Operation Sippy Cup

Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks Review and GIVEAWAY!!

2012-02-11T14:14:00.007-05:00

MyBlogSpark recently gave me and my boys the opportunity to try the NEW Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks and they are delicious!! My boys, their friends and even I love them. The flavors are outstanding and the texture is smooth and melty in your mouth. We are big fans of both the Assorted Fruit and the Berries and Cherries varieties.

Here are a few facts about them provided to me by MyBlogSpark...

1. †Made with real fruit juice and natural colors* and flavors.

2. 80 calories, gluten free and contain 100% of the Daily Value of Vitamin C.

3. Available with year round Double Box Tops.

*colors from natural sources

†These Fruit Flavored Snacks are made with apple, pear, and cranberry juice concentrate. See package for a list of complete ingredients. They are not intended to replace fruit in the diet.

There are no artificial colors used. No red, yellow, or blue dyes just natural sources. For this mom, who has recently become very conscious of my kids' intake of dyes in foods, I am super excited about this feature.

So here is the fun part! The giveaway... Each winner will receive 6 packages of the new Ocean Spray Fruit Snacks!! There will be multiple winners, 4 to be exact so enter everyday for a chance to win!! That's right, just leave me a comment once a day until Feb 16th at midnight EST. Simple right?? Winner will be chosen by Random.org and notified by email!!

One last thing... All opinions are my own!

Ocean Spray’s® Website: http://bit.ly/OceanSprayFS
Ocean Spray’s® Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/OceanSprayFBFS

Disclosure: Ocean Spray® Fruit Flavored Snacks, information, and giveaway have been provided by Ocean Spray® through MyBlogSpark

Fresh Start

2011-10-28T19:28:00.002-04:00

I can't believe that it has been so long since my last post!! A lot of things are new and different for me and I am sure they are for all of you as well. I am turning over a new blog leaf and hope that you will all climb on board for the ride.
I have a few tricks up my sleeve so watch for a few reviews and giveaways in the coming weeks!
First things first... I have to go pack for a camping trip!! It is the Halloween spooky trail camping trip for the 2 older boys this weekend. My sister is going to keep #3 with her which makes 4 kids under 4! Don't know who has it worse... Me camping in the rain or her? Think it's a toss up!!
Take care and like I said, stay tuned!!

MommyParties sponsored by Nutella

2011-03-28T20:37:00.003-04:00

So, my household and others, have found a new favorite breakfast food. Nutella is a delicious hazelnut spread that is positively wonderful on a piece of toast and even better on a waffle! For the party, I prepared several different delights featuring Nutella and there was not a bad combination in the bunch! It even tastes great spread on fresh fruit like apples and strawberries.
Nutella was very kind to sponsor the MommyParties event. All party guest received a fun goodie bag with Nutella spread samples, coupons, spreaders, and my personal favorite travel mugs!!
Breakfast is the most important meal of the day, and with a little Nutella spread on a whole grain english muffin served with milk and fruit is the perfect way to "break the fast" and get your body going.
It is important to note that Nutella does not contain peanuts or peanut ingredients and it doesn't come in contact with peanuts during manufacturing. Also, it does not contain any ingredients derived from gluten containing cereal; wheat, barley rye, oats or triticale. It is a Kosher Product as well.
So thank you once again to MommyParties, Nutella, and my party guests. I hope we can gather again soon! I'll bring the Nutella!!

Progresso Soup Review & Giveaway

2011-03-21T16:10:00.005-04:00

Well, it has been so long since I posted... let's see if I remember how!!
Recently I was sent some delicious Progresso Soup along with some other goodies courtesy of MyBlogSpark and Progresso.

There were 2 varieties,Chicken Tortilla and Light New England Clam Chowder. Out of the 2 my favorite was the Chicken Tortilla. It was flavorful with just the right amount of spice to it. The pieces of chicken were large and visible, not like some soups that you can't even see the chicken! This soup is part of Progresso® New World RecipesTM which are inspired by Mexican recipes. Made with authentic Mexican ingredients and seasonings, there will be four new Progresso soups coming to grocery store shelves near you - Chicken Tortilla, Meatball & Rice, Black Bean Jalapeno and Chicken & Vegetable.
The Light New England Clam Chowder was very tasty as well. I was only able to obtain a bite, as my son devoured the whole bowl before I could go back for another bite! He said it was creamy with nice sized pieces of clams. Very authentic were his words!

So, would you like to win a prize pack too?? Just enter below. Go to the Progresso Website and leave me a comment telling me which flavor of soup you would like to try! Isn't that simple??
This giveaway will end on March 26th at 9pm EST. I will use Random.org to select a winner!
Legal stuff: All opinions are my own. The product, information and prize packs were all given to you from Progresso through MyBlogSpark.

Thirty One Gifts

2011-01-12T09:32:00.004-05:00

So, I signed up to be a consultant with 31 gifts a few months back, mostly because I love the products but now I need to make a business out of it and help provide for my family! This month's special is an awesome one and I would love for all of you to take advantage of this once a year sale! Think birthday gifts, teacher gifts, daycare worker gifts, and of course think of yourself!!
Our Thermal Lunch Totes are on sale for $10 and $8 depending on the size you want. You can get them personilized for just $1.50 extra and there is no minimun purchase required! So a large lunch tote with your name or inital on it will cost $11.50 instead of $20!! What a bargain!
Plus, anyone who orders before January 25th will go in the drawing for a free lunch tote from me! You can order directly through me or even shop on MY WEBSITE, please feel free to contact me with any questions!! Oh yeah and if you really want to get some great products for free... Have a book party! Then you can be the hostess with the mostest!

WINNER, WINNER, HAMBURGER DINNER!

2011-01-12T09:21:00.003-05:00

And the winner is Rebecca O who said...
We like the Cheesy Enchilada and the Cheesy Jambalaya. Thanks for the chance.
Congratulations Rebecca! Thank you to Hamburger Helper and MyBlogSpark for giving me the opportunity. Keep watching more to come!!

Show Your Helping Hand™ Hamburger Helper Giveaway

2011-01-05T20:01:00.003-05:00

So I promised that I had more giveaways so here we go. Let's start off the new year helping others!

To raise awareness about the national issue of hunger, Hamburger Helper® is partnering with GRAMMY® Award-winning singer, songwriter and actor Tim McGraw to help Feeding America deliver millions of meals to local food banks through the Show Your Helping Hand™ campaign. McGraw will lend his voice to the campaign through a Public Service Announcement which will be distributed nationwide. Click here to view the PSA.

We can all show our support by submitting codes from specially marked boxes of Hamburger Helper at http://www.showyourhelpinghand.com/or by logging on to make a donation. Hamburger Helper has already donated more than half a million dollars and will contribute up to an additional $100,000 to Feeding America through this program. Don’t think one code will make a difference? The 17 cents Hamburger Helper donates per code is enough for Feeding America to deliver one meal to a local food bank.

The most fun part of helping others is that you have the opportunity to win a prize pack from Hamburger Helper through MyBlogSpark! I recieved a pack with a box of Hamberger helper, a cool foam hand that Jack has been calling his turkey, and Tim McGraw's CD!!! And by me chossing to participate they donated $10 on my behalf to this wonderful cause.
So besides the fact that Hamburger Helper is super quick and easy to make, and delicious I might add, you get to help others in need!

Want to win??
Simple Question... What is your favorite Hamburger Helper Flavor Kit??

Winner will be selected by random.org on January 11, 2010 at 9 p.m. est. All opinions are my own and once again I was sent a prize pack from Hamburger Helper through MyBlogSpark.

OOPS!

2011-01-05T07:46:00.003-05:00

I must say... I am not a very good blogger these days!! I have been working feverishly to complete a project and have not given myself anytime for blogging! The winner of the Panko Bread Crumb Giveaway is... Ashley who said she would use the bread crumbs to prepare some kind of tilapia! Well Ashley, Now is your chance! I have emailed you so get back to me ASAP!

Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko Giveaway

2010-12-06T21:01:00.002-05:00

Well, the title says it all! Yummy!! The Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko bread crumbs are delicious! They are much flakier and more crunchy then traditional bread crumbs. Everyone is trying them these days! I even saw several hosts on Food Network calling for them in recipes. I just tried the recipe on the back of the box, only I used chicken not fish, and truthfully I don't know what was better the moist chicken or the crunchy coating! They are seasoned perfectly with just the right amount of lemon flavor.
MyBlogSpark sent me a box for free along with Chef Michael Chiarello's new cookbook, Bottega. The cookbook features "Bold Italian Flavors from the Heart of California's Wine Country." It is a positively beautiful book and even if you aren't a chef it would look fabulous on your coffee table or you could even give it as a gift! Most fun part... It is autographed!
So you want to win, right? General Mills and MyBlogSpark have once again generously offered to send one of my loyal readers a gift pack of their very own!
All you have to do to win is leave a comment telling me, what type of dish would you create with Progresso Lemon Pepper Panko?
You can get 2 additional entries by following me with GFC! Just leave 2 more comments.

One more thing, be sure to check out the Progresso's Wine & Dine with Chef Michael Chiarello Sweepstakes. Now through December 31st, participants can enter for the chance to win a trip for two to Napa Valley to attend the Spring Bud Break Party, an annual dinner and wine tasting event taking place on May 7, 2011. In addition to two tickets to the party, the grand prize also includes roundtrip airfare and hotel accommodations. Visit www.progressobroth.com for the sweepstakes rules and entry form.

Legal Stuff: All opinions are my own. The information, gift pack and giveaway opportunity was given to me by General Mills and through MyBlogSpark. Winner will be selected using Random.org on Dec 15, 2010 at 11:59 EST.

And the winner is...

2010-12-04T11:58:00.003-05:00

JC who said...
Commented on
My Bucket List

I am having a time of it trying to get the dumb picture from Random.org so you will just have to trust me!! Thanks to all that entered. Stay tuned, I have more giveaways on the way!!

Thank you again to My Blog Spark for Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill prize!

2010-11-27T17:51:00.001-05:00

Moved... AGAIN!

2010-11-22T20:55:00.002-05:00

So we are calling this round three!! The kids are I are getting settled into our new joint and we love it!!! Off to schools tomorrow to enroll. They are thrilled that they won't have to start until next week though, thanks to Turkey Day!
The house is beautiful and we will be very happy here. Already met a few of the neighbors and having my sister and her family down the block is just fantastic! My mom is close too and the kids just love that too!
I want to say thank you to all my wonderful friends for helping this past weekend. Well for the past few years really. God puts people in our path when we need them and I have been truly blessed.
Update again soon, In the mean time, make sure you enter to win the giftcard on my previous post!!

Wanchai Ferry® & Macaroni Grill® Dry Dinner Kit Review and Giveaway

2010-11-13T08:53:00.004-05:00

I recently received the most delicious dry dinner kits that I have ever had! First we tried the Macaroni Grill Creamy Basil Parmesan Chicken & Pasta. I was a bit sceptical but decided that I would give have an open mind. I am so glad that I did. It was delicious! The directions were super easy to follow and everything but the chicken is included in the box. My oldest son and I had to fight for the last serving for lunch the next day! The flavors were a perfect combination and the final product truly tasted like it came from a restaurant.

Next was the Wanchai Ferry Orange Chicken. I was once again a little weary but figured I really didn't have anything to lose! Again a very pleasant meal. There were no leftovers which, in my house means that everyone loved it! I am a huge fan of oriental style food. I am also very picky as to the flavors I choose, and I can say with certainty that this kit will be on my grocery list frequently. The quality of the ingredients was very high and the cost is very affordable.

