Busted

I probably should have held off on posting this gem until "Wordless" Wednesday.

 

According to Katie, this is me and Chris on our wedding day.

She took some creative license:

Apparently, "that" is part of my dress - NOT what you were thinking - despite the freudian spelling of "best" on our wedding cake.

My eyes are not really blue.

I am not really over 6 feet tall, like Chris.

Chris has fingers.

Our priest had hands.

Chris is not Jewish.

While close, it was not the bust day of my life. Because I didn't have my kids yet. And while they are frequently responsible for the most frustrating days of my life - getting handed pictures like this at daycare pickup allows me to smile and laugh like I never did before.

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Nunchucks or not

Through the years, I've featured Katie in her various fabulous dance and gymnastics routines, dress up ensembles, real life dress up ensembles, humorous outlooks and other creative pursuits. And instead of losing the toddler/pre-schooler magic, her personality and perhaps a bit of her autism spectrum quirks have propelled her to continue to shine and entertain with her creativity. I actually have a few of those goodies lined up to share soon.

But, as Timmy advances from toddlerhood to pre-schooler...he's creating his own magic at The Other Boufs. And boy does this kid have moves! One night this week I came home late from work to find Timmy shirtless. And when I asked him about it, I was informed that he had to take it off...to do karate.




The funny thing is -  I'm having a bit a of deja vu as Tim transitions from baby to big boy (well a big boy who  enjoys wearing diapers a little too much.) My little brother is 4 1/2 years younger than me. And as every pre-school boy should be, he was obsessed with Jean-Claude Van Damme, Chuck Norris, and Steven Seagal. Like...at Timmy's age. Without ever having had a karate lesson, his impersonations of his heroes had some strangers on a Disneyworld vacation convinced that he was a 5yo blackbelt.

We competed against one another in improptu competitions in the living room - until he got too big and could beat me. I was convinced that his obsession was due to bad parenting - my dad's encouragement of his movie choices, the chinese stars and nunchucks that he received as tokens of my dad's affection.

But apparently, none of that really made a difference. It was just hardwired. And now, I am the parent of my own little karate impersonator. Nunchucks or not!

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Dr Seuss' The Lorax - Ticket Giveaway

Congrats CZ, Svetlana, Jess, Sarah Nicole, and Jenlewgal!!! 

We don't go to the movies that much. It's pretty expensive for a family of 4, but moreso, we're just busy. So we generally wind up watching movies together at home. By the time we get to them they're available to rent anyway. Plus, we're so in tune with our DVR that we rarely see commercials for new movies. But once in awhile a movie comes a long with such a buzz that you have to check it out. Or, you happen to catch part of a commercial that is so colorful and eyecatching while you're fast forwarding that you have to rewind to see the whole thing. Or there's a superbowl ad that has you and your kids excited.

For all of these reasons and more, my family is eagerly awaiting the opening of  The Lorax, which comes to theaters on Friday, March 2. My kids love all things Dr. Seuss - the books, the cartoons, the movies,  the dress-up costumes, the musical - I know this is going to be a new favorite in our house.

If you're as excited as we are, or just enjoy saving money, enter below to win 1 of FIVE family prize packs. The prize packs include: 4 free passes to the advance screening of Universal Pictures’ DR. SEUSS’ THE LORAX  on Saturday, February 25 at the AMC Cherry Hill. Showtime is 10am, but you should be prepared to get there early to guarantee your seats.

To enter, leave a comment below. Let me know your favorite Dr. Seuss book or character. Or tell me who you're excited to see this movie with.

Extra entries: Follow me on Twitter @JulieBouf, become a google friend connect follower of this blog, or tweet this giveaway (including link to post and @JulieBouf). Leave a comment for each extra entry.

Winners will be chosen randomly and notified on February 12th. Make sure to leave your e-mail address or twitter ID in your comment. Need more than 4 tickets for your family? Have your significant other or kids enter too!

Synopsis:

From the creators of Despicable Me and the imagination of Dr. Seuss comes the 3D-CG feature Dr. Seuss' The Lorax, an adaptation of the classic tale of a forest creature who shares the enduring power of hope. The animated adventure follows the journey of a 12-year-old as he searches for the one thing that will enable him to win the affection of the girl of his dreams. To find it he must discover the story of the Lorax, the grumpy yet charming creature who fights to protect his world.

Danny DeVito will lend his vocal talents to the iconic title character of the Lorax, while Ed Helms will voice the enigmatic Once-ler. Also bringing their talents to the film are global superstars Zac Efron as Ted, the idealistic youth who searches for the Lorax, and Taylor Swift as Audrey, the girl of Ted's dreams. Rob Riggle will play financial king O'Hare, and beloved actress Betty White will portray Ted's wise Grammy Norma.

