) This part is thanks to my brother and his family for coming into town.

Friday: What I like about YOU!

Samantha Jane Atkins- aka Sammie!

Thomas- She's funny

Dereth- She is sweet and kind and sees the good in people.

Spencer- She is fun to play with.

Sammie- I love my name
Tyler- Sammie is nice to me and gave me a seashell.

Gizmo- she plays with me