For more information and dinner tips, visit Macaroni Grill At Home and Wanchai Ferry At Home. You can also follow on Twitter and "Like" on Facebook.

Here is a $1.50 off 2 kits COUPON so you can try it for yourself. Try creating a special date night or even a girls night in!

Now here is your chance to win the same prize pack I got!
P.S. It includes a visa gift card!!!

Mandatory Entry... (1 comment)
Tell me about your first date with the special person in your life!

Extra Entry... (1 comment for each one your do)
Give my readers a tip about enjoying a night at home!
Follow me with GFC.
Post on a non-giveaway post.

Legal Stuff: Wanchai Ferry and Macaroni Grill provided me with free product, information, and this wonderful prize pack through MyBlogSpark. All opinions are my own.

KIDZUP Top 30 Preschool Songs Review & Giveaway

2010-10-26T20:36:00.003-04:00

I was recently presented with the opportunity to review "The Top 30 Preschool Songs" CD that is produced by KIDZUP. Jack and I have really enjoyed listening and of course singing along to all the songs. The music is upbeat. It has kids and adults signing on the tracks and I think that makes it much easier for little ones to relate to. Nothing is more wonderful then listening to a 2 year old belt out B-I-N-G-O on his way to school!
The CD consists of favorites like "The Muffin Man" and "The Wheels on the Bus", but also new songs that I hadn't heard before like, "Good Morning" and "So Long Now."
Wendy from Kiboomu was quick to send me the gift code for the iTunes redemption, that is where you can find this CD but also numerous other titles. She is the former owner, founder, singer/songwriter on the KIDZUP albums! They have sold millions of KIDZUP albums worldwide, and through the KIDZUP Foundation, fed and vaccinated millions of children!
She has generously offered 2 gift codes for me to give away on Operation Sippy Cup. You have to be in the US or Canada and have a valid email address to win, that's the way they send you the itunes code. Even if you don't have an iPod/iPhone you can still win, you would just have to download iTunes and redeem the code. Then you would be able to burn a copy onto a CD!!
Now for the rules...
Leave a comment with your favorite preschool song! That's easy right?
If you want an extra entry, become a follower and leave another comment!

The winner will be selected using random.org on November 5, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST. Good luck and Enjoy!

My Bucket List

2010-10-17T13:25:00.002-04:00

This weekend I watched "The Bucket List." It was in the comedy section so that is what I was expecting. It was funny in parts but also very realistic. It got me thinking about my life and things that I want to do before I kick the proverbial bucket! Of course, there will probably be no way to complete everything on the list, mostly because they require flying across the ocean and I don't know if I can ever do that again, but I thought it would be good to start a list just in case I win the lottery! I want to be able to say, "I am going to see the pyramids" instead of saying "Disney World" like everyone else! So here goes,
1. See the Grand Canyon
2. Vegas
3. Visit Australia
4. Write a book
5. Meet Oprah and Ellen
6. Walk on the Great Wall of China

That is just the beginning! You can see what I mean about the travel thing and also the money thing!! Bucket Lists are not cheap!
What's on your list? Anything practical?? Let me know!

Lunchbox Love Review and Giveaway

2010-09-23T10:04:00.007-04:00

Recently I was sent a cute set of Lunchbox Love for Kids notecards and I have to say they are adorable. The idea behind the product is simple and sweet... Let your kids know you are thinking about them in a positive and thoughtful manner. Each card has a positive saying on the front and a fun trivia question on the back. They come in a super slim credit card size case with 10 preprinted cards and 2 blank cards for your own personal note.

Although the name indicates lunch time, these really could be used anytime! Sleepover bags, gym bags, notebooks, or just about any place your kids frequent, and might be pleasantly surprised to find a note from you! I actually placed one in my son's DSi handheld game, you know in between, where it folds! He was thrilled. Even on the toughest of days in our house my boys always respond well to a positive thought. Truthfully who doesn't??

The folks at Say Please have generously offered a 10% discount to any of my readers who purchase through the link provided as well as the opportunity for me to giveaway a set of Volume 1 cards to one lucky Sippy Cup fan!!

Want to win???

Visit the Say Please website, take a look around, and come back and tell me one other type of product they sell... 1 entry

Sign up for their newsletter... 5 entries

Follow my blog... 2 entries

Comment on a non-giveaway post... 2 entries

The giveaway will end on October 15th, 2010 at 11:59 pm. The winner will be selected using random.org.
The promo code will be active until October 31st so stock up before this great discount ends!

Busy

2010-09-23T09:33:00.003-04:00

Sometimes the only thing I write about is how busy I am. Busy working, busy cleaning, busy entertaining kids, busy, busy, busy!
This week is no exception! Matthew is about to turn 9 and we are having a party this weekend! I was selected for the Beyblade House Party and they sent me a fabulous package with the stadium, spinning tops, coupons and more... So I have to say a big fat thank you to Hasbro and House Party for making me just a little less busy!
Less planning, less buying, less time, less busy! So once again thanks for picking me and my guy to show off your products!

Weight Watchers Lose-A-Palooza

2010-09-09T08:58:00.002-04:00

So, did the title reach out and grab you? Want to know more?? Well, here you go...

Lose-A-Palooza is a one-day social media event created to encourage participation in the Lose For Good® campaign to benefit Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger.

As part of the Lose For Good campaign, Weight Watchers will donate $1, up to a maximum of $60,000, to Share Our Strength and Action Against Hunger for each approved mention, acknowledgment or action related to “Lose For Good” made on September 14th through blogs, Twitter, Facebook and check-in via foursquare.

There is a difference between Lose For Good and Lose-A-Palooza.

Lose For Good is a 7-week campaign.

Lose-A-Palooza, on the other hand, is a one-day event as part of the Lose For Good campaign. The event runs one day only – September 14th – and its objective is to drive as much social media awareness as possible for Lose For Good. Every time Lose For Good is mentioned using an approved method on 9/14, Weight Watchers will track the mention and donate a dollar – up to $60,000.

So by now you are probably saying, "Okay, what do I need to do?"

Here's the skinny (no pun intended) hee hee...

* Get involved by visiting WeightWatchers.com/LoseForGood.

* Comment on a blog post about Lose For Good, like right here on my blog!! Also, ask your friends to show their support by commenting on your post. Don’t forget to include “Lose For Good” in your comment.

* Write a post including “Lose For Good” in the Community on WeightWatchers.com.

Facebook Opportunities

* “Like” Weight Watchers, Share Our Strength or Action Against Hunger pages

* Comment or "Like" any of the Weight Watchers “Lose-A-Palooza” updates posted posting throughout the day, Sept. 14th

* Accessorize your page add a Lose-A-Palooza twibbon to your profile picture (available 9/14)

Twitter

* Follow get in on the good. Follow @WeightWatchers, @sharestrength or @acfusa

* Tweet or Retweet using the hashtag #LoseforGood. Let people know how they can join you in the fight against hunger

* Accessorize and add a Lose-A-Palooza twibbon to your profile picture (available 9/14)

Foursquare

* Check-in to a Weight Watchers meeting room to help contribute to the good.

So that's it, please participate in any of the above ways. Be sure to include the words "Lose for Good" so that all activity can be counted and we can help raise money to fight hunger!!! $60,000 could feed a lot of people!

So So So Sorry!!!

2010-08-28T23:02:00.003-04:00

I have been sooooo delayed in everything this week! I can't believe that not only did I not post about the gift card winner... I never even selected one! So without further delaying the process, the winner is.....

Deanna who said, "I follow on GFC via Twitter."

Congratulations Deanna! Thanks for following! I have more giveaways coming so be sure to enter again soon!!!

Kroger "Add Up the Savings" $25 Gift Card Giveaway

2010-08-12T11:40:00.007-04:00

While you’re out and about, be sure to stop at your local

Kroger Family of Stores

(which includes Kroger, Ralph’s, King Soopers, City Market, Dillons,

Smith’s, Fry’s, QFC, Baker’s, Owen’s, Jay C Food Stores, Hilander,

Gerbes, Food4Less, Pay Less Super Markets

and Scott’s Food & Pharmacy)

to take advantage of their “Add Up the Savings” Event and stock up on your favorite General Mills & Kimberly Clark brands From August 8 through August 21, when you buy 8 participating items from any Kroger store, you’ll receive $4 off of your purchase. Some of the great participating brands include: Cheerios, Yoplait Yogurt, Pillsbury Cookies & Biscuits, Kleenex, Huggies, Betty Crocker Brownies, Cottonelle, and Lucky Charms.

In addition to these great savings, be sure to take advantage of the special Bonus Box Tops Offers and get a jumpstart on helping the participating school of your choice this year.

All you have to do, if you haven’t already, is register at http://www.rewardyourschool.com/. Once you register, you will automatically receive 5 Bonus Box Tops just for signing up! You will also receive custom offers for Bonus Box Tops for purchasing participating products.

These great offers are:
Buy any 4 Box Tops products and get 10 Bonus Box Tops

Buy any 8 Box Tops products and get 25 Bonus Box Tops

The offers you select will then load onto your Kroger Shopper Card to be redeemed once you purchase the items. It’s extra easy because there’s no clipping! Just remember to scan your Kroger Shopper Card and the Bonus Box Tops will automatically go straight the participating school of your choice.

So head on over to your Kroger store and stock up on all the things you know you will need for the "Back to School" Season! The Box Tops program has been so helpful to my children's schools and now is a great time to score a few extra, while saving money... 2 great things at one time!

Legal Stuff: The Kroger Family of Stores gift card, information, and giveaway were all provided by The Kroger Family of Stores, General Mills, and Kimberly Clark through MyBlogSpark. I was generously given a gift card to use and they also offered to give one away to my readers!!!

How to Enter for the $25 Gift Card:
Mandatory Entry:
Just leave a comment telling me what products you

will be picking up at your local Kroger store!

Want an extra entry??

Follow me on GFC and leave a comment saying you do!

Easy Right??

This giveaway will end on Aug. 20th at 11:59pm EST. The winner will be selected using Random.org and notified by email shortly there after!

Soap

2010-08-04T10:43:00.003-04:00

Mornings are especially crazy around my house. Trying to get all 3 boys and myself ready to all walk out the door at the exact same time is becoming increasingly difficult! This morning was no exception!
Tyler and Matthew were both dragging this morning, which of course translates into them being in my way! Jack woke up earlier then normal so I put him in his highchair with some cinnamon apples and off I went to dry my hair. I was gone a total of 3 minutes, my hair is so short, and this is what he looked like when I got back to the kitchen:

And he says, " Wook mommy soap!" That's right folks, he had rubbed gooey cinnamon apples all over his face, hair, arms, ears, and everywhere else he could in an effort to clean himself!!
I once again thought that my head was going to explode!!! I removed him from the highchair, laid him across the kitchen counter and told him to put his head down in the sink while I used the spray nozzle to clean him off. He was then soaked, I was soaked and when you add the other 2 moving around the house at a snails pace, this morning did not go as planned!
But, not all was lost, I still managed to make eggs and toast and leave the house with my cup of coffee. Jack just has crunchy hair today. Oh well, you can't win them all!!

Winner!!

2010-08-03T21:47:00.003-04:00

Congratulations to Darci who said...

Left a comment on the "Extra Cash" post. Entry #1

I will be contacting you by email to get your info for the great people at Baby Prodigy to send out your DVD set. Enjoy.

Thank you to all who entered. I have lots more coming in the next few weeks so stay tuned!