Dr. Seuss' The Lorax is the third feature created by Universal Pictures and Illumination Entertainment (Despicable Me, Hop). http://www.theloraxmovie.com

IN THEATERS NATIONWIDE MARCH 2

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The Katie File

It's been awhile. I know. And I was figuring that since I've jumped back into attending a bunch of blogger events, I should probably start to blog again. With that in mind - file this one under "Posts to pullout during the teenage years."

Sunday night we were driving home after a long day out - just me and the kids. Katie pondered, "Mom, do you think Daddy's going to be upset that we left him alone by himself for all of that time?"

Heh. Right!

I explained that daddy was probably very happy to be home by himself. Amongst a flurry of questions I explained that daddy probably got a chance to take a nap or play video games or do something else that he wanted to do. In fact, he'd probably want to thank me for all of that alone time.

She wondered, since he'd be so appreciative, would he give me a kiss?

Playing along, pretending that he would actually be so gracious as to recognize how wonderful I am and thank me AND that we thank each other with kisses, I replied, "Oh, I hope so!"

There was some pondering silence and then:
Do you think he'll stick his tongue inside your mouth?

?!?!?!?!!?

"Katie, what are you talking about? Daddy doesn't do that..."

She assured me that oh yea, she had seen that for herself before. She saw him do it. He really did.

I thought back and decided that perhaps recently we had given each other a peck and when the kids moaned and acted like we were gross - he may have gotten a little carried away in giving them something to really be grossed out about.

"Katie, you know, sometimes husbands and wives do that because they really love each other."

"No way, they do NOT!!!" (hey wasn't she the one who witnessed it?; I still don't believe it actually happened.)

"Yea, Katie. Actually, when you get bigger - like old enough to have a husand - you might actually like it."

And then she promised me:
"No, I will NOT. That's gross! If my husband EVER tries to stick his tongue in my mouth.....I'll kick him in the face!!"

And just a little motherly advice, if a boy ever really does just stick his tongue in your mouth - you probably shouldn't kick him in the face. But it does mean he's not a very good kisser.

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Last Chance: Miranda Cosgrove & Greyson Chance at the Mann 4-pack Concert Ticket Giveaway

Congrats to Mel for winning the
4-pack of concert tickets!
(7,1-9, generated by random.org)

As the mom of a 6-year-old daughter, I am hosting this giveaway with great excitement. While Spongebob is still a favorite, I hear more and more from her about who today's teenage stars are dating and the fact that she plans to name her children after actresses from iCarly and the like. (even if her future son is still slated to be named "Pepito" from the Madeline series.) Since she also wants to be a singer herself someday, I am thrilled to be taking her to see Miranda Cosgrove w/ special guest Greyson Chance.

The star of Nickelodeon’s hit TV series iCarly tours in support of her new EP, High Maintenance, following her highly successful “Dancing Crazy Tour”.

The actress/singer launched her music career in 2007, when she scored a hit with the theme song to her own TV show. In 2009, her song “Raining Sunshine” landed on the soundtrack for “Cloudy with a Chance of Meatballs”. One year later, Miranda released her debut album, Sparks Fly, featuring the hit single “Kissin U” which reached No. 8 on the Billboard 200 charts.

Her breakthrough acting role came in 2002, when she played the role of Summer Hathaway in the big screen comedy “School of Rock” alongside Jack Black. In the wake of “School of Rock”’s success, she was cast in a supporting role on the Nickelodeon sitcom Drake & Josh.

In April 2010, then 13-year-old Greyson Chance posted a YouTube clip of himself performing Lady Gaga’s “Paparazzi”, which became an instant viral sensation viewed by more than 28 million people. Just two weeks later, he was invited to appear on The Ellen DeGeneres Show where he chatted confidently with DeGeneres, performed “Paparazzi” and fielded a congratulatory on-air phone call from Gaga herself. At present, he is earning kudos for his original compositions including “Stars” and “Broken Hearts,” which have racked up more than nine million collective views & is expected to release his debut album Hold On “Til The Night this summer according to Billboard. “I want people to be able to feel what I’m feeling when I’m singing,” he says. “That’s what it’s all about for me.”

For tickets & info for Miranda Cosgrove with special guest Greyson Chance: Ticketmaster.com, 800-745-3000, AEGLive.com, TicketPhiladelphia.org, 215-893-1999 or the Mann Box Office.

Enter for a chance to win 4 FREE tickets to the Friday 7/22 Mann Center for the Performing Arts 7:15 performance (doors open at 6pm):
(Tickets will be left at the Box Office for you as Will-Call. Must present ID):

*Simply leave me a comment to let me know you're interested and who you'd love to win these tickets for (1 entry per family).

*1 more entry for google friend connect followers of this blog.

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway, once per day, for an extra entry per tweet. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post. Please leave a comment below to let me know you tweeted.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

This giveaway will close on July 19, 2011.


Tickets for this giveaway and for my personal use were provided by the Mann & AEG Live.

If you are a PA resident who lives in the Philly area - make sure you stop by and visit my friends at Chester County Moms for an even greater chance to win. They are giving away another 4 pack of tickets.