Nature

2010-08-01T22:24:00.002-04:00

The other day we had a huge thunderstorm. In fact, it wasn't just a storm it was a wild afternoon of 4 inches of rain, wind and even flooding in 3 hours! I must say that I was thankful for it. Not just because the grass, plants and trees are dying but because I didn't have to spend another evening at the football field!!
Anyway, there was an extremely loud clap of thunder and Jack came running. He was screaming but before he could get to me Matthew scooped him up and said, "It's okay. You don't have to be scared. It is just a natural sound of nature. It doesn't blow anything up!" I think that kid plays to many video games!! Out of the mouths of babes!!

Baby PRODIGY Review and Giveaway

2010-07-25T10:30:00.010-04:00

I was recently given the opportunity to watch and review 3 brand new Baby Prodigy DVDs. All three are new releases and can be found at Toys R Us.

The first one that we watched was Baby Pre-School. It focuses on colors, shapes and games in a magical way. Jack was an instant fan of Dookie and Dottie Duck. They are the 2 main characters of the show; very cute puppets that definitely held Jack's attention. Throughout the show soothing music plays in the background of each scene and there are interludes between different sets that have fun, brightly colored geometric shapes floating across the screen. It was very mesmerizing and even received a few oohhhs and aahhhs from my little guy.

We also watched the Baby's First Words video a few times. The vocabulary words that are taught in this video are introduced using colorful animation and music. I appreciated the simplicity of the series. There wasn't any loud or excessive noise and I was pleasantly surprised every time I turned it on that Jack sat through the entire show. By the 3rd viewing he was interacting with the TV and repeating words too.

This series is dedicated to the development of our little ones minds. The products produced by Baby Prodigy have won over 20 National Awards. The final DVD that we viewed, 30 Minutes to a Quiet Baby, won the 2009 DVD of the Year Award from Creative Child Magazine.

I must confess to not actually watching the 3rd video, I popped it into the car DVD player and I must say it was so soothing that NO ONE, including my 2 older kids, spoke!! It caught every ones attention and had a very calming effect over the entire backseat! It was the quietest ride we have had in a long time!

All 3 videos are 30 minutes long which, for a busy mom, is just the right amount of time to get the dishes done and the laundry folded, so I highly recommend this series to anyone looking for a creatively stimulating DVD for their little ones.
The videos do have a recommended age and I must say even the one that was rated for 3 months and up was appropriate for my son, who is 2.

Check out these video and other Baby Prodigy products by visiting http://www.babyprodigy.com/ or your local Toys R Us.

All the opinions in this review are my own. I received each video at no cost in exchange for my honest comments about their products.

Now for the Giveaway part... Baby Prodigy has graciously offered to giveaway one set of the 3 videos that I have reviewed! YEAH!

I am going to make it simple for you to enter so here goes:

Mandatory Entry: Go to the Baby Prodigy website and tell me something you learned, 1 entry.

Additional Entries: Follow me with Google Friend Connect, 3 entries.
Blog about this on your blog, 3 entries.
Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post, 3 entries

This Giveaway will end on August 2nd, 2010 at 11:59 p.m. The winner will be selected using random.org.

I am BACK!!

2010-07-19T11:23:00.002-04:00

It has been a long month! Lots of ups and downs in my household, but I am happy to report that I AM BACK and better than ever!
The kids are loving their summer vacation. I am trying to keep everyone busy and happy, which is no small task!! I mean really... You try combining 12 year old activities with 2 year old activities and see how much hair you have left at the end of the day!!
We have spent lots of hours at the beach or in our neighbor's pool and that seems to keep all entertained for hours! I even get to sit without someone on my lap or asking me for food while they play in the waves and throw sand at each other!

I am gainfully employed as well! I have been hired as a church secretary and I am loving the position. Jack is transitioning from being a full-time stay at home kid to a full time day care kid and he seems to be handling the change very well. I miss him lots but his daycare is 25 feet away from my office so I can catch a glimpse of him when I am going through withdrawl!!

Tyler and Matthew love summer camp and then they hate summer camp. I never know which day is going to be which but they have to go, so they might as well put a smile on ther face!!

Please stay tuned and tell your friends to start following me! I am working on some great giveaways and product reviews as we speak and you will not want to miss them!

Extra Cash

2010-06-04T11:52:00.003-04:00

I have been a member of ipsos i-say for about 8 months. So far I have cashed in for $40. They are a survey company that pays you to give your opinion about products that are currently on the market or even products that are not in retail stores yet.
Not only do they give you points that you can trade in for cash, but I have also been asked to try diapers, maxi-pads and a variety of other items!
It has been really fun and a small way to earn a few extra bucks for ice cream! Click the football themed link on the right hand side of my blog and it will take you to the sign up page! Don't be scared, be excited! It has been a lot of fun!!!

Totally disappointed with APPLE!

2010-05-28T20:25:00.002-04:00

I can't seem to get over them not fixing my ipod touch. It was only 16 months old when it started going haywire and now it is fried... their words! They said the hard drive is dead and it will cost me $190 to fix it. Well if I had that much I would just buy a new one! They did offer me a 10% discount on a new one, but again... There is no extra money these days in my new life as a single mom of 3 boys. I took seriously good care of it too. The screen isn't even scratched up or anything. I wish that Apple would have been more helpful rather than tell me I was out of luck, unless I wanted to buy a new product. Thanks for NOTHING Apple. They are making a killing, I just wish they would have done something to help me out.

Win a BRA Makeover!

2010-05-18T16:16:00.002-04:00

That's right ladies, You can enter to win a Bra Makeover from Playtex!! We all wear them and apparently 7 out of 10 of us are wearing the wrong size! Did you know that wearing the wrong size bra can result in an ill fit for the rest of your outfit, back and shoulder pain, as well as bruising and digging.

Playtex knows that busy moms don't always have time to update their bras or even check to make sure they are wearing the correct size. That's why they wanted me to let you know about this contest! Playtex recently launched www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com, a site where women can go to apply for a bra makeover or nominate a friend. If chosen, the winner will be flown to New York to receive a Bra Makeover with style expert Alison Deyette. Deyette is a fashion and trend lifestyle expert who has been featured on Bravo's Millionaire Matchmaker and TLC's Ten Years Younger, as well as in print publications including Good Housekeeping, The Washington Post, and O Magazine. Apply for your chance to win a Playtex Bra Makeover today.
What are you waiting for??? The last day to apply is Friday, May 21st, 2010.

www.PlaytexBraMakeover.com

Just so you know... By posting this information, I am entered into a contest to win a free bra from Playtex. I did not receive any compensation for this post and thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Also thanks to MomSelect for bring me this opportunity!

Happy

2010-05-18T10:17:00.002-04:00

I am so happy to be back in my house. I missed it so much. I know that probably sounds silly, but the truth is, I really love this house. It is the perfect size, the kitchen is great, and the neighbors are awesome. We have made some tremendous friends over the past 4 years and I look forward to all the good times to come.
Tyler has settled back in very well. He just had a weekend of band activities, including a trip to Busch Gardens! He started back up with the Boy Scout troop he was in and he is really happy to have his friends back.
Matthew has also adapted nicely. He is kind of easy going and that has always been helpful. He is thrilled to have countless friends at his disposal everyday. He has played with toys that have not been out of the closet in 6 months, pretty much since we left.
Jack doesn't really know the difference!! He is happy anywhere, as long as there are trucks, tractors and motorcycles to play with. His vocabulary is becoming very broad and he talks/shouts to me all the time!
As for me, I am excited about a lot of things! I am having a Scentsy party in a few weeks! I just love their products and my house has never smelled so good!! (P.S. If you are interested let me know, you can place an order and help me out!!) Yes that was a very obvious plug for my party. You know how it goes, the more sales, the more free stuff!! Help a sista out! Haha.
I was also re-hired at my old job! Not my old hours but anything will help. I am getting closer to finishing my Medical Transcription program so with any luck I will be gainfully employed from home in the next few months!
That's it for now! Matthew has requested I start a "Mom Bucks" reward program so I have to spend the rest of the day ironing out the details! I keep you posted about that one!

The last few weeks!

2010-05-07T19:15:00.003-04:00

Really, all I can say is wow! I am sooo tired and still have a million and one things to do! The move back to VA was a success. The boys and I are getting settled in quite nicely. I mean really, how hard was it going to be... We moved back to the same house, the same friends, the same school and even most of the same classes. I even put my things away in the same spots!
More things have stayed the same as well. Tyler got poison ivy all over his face and spent most of this week on the couch with one eye swollen shut! I even had to take him to the ER for some steroids to help battle the inflammation!
Just when he started to get back to real life, Jack threw up all over his room. There is nothing more disgusting then finding your screaming toddler pucking his brains out all over EVERYTHING!
So you see, just as I thought we were coasting along with no worries, the boys throw a wrench at me! Oh well.
I promise to be a better blogger. I have stories to tell, just no time to type them out! I will though, I swear!

Changing AGAIN!

2010-04-10T20:27:00.002-04:00

I have been MIA for a week now and I apologize for that! Things are crazy around here, again and I finally have a few minutes to update you all on my life!
The boys and I are moving back to VA. We are going right back where we came from! I am excited and they are thrilled. They already have sleepovers lined up in their heads! So I will spend the next 5 days packing everything we own, once again, and then unpacking back into our house! The good news is that I know where everything goes! Can't beat moving back to a house you have already lived in!!
We also had spring break! I still don't know who benefits from days off from school! I guess teachers, but not this SAHM! Especially when I have been averaging 4 hours of typing a day for my medical transcription program!! They think I am playing on here! We did do some fun things though and celebrated Easter with a new tradition, Going out to dinner!!! That's right no preparing food, cramming everyone in my apartment, serving, cleaning, etc. We went to TGI Fridays and it was great! The was practically empty, we had great service, and then we walked away with no clean up, unless you count the fact that Jack rubbed Mac & Cheese over every square inch of his body that he could reach!
Well, I better get back to packing! I have lots to do and I will quickly run out of hours before the Uhaul arrives!!
I'll be back soon, I promise!!

CSNStores WINNER!!

2010-03-29T18:54:00.002-04:00

First I would love to thank all who entered and became followers, it means a lot to me! Without further delay... The winner is #29, Mandala who said...
If money were no object, I would love to have the All-Clad 6.5 Quart Slow Cooker with Ceramic Insert.
Congratulations! I will be passing your info on to Jamie so start shopping!

Stay tuned to Operation Sippy Cup, there are more things to come soon!

Sorry!

2010-03-25T07:38:00.002-04:00

I am sorry I have been a no show lately! Things have been super crazy here in our house and I am just catching up to my online life! Jack has been REALLY sick. He started with a fever on Sunday and by Tuesday it was 105! You read that right it was 105 so we rushed to the Doc and now we have some antibiotics, but still really sick. Just have to give it a little more time. I am super tired too, every 3 hours to deliver medicine really wears on you when you are used to sleeping through the night!!! I pray he is all better SOON!!
Tyler had a friend over yesterday! It is the first time since we moved here that he has had someone come to play. He is still thanking me. I am so relieved that the boys are really starting to settle in and make some new friends.
Matthew is just coasting along and going with the flow. I appreciate that he is so easy to please, especially when other crazy life things happen!
So that's it, you are all caught up now! I am off to get the second one up and out the door for school! Jack is still sleeping and I really hope that I can keep it that way. I am excited to be getting my hair cut today. There is nothing like a renewed hair style to make you feel good about yourself!!
Don't forget to enter my giveaway. Spread the word too and earn extra entries!!

CSNStores.com Review and GIVEAWAY!!!