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Movie Screening: Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

I'm giving away 4 passes to the Philadelphia, PA screening of Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer and I'm super excited to attend with my own energetic imaginitive daughter!

Judy Moody and the Not Bummer Summer

Ritz East

125 S. 2nd Street
Philadelphia, PA

Saturday, June 4

10:00am

**Note that screenings are frequently overfilled. Winner should plan to arrive about 1hr early**

The actual theater release is Friday, June 10th.

Press Release: When her best-laid plans for a summer full of fun go comically awry, an imaginative young girl creates her own vacation adventures in Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer. Based on the beloved, bestselling book series by Megan McDonald, Judy Moody and the NOT Bummer Summer is an irresistible and delightfully funny treat for adventure-loving kids and adults.

This summer, Judy Moody is planning the most super-duper, double-rare summer vacation ever with best friends Rocky and Amy. Except that it turns out Rocky is going to circus camp to learn to tame lions, and Amy is headed off to Borneo with her mom to save a lost tribe while Judy stays home with her pesky little brother Stink and second-best friend Frank Pearl.

Just when she thinks things are as rotten as they can be, her parents announce that they will be going to California and Judy will have to stay behind with her Aunt Opal, who she’s never even met! It looks like Judy’s best summer ever has just become her way worst summer ever.

But feisty, fearless and ever-funny Judy Moody never gives up! With help from some unexpected sources, she’s headed for a summer full of surprises in this charming and spirited family film. Get ready, get set, get MOODY!

Giveaway Rules:

*1 comment = 1 entry. Go to town - enter as many times as you'd like
*5 more entries for google friend connect followers (I've recently decided to ditch my separate review blog and offer all of my giveaways on my main blog, so make sure this is the one you're following)

*Feel free to tweet this giveaway as much as you'd like for extra entries. Tweet must include @JulieBouf and a link to this post.

If you have a non-reply google account or don't have a google account - include some way for me to contact you in your comment (e-mail address, twitter handle, etc...if I don't already know you personally).Please leave a separate comment for each entry type.

Contest will end  Friday May 20th at 11:59pm. Winner will be chosen via random.org.

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The Biggest Loser: Cheerios Giveaway

I've been drinking the Kool-Aid for just over 2 weeks now. Except, of course, I'm not really drinking "Kool-Aid"...rather my favorite diet drink.

At my work, about 70% of the women around me belong to Weight Watchers. I've teased and called them a cult due to my jealousy. I was envious of their determination and self control. I wanted to lose weight. NEEDED to lose weight, but just wasn't ready yet.

Now I am! And in 2 weeks, I've already lost 7.5 lbs. I'm not a yo-yo dieter. I've always known that a life change was necessary to be really successful. For this reason, I've always been diet resistant...but no more. Hopefully, I can really get my act together soon and get back into the gym.

It can be a challenge, but this year MultiGrain Cheerios® cereal and The Biggest Loser Club® can help you get started on your weight management goals with a free 7-day plan.

With tips, advice, and inspiration, the MultiGrain Cheerios website can help you start your weight management journey. After entering the code found inside specially marked boxes of MultiGrain Cheerios cereal, you can access exclusive tools, including:

A Body Mass Index (BMI) calculator to gauge how much weight you may need to lose or gain to be considered healthy and not at risk for serious health problems

An exclusive 7 Day Plan that pairs daily meal plans with cardio and strength-training routines

15 tasty recipes that will give your body the fuel it needs to get through the day

Daily workouts that couple cardio with mobility and resistance exercises to hit major muscle groups

Along with using the online tools, eating MultiGrain Cheerios cereal in the morning is another simple step you can take toward helping to manage weight. Studies have shown that people who eat more whole grain tend to have healthier body weights, and with 110 lightly sweetened calories per serving, MultiGrain Cheerios has more than 16 grams of whole grain per serving (48 g recommended daily) to help keep you on track for a healthier you this New Year!

Join MultiGrain Cheerios on Twitter™ during each episode of NBC’s “The Biggest Loser: Couples” Tuesday nights at 8PM EST through May 24, to connect with past contestants, share weight loss tips and discuss how to become your own Biggest Loser. Be sure to follow @MGCheerios and use the hashtag #mgcheerios to keep up with the conversation!

GIVEAWAY:

1 winner will receive a prize package that includes 1 box of  Multigrain Cheerios cereal, a gym bag, a water bottle, and a Cheerios snack container. Giveaway will close at 11:59pm on 5/11/11.

To enter:

Required Entry

Leave me a comment sharing what steps you are taking or plan to take to become The Biggest Loser at home or what tools you plan to use on the Multigrain Cheerios website . Or just let me know why you love cheerios or who will be eating them if you win!

Optional Additional Entries

1) 5 entries for followers of this blog

2) Tweet this giveaway. Include my handle @JulieBouf, a link to this post and #myblogspark

*Disclosure: Product information, review items and Giveaway were provided by Cheerios via MyBlogSpark.com

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