2010-03-14T15:36:00.004-04:00

Hello All,
I was recently contacted by a CSNstores.com PR representative. He offered me the opportunity to do a review and giveaway on my blog. YEAH for me and YEAH for you!!!
I was pleasantly surprised on my first visit to their web page. They carry everything from baby furniture to home decor. It was actually a little hard to make my selection, but I ultimately decided that the Little Tikes Adjust'n Draw Table would be perfect for my little guy!! He is always wanting to sit at the table and color (or eat) and frankly his little tush slides right off the chair!! This table is adorable. The pastel colors are pleasing to look at and it was super easy to put together. All that was require was a screw driver and a bit of muscles! Seriously though, I was able to put it together all by my little lonesome!
My favorite feature is the height adjustment. As he grows the table moves up so, it will last much longer. I can also tilt the table towards him for coloring, and it has clips to hold the paper up. No more crying because the paper floated to the ground!

I would like to also mention that Jamie from the CSNStores.com was so easy to work with. He was accommodating and supportive. My order was shipped extremely fast and I received it in just 4 days!!!

NOW ON TO THE PART FOR YOU!!!
CSNStores.com has given me a $25 shopping spree to giveaway to one of you!!! Are you excited now?? The winner will be able to pick any product (up to $25) from any of their stores. Isn't that great??? They have all sorts of toys and games, I just hope you don't have as hard of a time as I did picking out what you would like!!! By the way, you should know that their prices are super reasonable!! Better than some stores, including the shipping!!

Now for the rules...

Mandatory entry: Go to http://www.csnstores.com/ and flip through the items! Come back and leave me a comment telling me "If money were no object, I would love to have..." (fill in the blank)

Extra entries: Please leave a separate comment for each one you do!

1.Become a follower of Operation Sippy Cup (2 extra entries!)
2.Mention this giveaway on your blog with a link back to it.
3.Leave a comment on a non-giveaway post.
4.Subscribe to Operation Sippy Cup in a newsreader.

This giveaway will run until Sunday, March 28th, 11:59pm EST. Winner will be selected via Random.org and contacted via email. Okay ladies, that is 2 weeks! I expect to see LOTS of entries!!

Quote of the day!

2010-03-13T20:47:00.002-05:00

This afternoon turned out to be really nice. The sun came out and off we went to the park for a walk around the lake. We have been a few time and not really see anything other than ducks. Well today was different! We saw squirrels, ducks, geese and turtles. While we were all standing on the dock looking for more wild life, Matthew says, "Look mom, I see a turtle head." I thought I was going to DIE!!! Thankfully there were not a lot of people around but I assure you, the ones that were within 100 yards of us heard him, and probably laughed all the way home!

Dinnertime Antics!!

2010-03-04T14:16:00.002-05:00

Last night's dinner was anything but relaxing. I have always tried to use the time at the table as an opportunity to talk to my boys. They hardly ever have an answer other than "good and yes", but I still ask!
Jack was off his rocker last night. He was silly, crazy and just plain mis-behavin! His dinner consisted of chicken nuggets, applesauce and milk! Just as I sat down to start my meal, he launched the half full applesauce cup, which he had stuffed full of chicken nuggets, down to the floor. Needless to say that Tyler and Matthew could hardly contain their laughter. I on the other hand was furious. I could not believe the mess on the floor, or his face! All I could do was let the dog start licking it up! Thank God for dogs, right? I know it makes me a great mom! I even told the other boys to go around the mess, to put their bowls in the sink, because the dog was not done cleaning!!!
Just as I think I can breath again, Jack leans forward in the highchair, (I am sure to survey the damage) and lets one rip!!! It was the loudest, most ridiculous fart I have ever heard come out of him and he was in hysterics! Not to mention the other 2 practically rolling in laughter. All I could do was take a deep breath, count to ten, and say, "Excuse you." Don't worry, I am laughing about it all now!!

Skating!

2010-02-27T19:58:00.002-05:00

That's right folks, I just got home from an evening of rollerskating!!! Matthew's school was having a fundraiser so, I recruited my sister to watch Jack, and Tyler's off with the X Factor, so it was just the 2 of us!
We had so much fun just trying to stay up-right! At one point Matthew even said I was a stupendous skater!!!
I must say that there were a few times I felt like pulling out my camera and taking pictures of all the people that belong on an episode of, "What Not to Wear!" It was hilarious to see the outfits some people felt were appropriate for a night at the rink!! The sad part is, I am not really talking about the kids!! It was the parents! There is truly something wrong with plus size skinny jeans and stiletto boots! I mean really!
Over all it was a fun night of quality time with my middle son! He is always so positive about life and I cherish that about him. We shared nachos and root beer, and skated to some of my old favorites like the YMCA and the Macarana! It is nice to know that in the complicated world we call life, some things NEVER change!!!

Super Excited!!

2010-02-19T15:29:00.002-05:00

Hello Sippy Cup Readers,
I have been a busy little girl all week and I am cooking up some really exciting things for the near future. I was recently contacts by a CSN Stores representative and given a wonderful opportunity, not only for me but for you all as well!!! Have I peaked your interest? You will have to wait a few more days to find out what the big secret is, but while you wait, here are some links/hints to keep your curiosity peaked!!
CSN Stores carry a tremendous variety of baby furniture, toys, games as well as home decor items and pet supplies! They have tons of the latest products and great prices, making it a wonderful shopping experience! So take some time, browse any of their 200+ stores and make note of your favorite items!!
I'll be posting again really soon and you will want to be a part of it all!!

Day Care

2010-02-15T20:01:00.003-05:00

Tomorrow marks a huge milestone in my new life as a single parent. I will be touring a day care. That's right, as a direct result of the end of my marriage, I will be getting a job. I mean a paying job! We all know that the life of a stay at home mom is often overlooked by many, sometimes even called laziness, but most of us SAHMs can attest to the fact that we are not lazy, but anyway, back to day care!
I have no idea what to expect! I have only ever visited 2 other day cares in my life so I don't have much to measure this one up against! I am still grasping the reality that I will be dropping my toddler off first thing in the morning and not seeing him again until dinner. Somehow this just doesn't seem fair! Sure there are those days that I wish I could drop him off at day care, but to have one as a permanent fixture in my life is a different story.
Oh well, such is life! I mean, I don't really think that there is an aspect of my life that hasn't changed in the last few months. What's that saying again?? "That which doesn't kill you only makes you stronger."
I will be working all night making a list of all the important questions to ask. I mean we all know the first question is, "How much is this going to cost me?" But beyond that, I've got nothing! I guess that's what Google is for!!
Anyone have any advice for me?? I appreciate it!
They say that change is good... I want to know who THEY are!!

Kids!

2010-02-12T10:01:00.002-05:00

We have all heard the saying that, "Kids say the funniest things." Well, my kids are no exception! Yesterday I worked really hard cleaning the joint! I did like 100 loads of laundry, dishes, cleaned out Jack's drawers, gave the bathroom a good scrubbing... you get the picture!
One of the jobs I didn't mention was cleaning out the refrigerator! It's not a job that I really ever think about, until I have no more Tupperware in the cabinet and nothing else to store my left overs in!! I dug around through the way back and found all kinds of food that I forgot about!! Mexican, Italian, cut up fruit, etc... So I took everything out, threw away the food (and yes I know there are starving kids in the world, but I assure you they wouldn't want this stuff!) and really gave it the once over!
So, everyday when Tyler gets home he says, "So what did you do today?" Today's response was no different than any other day, I rattled off a list of things, knowing he really wasn't listening, and then I ask him about his day. After about 10 minutes he ventures over to the frig to grab a snack and he says, "Wow, did you change the light bulb in the frig because it sure is bright in there?"
I have been laughing ever since!! Yep, you're right kid, I just changed the light bulb to make it brighter!!!!

Things That Went Wrong Today

2010-02-09T23:01:00.002-05:00

1. I woke up late, which then makes the kids late, which then makes me cranky, which then makes them cranky!
2. Jack's overnight diaper leaked... Everywhere. I absolutely hate when this happens.
3. I had to drive back to the scout store and get the correct items for the Court of Honor, which was tonight!!
4. Gave Jack a pen to play with at the doctor's office and while I was talking to the doctor, he wrote all over his legs!
5. Started sewing all the patches to the boys uniforms, now this is something that I should have been doing all along, but choose to wait until the last minute and cram it into my evening!
6. Went the wrong way to cub scouts! Arrived late!
7. Forgot the needle to continue my patch sewing while at Matthew's meeting, so I could finish Tyler's shirt, 45 minutes before the ceremony!!!
8. Ate too much sugar at the celebration after the awards and now I have a killer stomach ache!

Now, on any given day I would be able to handle a few of these things, but you add in the pouring rain and the drive to school to pick up a whining tween, because he didn't want to get wet and that just sends you into a tail spin you can't recover from!!!!
I am off to catch some beauty sleep, I better remember to set the alarm so we don't go through this all over again tomorrow!!!

I'm Ready!

2010-01-30T19:19:00.001-05:00

Our house was a buzz this morning! The boys could not believe their eyes! We actually had inches of snow to play in! So after breakfast we dug through the closet and located hats and gloves. The boys layered their clothes and ventured out into the cold for some much needed outdoor time! Jack wanted to be included so badly, he decided to get himself dressed and ready!!!

Here's what he found!

And here is what he looked like after I got him ready!

Off to VA!

2010-01-29T08:29:00.003-05:00

So, the boys and I are off to VA for what appears to be a very snowy weekend! The anticipation of the trip is brimming out of our heads. We have missed all of our friends desperately. I could just cry with excitement for my boys, they can't wait! Too bad we have a 4 hour drive!!
Speaking of the drive, you will all be glad to know that I will now be traveling with AAA in my back pocket! After the last trip and the car problems, I think it is safe to say that I will, "Never leave home without it!"
The other day Matthew and I were driving along and I was chatting with my mom on my cell, don't worry, I am always hands free!! Anyway, I was talking about AAA and Matthew chimes in, "It's way better than double A, we don't want to go with just double A again! Actually Mommy, I think we need quadruple A!"
I have been laughing since! Always glass half full for that kid!!

Sorry and the WINNER!

2010-01-26T08:16:00.002-05:00

So I am sorry to have kept you all waiting an extra 2 days for the announcement of the winner!! I have just had the stomach flu rip through my insides with great determination. I am on the mend, but still feel as though I have been run over by a bus!

Good News: I have lost 3 pounds in 2 days! Not a bad price to pay for hugging the toilet all night and sleeping on the bathroom floor!!!

Now on to the winner! Laura with comment #9... "I follow with google friend connect!"
Congratulations Laura! Thanks for entering and of course for following my blog!

Jack's Big Day

2010-01-23T09:33:00.004-05:00

Yesterday was Jack's big day! He turned 2 years old. I can hardly believe that he is officially out of the baby stage and on to bigger and better things. He had a super time last night opening his gifts and playing with all his new toys. Personally I think that the favorite one so far is the gigantic bouncy horse!!! I mean, before we could even get his uncle to put it together for him he was pretending to gallop around the living room!!!

Needless to say he was a bit over tired last night at bedtime and when I ultimately put him on the changing table to get his jammies on, he was yelling, "Ri-ya, Ri-ya, Ri-ya," as fast as he could, over and over again! In a true mom moment I said, out loud, "Oh, do you want to ride your horse?" He stands up all excited and says, "k,k,KAAAA," which means okay! I then had to dash his hope of one last ride and he was crushed! I felt terrible!! Oh well, he survived, slept soundly through the night and ran out to the living room first thing this morning to mount up! Really a great gift!! Just don't know where I am going to put it!!!

He also figured out quickly how to use the stir-up as a cup holder, for his new ice cream cone toy!!! So cute!

Lizards

2010-01-19T22:16:00.004-05:00

I took Jack to a new park today. He was sick all last week and we spent 8 days in the house, so it was time to break free from these walls and get some fresh air.
The park was beautiful. Lots of trees, no street noise and tons of moms with 2 year olds running around.
I must say that Jack really enjoyed himself. Now that he is getting so much older, he is also getting so much more sure of himself. Nothing can phase him. He climbs up way to high, teeters on the edge of slides and ledges and loves to get dirty! Sometimes I have to call out snack time just to get him to stop making me so nervous with his fearlessness!
After our snack we were looking around and of course Jack is saying, "Hi-ya", to everyone he gets within 4 feet of! Then I look over... There on the fence was a little lizard. I was so excited to show it to him and he was just thrilled to watch it! He watched it for 5, 10, 15 minutes! He even touched it. Of course he jumped back 3 feet when it jumped away, I laughed so hard, I almost wet my pants. He was so cute. Who knew a tiny little lizard could bring playtime to a screaming halt! I welcomed it!!

Thirty One Gifts Giveaway!!

2010-01-15T08:26:00.004-05:00

For exactly one year my dear friend, Janice, has been working a home business. She has climbed the ranks within the company and made herself a wonderful success! To celebrate her anniversary, she has asked me to host a giveaway on my blog! This is so exciting!

Thirty One Gifts offers a full catalog of purses, totes and bags for every occasion! They have a kids line and a teen line as well. I have been a customer for 1 year, so I have many of their products that I use everyday! The Small Thermal tote is a favorite of mine! It is perfect for lunch on the go, snacks for the kids or even Jack's trains! I absolutely love that almost everything they offer can be personalized in a wide variety of colors and fonts. In fact sometimes that's the hardest part, picking out what color you want your bag embroidered with!!

Janice has generously offered to give one of my readers a Small Thermal Tote with Personalization!! If you are the winner you will be able to pick from the happy dot, medallion vine, or tailored stripe fabric, as well as the color/style embroidery.

Now for the rules!
First entry is mandatory!
Visit Janice's website and browse through the catalog. Then come back and tell me about another product that caught your eye!

Additional Entries:
Follow my blog... 1 entry
Follow Janice's blog... 1 entry
Follow Janice on Twitter... 1 entry
Post about this GIVEAWAY on your BLOG (don't forget to leave me a link in your comment so I can check you out too!!)... 3 entries
Place a Thirty One order with Janice before the end of this giveaway and it is worth... 10 entries!!

You must leave a comment for each entry!!

This contest will run from Jan 15,2010 until January 24,2010 11:59pm est. The winner will be chosen using Random.org.

New Friends

2010-01-13T21:57:00.004-05:00

Today was a special day for Matthew. He has been asking to have his new friend over for 2 weeks now. Her mom finally called on Sunday night and we decided that today would be the day. He has been so excited.

On Monday, I found a note in his room that said "Dear ----, Do you think I am cute?" Tyler of course had a few things to say about that and I had to have a talk with Matthew, who I remind you is only 8, about how he is too young for those questions and that he should just concentrate on having a nice time with his friend over.

On Tuesday afternoon, all Matthew could talk about was how Wednesday was his special day. He had the entire afternoon planned, right down to what I should serve for snack!

On Tuesday evening, Matthew announces that he will be showering right after school and putting on deodorant just before she comes over! I said, "why do you need to shower?", his response was, "because I want to be clean and not smell bad."

So low and behold today arrives... I swear the boy was skipping on his way to the bus stop this morning. He took special care to match his clothes; Not something he really cares about usually!

After school, I went outside knowing that her mom was coming right from school and I had told her I would be out in the front of our apartment so she could find us with no problem.
Up they pull, Matthew wasn't even home yet! I had butterflies in my stomach. I had cleaned all day. I had even put on makeup! To be honest, I was just as excited as Matthew to have new friends coming over!
Out of the truck pops this adorable brown haired girl dressed in all pink with a box of Pokemon cards in her hand! She also brought her Bakugan, her DSi and a Pokemon video. I couldn't hide my smile. She is the perfect playmate for Matthew! She likes all the same things as him. She packed the exact same things that Matthew would have. They even played Star Wars!
All in all it was a great afternoon! We both made new friends. The kids played everything they could think of and us moms got some time to chat. We have been here for 2 months and things are finally starting to settle into place.
So tonight I say, "Thanks Matthew, we needed this!"

Sick Baby

2010-01-12T08:13:00.002-05:00

I had totally forgotten what it was like to have a sick baby. I forgot about the spike in fever at 1am that keeps them up until 3am wanting to play with toys and read books. I forgot about the worry it causes me and the fact that even though he was sound asleep at 4am, I felt it was necessary to untangle his blankets and feel his body to make sure he was cooler, Thus waking him up again. Poor baby.
I do have one question though, why do they have to get SO sick in the middle of the night? Yesterday he was ill but not SICK. He was still playful to an extent. He ate well. I mean he sounded awful but was still in good spirits. So why is it that when a mom, me, is at her worst... Dead tired, sound asleep and drooling, also happens to be when they are at their worst... raging fever, delirious and snot pouring.
Somehow, I don't think that is fair! Anyway, here is to hoping that Jack feels better today and I can get back to sleeping through the night again soon!

Kids and cell phones

2010-01-08T21:45:00.002-05:00

For a few months now I have contemplated the choice to get Tyler a cell phone or not. The pros and cons were about equal, so after careful consideration, I took the plunge! That was his big gift for Christmas. He was so excited and I had a hard time taking the smile off my face as well.
He was quick to say he knew everything and his friend had the same one and so on. I of course was super nervous about this new adventure. We have all heard the stories of parents with huge bills and kids texting a million texts a day but, I was secretly excited to finally have something to threaten to take away for rudeness and misbehavior! Yeah!
No really, it has been a joy for everyone in the family. He was fast to add all the family members he could think of and start texting! My sister even went over her texting allotment, she apparently is his new "phone buddy"!
I have even come to appreciate the call in the afternoon to say he is on his way home. Although, today's call was a request for a ride and a complaint that he couldn't get me to come and get him!
There will be a day when he will be calling someone else in his free time but for now, I am thrilled to be the recipient of his chatter!

Bacon

2010-01-05T23:21:00.002-05:00

I am a good cook! I can follow a recipe and with the exception of some disgusting Bulgar Wheat "Burgers" I made a few years ago, everything turns out pretty much as expected!
I have been on my own and cooking bacon in a fry pan for at least 14 years. I have never understood why it comes out so much different then the bacon you get in a restaurant. That is, until this weekend!
Low and behold, I read the package and the other suggested cooking method was baking the strips in the oven! I have to admit, I was doubtful at first. I mean if this is the better way, why didn't my mother do it this way? I was sceptical but I opted to try it anyway.
So there I was, amazed as I pulled the cookie sheet out of the oven and my bacon perfect!!! It was crisp, but not burned. It was a little flexible but not soft. There was still life left. It was perfect and delicious! I will NEVER stand over a blazing hot fry pan, with bacon grease splatting everywhere, ever again!
I can't really say why this is so fascinating to me, but truthfully, I can't wait until this weekend to BAKE up some bacon all over again!!!

New Year, New Me!

2010-01-01T20:54:00.002-05:00

So 2009 went out with a BANG! Those of you who know me well, know that I have been put through the ringer in the last few months. I just wanted to get to the New Year and still be standing upright! I almost didn't make it. Between the move, new schools, new city and holidays as a single mom, I figured that it was an attainable goal. Nothing too high of course because emotionally I am pretty spent!
Well, December 26th roled around and we were half way to CT to visit family, feeling groovy and counting the minutes down as the miles added up. Then BLAM, the car DIED! So there I am on the NJ Turnpike, 3 kids, luggage, a car full of presents, in the POURING RAIN and the car won't go! Talk about a "What the Heck" moment!
To make this disasterous story a little shorter, it was 3 tow truck rides later, another night in a hotel, room service (because I had no car to get to McD's) and a car rental later and we arrived in CT. Broke, with dirty clothes and not christmas gifts (they were still in the van in NJ), my family took us in and put life back into my body.
I then packed everyone back up 3 days later, drove back to NJ to get the van and finally arrived home at 10pm last night. It was a 16 hour trip home! After hour 4 I started saying, "I am never doing this again!" By hour 14 I could hardly think straight!
As I woke up this morning, I decided to start 2010 with a new lease on life! I have been there, done that, bought the tee-shirt and donated it to Goodwill! Nothing can break me! I am unbreakable! Until the next disaster and the next and the next and the next!! Keep it coming! I can take it!
Next up... New Years resolutions! Anybody have one they want to share??

Done Baking!

2009-12-20T19:17:00.002-05:00

I am officially done baking, for today that is!! I made 2 different kinds of cookies, some pretzel turtles, as well as chili and corn casserole for dinner! I have been on my feet since they hit the ground and I am sooo tired!
My Brother in Law was kind enough to take Tyler to an all afternoon Boy Scout activity today. It was outdoors and it was freezing! Tyler had a great time with the other kids and I think that Ron had a great time chatting with the other dads, even if his oldest is only 2 years old! He was a real sport and I really can't thank him enough!
Anyhow, when they got home, Tyler asked, "So Mom, what did you do today?" I slowly rattle off the above list of activities, also mentioning the 3 loads of laundry, the trip to the grocery store, the unloading and putting away of the grocerys, oh yeah and a shower!
His response was, "That's it."
The response I would have loved to pass his way was not G rated so I settled for a "Yep" and went about my business.
So I ask you, when do they start to appreciate you??? Ever??? I sure hope so!

Stupid Black Pants

2009-12-12T22:53:00.002-05:00

So, for 2 days in a row I have venture out into the retail world in search of black slacks for Tyler's upcoming band concert. The teacher sent home a letter stating that black jeans and black tennis shoes would not be tolerated... okay, maybe she didn't use the word tolerated but you catch my drift.
Anyway, there I am in the men's department holding up pants and trying to figure out which ones will fit. I am going back and forth between the 29's and the 30's and becoming quite frazzled while I stand there. So I throw a pair in the cart and off I go.
Well, you guessed it, I came home with the wrong size! TWICE!!! You see this was the second trip out. On my first trip I purchased the largest size in the boy's department and my 12 year old couldn't get them buttoned!!!
I have to admit though, shopping for the wrong size alone is so much better then shopping with 3 children who want everything and will no longer accept my, "put it on your Christmas list" line!
The most unfortunate part of all of this was the look in Tyler's eyes as he stood in the kitchen, trying desperatly to suck it in and convince me that they fit! I truly thought he was going to cry, not because I have to return them, but because he doesn't get to come with me when I do!!

Bedtime

2009-12-05T23:09:00.002-05:00

I must say that bedtime used to be my favorite time of the day. I could put the kiddos to bed, get some housework done and be all comfy on the couch in time for the 8pm shows.
Well, that no longer happens! Now that Tyler is "older", I can't put him to bed at 7:30 or even 8 o'clock. Frankly I think that I am pushing the envelope by insisting that he head there at 9pm.
The weekends are really tough. They both think that they should get to stay up so that puts everyone up to 9pm if not later! Tonight was deceiving! I sent them to bed around 9:10. Everyone gave me a hug, brushed their teeth and went quickly to their room. I settle in on the couch, picked the USA movie of the weekend, I now pronounce you Chuck and Larry, and tuned in.
So 9:15 roles around and Tyler needs an ace bandage for a mysterious sprained ankle... 9:20 roles around and Matthew is throwing pillows at him... 9:30 Matthew is calling him a baby because he still sleeps with a blankie... 9:40 all is quiet.

AHHH, I can breath, watch Adam Sandler and just veg out...

9:50pm, just at the exact moment in the movie where the pretend gay guy feels up his new BFF, out pops Tyler, like a stealth fighter, wanting to show Matthew the pictures of him when he was born!!!
Can I get a break?? I fly off the couch, yelling about watching an adult movie and they should go to sleep immediately or we are going to go to church 3 times tomorrow as punishment for them driving me crazy!
I no longer love bedtime infact, I dread it!! At least Jack goes down without a fight. Otherwise, I wouldn't have any sanity left!!

By the way, it's rated PG-13... Not M!!!

Something Weird

2009-12-05T23:04:00.002-05:00

Tonight's dinner was not a well thought out plan but it did give me something to think about afterward... Why do some eggs have 2 yolks??? I made bacon and eggs for dinner tonight. It's super easy and the kids don't ever complain about breakfast food!
While I was cracking the eggs I got one that had 2 yolks... Not unheard of, but strange. I continued cracking and along came another one with 2 yolks! So out of 6 eggs, I got 8 yolks!!
I really have no idea why this is still on my mind but I have been thinking about it all night!
By the way, does this mean that we all had an extra shot of cholesterol because of the extra yolks?? hahahaha

What the Heck? Wednesday

2009-12-02T22:51:00.002-05:00

In the words of a friend and fellow blogger, I am going with the, what the heck? theme for my post this Wednesday evening!

For those who know me, you know that my life has been just a little bit difficult in the last few months; Well years really but never the less...

I was in the bathroom this evening preparing for a much needed and deserved hot shower when I happened to glance at myself in the full size/full wall mirror,(something I go to great lengths to avoid doing every time I am in there), but anyway, I was shocked by what I saw... There right on my outer thigh was a ghastly sight... VARICOSE VEINS!! I was reduced to tears. When did that happen?? Why me?? Why now?? Do I really deserve those ugly, unsightly signs of age on my body. I think not!!

So I must say... What the Heck?

By the way, if you thought I was going to complain about cellulite dimples... I have those too and I am over it!!

A Little Off

2009-12-01T21:32:00.002-05:00

I am a little off tonight. Maybe it is exhaustion. Maybe it is loneliness. I really can't put my finger on it, but I am definitely a little bit off.
The apartment is nice and I can honestly say that I only have a few boxes left to unpack. The boys have really adjusted well so far and I am very pleased. I'm taking steps this week to enroll them in all the activities that they were doing in Virginia, so they can start to make new friends. We are even going to the new member dinner at our new church later this week.
I remind myself daily that with them by my side, I am truly blessed. They are healthy kids. Each has his own personality and qualities that make them special.
So I ask you, why can't I shake this feeling. How long will it take to shake it. The feeling that something is missing. I have resolved myself to the understanding that my life will never be what it used to be. It will be different. Different is not a bad thing, it's just not the same.
I miss my friends. I miss the kid's friends. I miss my house and my yard. I miss the beautiful kitchen that I designed. I miss the color on the walls and the way I had my pictures hung in the hallway. None of it was perfect but it was mine. I know that those things are trivial in the grand scheme of life and that I have the 3 most important blessings with me, but still, I can't shake the feeling of being a little off.

Update!

2009-11-29T23:36:00.002-05:00

Well, it has been a few days since I've written and for that I am sorry. I must say that I have been too busy for just about everything lately. I thought I would take a few minutes and give you an update of what's new in my life! The boys and I have moved into our new place and I am actually starting to call it home. It is very different but we are all adjusting well. T has been tooting away on the new saxophone. That kid really has an EAR from music. Just need him to read the sheet music! M has reached out to a few of the kids he has spotted riding their bikes around, even asked one kid, "Were you wondering what my name was?" So cute and friendly. J is the most adaptable of all! He just runs from room to room, grabbing everything that he knows he shouldn't have and bringing it to us, as if to say, "look what I found." Oh, and I have started potty training!!! Even bought some pull-ups today! If my sister can potty train her kid at 2, so can I!!!
It has been great to be close to family again. Everyone has been so helpful and kind. This week the goal is to get the kids in scouts again and join a new church. I also hope to start exercising!! I know, I know, you are shocked... No more Oreos for this girl! Well, maybe just a few when no one is looking!! hahaha, just kidding!

Thirty-One Giveaway on the Bragging Mommy Site

2009-11-24T20:45:00.002-05:00

My good friend Janice's business is being featured/reviewed on The Bragging Mommy Blog. You can visit her website, leave a comment and be entered to win a $50 Gift Certificate. I am thinking about all the holiday gifts I could get with that! They have fabulous and practical products, so check out the giveaway and enter to win!!!

Choices

2009-11-22T14:09:00.002-05:00

Life is full of choices. We all make them. Some are good and some are bad but we still make them!!
Today's choice was to either purchase my son a saxophone or to purchase myself a bed. I weighed the pros and cons, on the couch, all night last night. Did I just go ahead and spend the $40 a month to rent a saxophone or did I bite the bullet and make the purchase of a used one that he could call his own.
Or did I buy myself a bed. A nice comfy, soft bed with new sheets, pillows and a pretty comforter. Something that I could walk into my room every night and climb into for a well deserved rest before the new crazy day ahead.
The choice was clear... I am currently listening to Jingle Bells being belted out at full volume, while I wait for my mother to bring me an air mattress for my room.
Sometimes being a parent is so rewarding!!! Just hope he doesn't wreck it!!!

UnitedHealthcare StudentResources

2009-11-20T14:05:00.003-05:00

Are you aware of the UnitedHealthcare StudentResources insurance program that offers protection/coverage for injury AND sickness, 24/7/365?
The Health Plan is available to K-12 students from ages 5–18,(ages 4-18 in Texas).
There are over 2000 public school systems/districts throughout the US that participate with UHCSR to offer this plan. From small rural school districts to the largest in the nation such as Los Angeles Unified and Miami/Dade County. UHCSR’s program is also available through many participating private schools. It is also nationally available through schools that belong to the Association of Christian Schools International.
UHCSR is a division of UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company which has been dedicated to student insurance programs for over 40 years. Because UHCSR focuses on students, they have a better understanding of the unique needs of this age group.
In these difficult economic times UHCSR has challenged national trends by INCREASING benefits while KEEPING the premium at 2008 levels. Many families are while the K12 Health Plan can provide a level of protection for uninsured children, it is also being purchased by many families who have high deductible employer coverage. If you have to pay hundreds or even thousands of dollars to meet your employer plan deductible, the K12 Health Plan can reimburse you for your children’s eligible medical expenses while they are working toward meeting your employer plan’s deductible. This could add up to huge savings for struggling families.
This health care insurance plan is designed to be affordable at only $588 per policy year or just $98 every two months. You can enroll your student at any point in the school year.
If you are interested in obtaining more information you can check out the full plan details and the easy online enrollment at their award winning site http://www.k12studentinsurance.com/
Once you are on the website you can follow these directions to get the most information as well as enroll: Click on Plans & Pricing tab and enter school district name (or just a few letters) to find and select your child’s school. Click View Plan Materials to see the plan brochure, and review the Student Health Plan Coverage page regarding Student Injury and Sickness Benefits. When you are ready to enroll, click the Enroll Now button on the Plans & Pricing tab (or from the Home page). You will complete some information about your child, select your Injury and Sickness plan, create your account, and make a payment by credit card or e-check.

“Kids will be kids. … That’s why we’re here. …Our student health plan helps protect kids while they are being kids.”

We are here!

2009-11-19T23:36:00.002-05:00

The boys and I are already settling into our new crib!! So far so good. I mean, I emptied 15 totes/boxes today with my mom's help and I also got the kids registered for school! I was not wasting anytime on that one! T starts tomorrow and M starts on Monday. Actually, it was cute taking them into their new schools. M wanted to know if his new school has a REAL gym! He was thrilled to meet the PE teacher today and learn that basketball is next on the list of activities! T's number one question was, "What's for lunch tomorrow?"
There are still tons of things to do, but we will get it all done. This is going to be great!

Thou Shall Not Whine Giveaway

2009-11-16T07:16:00.002-05:00

Hello All,
Please go and check out Thou Shall Not Whine. My sister is hosting a super fun giveaway for an adorable Lily Bug bottle cover. Not to mention that there is a super cute picture of K, using it!!! We all need a gift or two for this holiday season so maybe try to win one of these for the new mommy friend in your life!!

Pray for Austin

2009-11-15T21:41:00.002-05:00

Hello to all my blog readers. I am asking for all the praying people I know to hold up a very sick little baby. My friend Becky and her husband have just gotten the news that their son Austin has brain cancer. The doctors were able to remove the tumor last week but the pathology report has come back and it is cancer. He will start radiation and chemo just after Thanksgiving. He is 22 months old. Just one day younger than my Jack.

Please pray for him. Thank you.

It's Official!

2009-11-13T10:18:00.002-05:00

The boys and I will be relocating to North Carolina in the first week of December! Some things have changed around and it has opened up the opportunity for us to start over, sooner than later. I couldn't be more thrilled! I must admit to being just a little scared at the prospect of being out on my own but very excited to have the fresh start that I desperately need, (and deserve.) Now, on with the packing!!!

Out with the OLD!

2009-11-08T20:41:00.003-05:00

I spent the day today digging through every drawer and closet for any and all articles of clothing that no longer fit my children. My good friend J and I will be traveling 60 miles to a resale shop to get some CASH for Christmas. They take everything from Boppy pillows and strollers to big kid clothes and shoes! I am so excited! I have 4 tubs of clothes along with 2 baskets of toys and a stroller. It's like preparing for a yard sale only different!
The spirit moved me so far that I even dug into my own closets and drawers. Out with the tired shirts I have been wearing for 3 years and the pants that are too faded to wear even in the garden.
There is one other thing that got pitched in the TRASH... Every last piece of lingerie that I own. Yep, all the nighties, robes and lacy stuff went into the big can outside! I am DONE with that!!!!! Not to mention that if and when I EVER go back down that road... I WILL BUY NEW!!!

Swine Flu

2009-11-05T11:29:00.002-05:00

Last night was crazy! I took the children to the local high school for the FREE swine flu vaccine. We arrived at 5:15pm and got in line. There were at least 300 people visible outside the building and as I debated whether to stand in line, I reminded myself of the headlines (kids dying from Swine Flu) and made the executive decision that waiting a few minutes was a small price to pay for assurance that my children would not become inflicted with the disease! So we wait. The line moved rather steadily and as we progress closer to the door, I kept saying, "Just a few more minutes", over and over again. Tyler kept saying, "I would rather have the Swine Flu than stand in line." Matthew kept saying, "I am so hungry", and Jack just whined, a lot!
Finally we are in the doors, and the line continues down the entire hallway... my initial assessment of 300 was increased to at least 800 people waiting... We had already been there for 30 minutes, I figured, what's another 30! Down that hallway we go and around the corner to what everyone assumed was the entrance to the shot distribution area and instead another line!!! It became quickly evident that I had GROSSLY underestimated just how many people were there for the exact same reason!
After it was said and done, we were out of snacks, out of gum, out of patience and then in tears over the pain of a shot!! Was it worth it??? I can't say for sure.
Jack woke up with a fever of 101 this morning... Is he already sick with it???

So I ask myself, was 2 hours of waiting with cranky, tired and irritated kids worth the possibility of not getting the Swine Flu??? Well, that remains to be seen!!!

1 Hour Early

2009-11-03T14:23:00.002-05:00

Those of you who know me, know that I am always right on time for everything. Never early and hardly ever late... just, right on time!
Yesterday started like any other morning, I set the alarm for my usual 6:20am. I then hit snooze, just once. I do this every morning. It is my way of tricking myself into thinking that I am actually getting more sleep than I should! So when the alarm goes off again at 6:29, I get up, head down the hall to wake up Matthew who is snoring away. He rises, tells me how tired he is and heads for the bathroom.
I grab his clothes and meet him in the kitchen (that's where he dresses every morning). He gets all ready to walk out the door and says, "What time is it?" I glance at the clock and it reads 5:37... That's right folks, not only was I an hour early for the bus but my 8 year old was standing at the front door, 1 HOUR EARLY!!!
I removed the backpack from his arms and put him back to bed... Told him I would wake him in an hour!! Poor thing!

I hate Day Light Savings time!!

Mom Moment

2009-10-27T20:28:00.002-04:00

Okay, I have a confession to make. Every single Tuesday night I watch The Biggest Loser. I have been watching it for years. It used to inspire me to lose weight myself and live a healthier life. Now I just watch because I am fascinated by the people and their stories.
Now for the real confession, Every week I drive the boys to Cub Scouts. As I leave the church parking lot, I turn the car left instead of right and head somewhere just for me! DAIRY QUEEN. That's right folks, I pick myself up a sundae with peanut butter sauce and chocolate dip poured over ice cream, so that while I am watching those poor people kill themselves for a few pounds down on the scale, I am cramming a huge ice cream sundae down my throat and loving every bite! Does that make me a bad person???
Now for the worst part of tonight's travels... I had a sick child with me and only $4 bucks in my pocket so as every mom would do, I drove through picked up my treat and never said a word to him about what he might want!! ha ha ha.
As we drove home he said to me, "Thank you very much for my imaginary ice cream cone, it's delicious!"

What the Heck?

2009-10-26T14:36:00.002-04:00

So, it has been 8 days since The X Factor has made contact with his children. What is he thinking?? I mean really. In the world of cell phones and computers is it so far out of the realm that he would inquire about their day, their health, their anything...
He finally made contact this morning, by text message, wanting to know if he could come over tonight and carve pumpkins with them. Not can I come and help with homework, housework or poopy diapers... just PUMPKINS!!!

I said... "Sure, come early the lawn needs to be mowed!!!"

I mean really! REALLY??

Kelly Confidential Perfect Planner

2009-10-26T14:11:00.002-04:00

Hello Sippy Cup Readers,
I recently received an email invitation to check out this Thanksgiving party planning site! It is called Kelly Confidential. Kelly Ripa has teamed up with a host of expert to help you plan and execute a delicious holiday meal. The site is loaded with recipes and celebration ideas and the best part is, each week that you add a new recipe to your "plan", you will be entered into a contest to win a Electrolux Double Wall Oven with Perfect Turkey® Button. Not only do we all like new ideas, we also LOVE the chance to WIN things!!!
I have had so much fun planning my holiday feast and you can too!!! Check out this website to learn more! http://www.kelly-confidential.com/

Chex Mix for Dinner

2009-10-23T21:50:00.002-04:00

This evening turned out a lot differently than I thought it would be. I think as my kids get older and I run out of hours in the day, simple tasks become harder and harder.
The store called this afternoon to let me know that my new glasses were ready for me to pick up. I have been waiting for a week and with a very busy weekend ahead I just decided to make the trek through the tunnel tonight, and pick them up.
The boys were playing down the street so I asked my neighbor to keep them while Jack and I "ran" down, for a "quick trip" to Norfolk to retrieve the glasses. Of course I have some of the best friends around, so off I go on my merry way...
Got there in 30 minutes... no problem.
In the eyeglass shop... have to wait... a small problem, but nothing a cheese stick and some apple juice can't handle.
In the grocery store for a few things... Jack started to really crank up the noise... so as every good mother does, once in a while, I grabbed a bag of chex mix, opened it and passed it to the little noise maker, just so I could get out of the store! (Don't worry, I paid for it)
Back in the car, on the highway and then we STOPPED>>> TRAFFIC>>> ACCIDENT IN THE TUNNEL>>> 5 MILE BACKUP>>> NO OTHER WAY HOME>>> AHHHH

5 calls to friends, 2 starburst, a smashed 3 musketeers bar and 90 minutes later, we pull into the driveway. It is then that I realize, my sweet little toddler had eaten the entire package of chex mix on the way home and not a crumb was left!

What is the lesson here??? Other than never try to drive across the water on a Friday afternoon again, I got nothing!!!

Don't worry, I gave him a big glass of milk and some grapes before I put him to bed... He'll be fine!!!

75 Hours

2009-10-21T23:10:00.002-04:00

That's how long it has been since The X Factor has contacted our children. He left here on Sunday evening and they haven't heard from him since. I can't help but announce how disgusted I am by this blatant act. I mean, no call to see how they are, how school is, or just to chat. NOTHING. Is it that hard to pick up the phone and ask the boys how their day at school was or what they ate for lunch. Who does he think that he is??? What is going through his mind??? Anything? I guess not.

Irish Dancing??

2009-10-16T20:13:00.001-04:00

Matthew is so quirky!
Enjoy his video!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZcedvOzY1YU

Use the bathroom first! It's pretty funny!

I'm Sorry

2009-10-10T21:52:00.005-04:00

Today was a long day for the boys. They were up way too late last night and awoke way too early this morning. Tyler doesn't handle being tired very well. (I don't know where he gets that from). Needless to say he had a full day of correction and discipline for his rudeness. I think I received 2 or 3 (heart-felt) apologies, all of them I had demanded of course.
Anyhow, this evening I reached my limit. I sent him to bed and told him not to come out until tomorrow morning or he would be grounded for a week! Extreme, I know, but like I said, I had reached my limit!
After 10 minutes or so he come out to apologize one final time for the evening and since I was in no mood, I didn't even respond. As her turned on his heel, he yells, "I even risked getting grounded to come out and say I was sorry and you don't even say anything". You realize that ignoring him took all my strength but I pulled through.
An hour or so later I decided to check on the little cherubs and discovered this note waiting for me on the table...

Mom,
Once again I am sorry for being rude but it has occurred to me that you don't accept my apologies so I should just stop apologizing.
From Tyler

Nothing says I'm sorry like a nasty note telling me you are not apologizing anymore.

Girls Night Out

2009-10-09T10:28:00.003-04:00

Last night was great fun!! I had arranged for The X Factor to have kid duty for the evening and once word got out to the girls that I would be free and clear, THEY WERE IN!! We all met up at our local Moe's Southwest grill and had some 6 pound burritos and then it was on to Kohl's for some retail therapy. I had a great time. Laughter is the best medicine and we did plenty of that! I have learned lots about myself in recent weeks and one thing is for sure, I have great friends and tons of people that care about me and my boys!! Thanks again ladies! Can't wait to do it again!

On the Market

2009-10-07T10:29:00.003-04:00

So, the real estate agent called last night to say he was bringing some other agents over to tour the house today... I ran around like a headless chicken to make it look beautiful. Every room has been cleaned, dusted, and vacuumed. I must say it looks wonderful. Anyhow, Jack and I didn't make it out of the house before they (15 of them) arrived, so I made the most of it and put on my big girl smile! I heard lots of positive things. Well, as much as I could hear with Jack laughing and hollering in my ear as I tried to listen through the walls!!! Then we were spotted and he was a hit. I had to keep saying, "He doesn't come with the house" and "Yes, he is a giant". All in all I would say it went well. Nothing like some redheaded baby charm to bring in the buyers!!

8 Years Old

2009-09-29T12:01:00.002-04:00

If ever I needed a day to remind me that life is worth every breath I take, yesterday was it. My middle son turned 8 yesterday. We had a great party at the indoor putt-putt place that he has been talking about for 6 months! It was wonderful. The owner was johnny on the spot with everything and I didn't have to lift a finger, well maybe a finger but he was a great host and really made the night fun. I also made the world's smartest mom move and got Jack a babysitter! I had visions of him running through the joint, swinging a golf putter at everyone and everything, so I employed one of the most capable 16 year old girls I know to be his source of entertainment and I didn't have to wipe pizza or cake off the ceiling!!

Matthew was thrilled to receive so many great toys and he even posed long enough for a photo! What a great night.

Is this it?

2009-09-27T21:23:00.002-04:00

Is this all I get?? After 12 years of being the best wife that I knew how to be, I get to spend my day alone. I remember getting ready for my wedding. No butterflies, just smiles. I couldn't wait to get married. It was all I had wanted for 2 years and I couldn't wait.
Now here I sit. Alone. Wondering if he thought of me today. Did he think of my heart today? Did he think of the promises that we made to each other all those years ago? Or was it just another day to him? I miss him. I miss the man that I married. I miss the man that stole my teenage heart 16 years ago.
I have told myself that the man that I married would never have done this to me. He would never have walked away from me, our boys and the love that I had(have) for him. Would he?? When did he change? When did the man that loved me with everything he had leave and this stranger take over?
Was I just a fool. Was I lying to myself thinking that love would be enough for us to jump any hurdle, weather any storm that came our way? Why did I feel it so strongly then. Why did I believe with all my heart that as long as we loved each other, our hearts would never separate. Why did I not see this coming?
So I ask again, Is this all I get? A broke heart, 3 boys with broken hearts, an empty hand, an empty bed and a pain that stabs so hard it hurts. Is this it??
I know that tomorrow is a new day. My son's birthday and a day to celebrate life. God is watching me. Bops and Gramma are watching me. I just wish someone would take the weight off my shoulders and the pain from my heart.
Let go and let God.

Ages 8+

2009-09-25T09:05:00.002-04:00

I have always thought that the ages on toys are really not accurate. I mean what 6 month old can make a block tower?? My son Jack is extremely advanced, not only can he make a block tower, he can load a Nerf gun!!

Empty Handed

2009-09-24T13:30:00.002-04:00

It is with extreme sadness that I removed my wedding band and put it back in the box it came in. My heart is truly broken and I don't know that it will ever be put back together again. I never dreamed that after all these years that my marriage would end. Through the good times and the bad I just never saw this as the end result.
As the weekend of my 12th anniversary approached, I am reminded of all the celebrations, togetherness and affection. I am also reminded of all the recent sadness and broken promises.
My oldest son told me to cross the day off on the calendar and my response was, "No, because that is the day that God put daddy and mommy together and without that day, I wouldn't have him or his 2 brothers."
True sadness and disappointment surrounds me. I am however constantly reminded that I have 3 wonderful reasons to continue to enjoy my life. They will always be the light that shines and that keeps me going.
If God leads you to it, He will lead you through it.

Flying Solo

2009-09-19T17:56:00.004-04:00

Today was the first day that Kevin has taken the boys for the afternoon since he moved out. I must say that at first I didn't really have any idea of how I would spend my time. But, after a lot of fretting, I decided to spend the day out of the house. Sure, there are always things to clean or organize but I can do those chores on any other day of the week. So off to Marshall's I went, and I bought myself a shirt. Then on to JcPenney's Salon where I got a great haircut and of course a wonderful chat with the lady that does my hair. Next was Chick-fil-A for a caffeine free Diet Coke and finally a quick trip to Wal-Mart for a few much needed groceries and a few birthday gifts for Matthew. All in all, I would call the day a success. No whining children requesting hundreds of dollars worth of nothing. No kids begging for a chicken nugget meal with a toy and a perfect haircut. Truly an A+ day.
Oh yeah, the kids had a good day with dad too!

Life Changes

2009-09-15T08:36:00.003-04:00

It is with sadness that I write about the dramatic changes that my life has taken in the last few weeks. My husband of 12 years has moved out and we have taken steps to ultimately divorce. These are words that I never expected to come out of my mouth, but here I am saying them. The boys are handling themselves very well and we are talking openly about all the things that will change.
We have to sell the house so we are signing the papers this afternoon. I told both older boys and at first they did fine but this morning Tyler was visibly upset at the fact that the sign would be going up so quickly. Unfortunately there isn't another way and I am sad as well. I expected to stay here for several more years, but as we all know, life can throw you a curve ball at anytime. We are never prepared for it.
For my entire adult life I have been a firm believer that God doesn't give you any more then you can handle, he must think I am Superwoman then!
I welcome your comments as well as suggestion to make this time of transition easier for the kids. So far I have been as honest as possible, my #1 goal is to give them the best life that I can. God has good things in store for all of us, we just don't know what they are.

Ronzoni Pasta Sweepstakes

2009-09-13T21:05:00.002-04:00

Hello All,
Follow this link to the Ronzoni, It Pays to Eat Pasta, Sweepstakes. Enter to win for yourself and that also gives me another entry! Lord knows my boys can put away some pasta!!!

http://www.itpaystoeatpasta.com/ip.cfm?u=3C49929F-2C83-4B0E-A7CD-4DC24C2578EB

Thanks everyone and good luck!

Stop and Shop Gift Card Winner

2009-09-10T19:07:00.002-04:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1 Max: 3
Result: 1
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations to Alyssa who said, "In gas savings itself I am saying I can save at least 20 cents a gallon. In the store I bet in my next trip next week I can save at least 15-20 dollars."

Thank you to all who entered... Keep watching for future giveaways!!

Stop & Shop Gift Card Giveaway

2009-09-04T16:55:00.002-04:00

There is a Back-to-School Savings event going on at a Stop & Shop near you!!

From September 4-10 General Mills and Stop & Shop are teaming up to give families a great way to stock up and save, as they gear up for back to school.

Great sale pricing on the participating General Mills brands:Cheerios, Lucky Charms, Reeses Puffs, Cinnamon Toast Crunch, Cookie Crisp Sprinkles, Cookie Crisp, Fruit Snacks, Old El Paso Dinner Kits, Pillsbury Strudel, Pillsbury Scrambles, Green Giant Boxed Vegetables, Yoplait Yo-Plus Multi-Pack, Fiber One Yogurt Multi-Pack, Pillsbury Refrigerated Cookies, Pillsbury Crescent Rolls, Pillsbury Sweet Rolls and Yoplait Delights
Additional savings for you or your school, depending on which Stop & Shop location you shop. If your Stop & Shop store sells gas:
Buy four (4) participating General Mills items and you’ll automatically earn 100 points on your Stop & Shop card

For every 100 points earned, you'll save 10¢ per gallon of gas (Please note: Total discount cannot exceed price per gallon)

Just swipe your Stop & Shop Card at the pump to redeem your Gas Rewards. If your Stop & Shop store doesn’t sell gas:
For those Stop & Shop locations without gas stations, don’t worry – you’re not left out of the savings – if you buy five (5) participating General Mills products, you will receive 20 Bonus Box Tops for your school

Here is the best part as a reader of my blog you can enter to win a Stop & Shop $10 gift card! MyBlogSpark and General Mills have teamed up to continue to help you save money!! All you need to do is leave a comment telling me: How much you think you can save on your next trip?

This giveaway starts now and will run until Wednesday, September 9th at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org, and will be then be contacted by email.

And the winner is.....

2009-09-04T16:49:00.002-04:00

True Random Number Generator
Min: 1 Max: 16
Result: 12
Powered by RANDOM.ORG

Congratulations to Sheila who posted: I became a follower!! Hope I win!!!!

I will get in contact with you so that you can use your $25 Craftsbury Kids gift certificate!

Stay tuned for another giveaway soon!

Giveaway: $25 gift certificate to Craftsbury Kids

2009-08-20T21:41:00.005-04:00

I am so excited to be holding my very first giveaway.

Recently while looking through a Better Homes and Gardens magazine I came across a beautiful silhouette necklace. I eagerly visited the Craftsbury Kids website to learn more about it. There I was expecting to find just jewelry, so you can imagine my excitement to find toys, gifts and adorable baby items as well.

Now for the best part; Cecilia Leibovitz, who is the founder and creative director of Craftsbury Kids has offered the opportunity for one of my readers to win a $25 gift certificate to her online store.

Here is what you need to do to enter.

Visit the Craftsbury Kids website. Then come back here and leave a comment telling me about ANY product that caught your eye. You must include your contact information in your comment so I can get in touch with you if you win!

You can earn up to 3 additional entries by leaving another comment after doing 1 or more of the following:

*Subscribe to my blog in a newsreader.
*Become a follower.
*Link back to this post on your blog or website.

This giveaway starts now and will run until Monday, August 31st at 11:59 p.m. EST. Winner will be chosen via random.org, and will be then be contacted by email.

Dented Cans

2009-08-20T14:43:00.002-04:00

The grocery store used to be my favorite place to shop. When we were just starting out it was the one place that I felt I could spend money and not feel guilty about it! One of my favorite aisles at the commissary has always been the "safe to sell" area. You know the one I am talking about, it's where they tape up the packages that get ripped open or markdown the dented cans.

The job is no longer fun. It is just another chore that can't be avoided.

Today was an adventure. Jack was in rare form. There was nothing safe in the cart. Anything and everything that he could get his hands on was fair game as far as he was concerned! I was frazzled and I even had Tyler go back to the front of the store to get another cart just so I could keep his little 3 inches hands away from the produce!

As I was loading all the items onto the belt I noticed something. All my packages had bite marks and wet spots from baby drool and all my cans were dented but none of them were marked down. It is a sad day when you have to buy the dented cans and torn packages, not because you are broke, but because your toddler has launched them from his perch high above the ground and wrecked them just to make your other kids laugh!!!

Lands' End Back to School Party

2009-08-18T14:38:00.003-04:00

Join Lands' End for the Ultimate Back-to-School Twitter Party!

Lands' End hosts will be available to answer back-to-school shopping questions and the party will feature more than 20 product giveaways from co-hosts, 5minutesformom.com.

Date: Thursday, August 20th

Time: 7:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. CST

Location: #landsend
Save the date and log-on to Twitter for an evening of shopping tips, socializing and great giveaways!

Just for fun you can visit http://www.landsend.com.packland/ to create a fantasy back pack just like mine!!

Out of Town

2009-08-18T13:38:00.005-04:00

Hello All,
I must apologize for the lack of posts this week!! My mother is moving in just 6 short weeks so I traveled to CT to help with the packing process. So here is the rundown to get myself back into the swing of things!
Day one ... Drove 11 hours
Days two, three, four and five... Cleaned, packed and went through 40 years of stuff!
Day six... 40 years worth of stuff, out on the front lawn for the world's largest yard sale!
Day seven... Baptism of my twin baby nieces, followed by a big family party.
Day eight... Drove 11 hours home, just in time for football practice!

NEVER A DULL MOMENT!!

Tornado Warning

2009-08-11T21:35:00.003-04:00

There are two words in the world that send my poor son Matthew into a tailspin. Tornado Warning! Just the other day we had one... The red scroll across the bottom of the screen, the loud beeping siren as the scary voice reads the warning. Then Matthew flies off the couch, covers his ears and starts to cry. I mean really cry. "I don't want to die, I've had a good life and I want to go to heaven but not right now". Then comes the concern for his baby brother, "Jack is too young to die. He's only 1, I don't want him to die either."
My husband and I are looking at each other, neither one really sure that we know just the right words to say to console him. It was truly something out of a movie. You know the kind where they throw a huge cup of water at the hysterical person to bring them back from the edge!
Of course there was not a tornado. Our house is still standing and we are all still alive.
I don't think that Matthew should pursue a career on Storm Chasers when he grows up. Maybe building bunkers is going to be a better fit.

Water Jogging, anyone??

2009-08-07T15:21:00.004-04:00

So, who out there knew that water jogging was a real sport??? The kids and I went to the pool on base today. During the 15 minutes of "adult swim" I walked/jogged as fast as I could across the pool, figuring that was better than just standing there. I could feel the burn as I bounce from one side of the pool to the other. I completed 20 laps of the 25 yard pool, all while holding my 35lb turkey in my arms and singing Row, Row, Row the Boat. Not too shabby.

Then when I got home I looked up my exercise on the Lose It app on my Ipod and sure enough there listed under water aerobics is water jogging! I burned 192 calories!!! I am so excited about my new sport. How long before I'll be in the Olympics???

Free Chocolate Friday

2009-08-07T10:17:00.001-04:00

Don't forget to go to www.realchocolate.com and order your free chocolate coupon!! 1 per household per week!!!

Love Chocolate!

Flat Tire

2009-08-06T14:53:00.001-04:00

A few words sum up my afternoon... Flat tire on the highway with all 3 boys in the car.

Any Questions???

Lovin' the Basket

2009-08-05T21:46:00.003-04:00

Today was an exhausting day! My oldest woke up on the wrong side of the bed and the middle one followed suit! I decided that, since nothing I said could bring them around to the happier side of life, we would CLEAN! I MEAN CLEAN! I had them take everything out of the closets and drawers and we started fresh!! Truthfully I have been wanting to do it for a few months now and today's attitude was the perfect excuse! They were already in ugly moods so at least I wasn't going to tick them off anymore! It looks fantastic, if I do say so myself!

Through all the moaning and whining coming from the older boys it was hard to hear myself think much less hear what the baby was doing. I mean I knew that the damage would be minimal since he was safely playing in his kiddie corral with his new digger (that was unearthed from the depths of Matthew's closet).

I decide to take a quick break and pop in to play a quick game of peek a boo and this is what I found... Jack quietly holding the digger in one hand, watching Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and sitting in the basket!!! Absolutely lovin' the basket!! He spent a good half hour climbing in and out of it! No toys for this kid, just baskets!!

Summer Sponsored by SOLO

2009-08-03T10:13:00.004-04:00

I would like to thank Mom Select for the box of treats that was recently sent my way! I was selected to receive the "Summer Sponsored by Solo" kit and it was great! The kids dove into the water balloons and snacks the minute I was done taking this picture! The Solo Square cups are super. They are so easy to hold and they still stack beautifully! Thank you again Mom Select for picking me to receive this kit and the opportunity to play with this wonderful new product!!

Solo is also sponsoring an online photo contest. Visit http://www.solocups4ever.com/ until August 14th to enter to win the grand prize of $5,000.

He is a big boy!

2009-07-30T22:44:00.004-04:00

Just a funny picture of Jack!! I laughed out loud and nearly woke him up!!!

Breakfast Launch

2009-07-27T10:32:00.004-04:00

Kevin and I were out late on Friday night, but he still had to get up to take Matthew to the Cub Scout fishing derby on Saturday morning. I set the alarm for 8am which I figured would be plenty of time for him to get ready and to get the 2 older boys out the door by 8:45 for the 9am start time. We start moving quickly... I throw a bowl of cereal to Matthew and a toaster strudel to Tyler... Kevin starts to prepare his breakfast... cinnamon rolls, eggs and tater tots! We are rushing, trying to make sure that everyone has what they need and out the door they go... Kevin with his nicely made paper plate with all his fixings. As I stand waving at the front door, he blows me a kiss and starts to take off. The car then stops quickly, the door flies open and he proceeds to throw his breakfast across the front lawn... Apparently it had fallen off its perch and into his lap!!! I think if steam could come out of one’s head today would have been the day!!

The dog enjoyed herself though!