The
other night I was sitting with the kiddos, watching a few videos on
Youtube and Aaron, my 11 year old, saw a "Ferguson looting" video along the
side & asked to watch it.
It was disturbing, to say the least. People were even stealing the gum balls from the kids gum ball machine
It was embarrassing, it's sickening to see people act like this, grown ups running around like freaking animals, smashing bus terminals, store windows, car windows, just for the sake of smashing things.
My kids were just sitting here asking what their problem is & will
people always be this way? Will this be what they have to look forward
to when they grow up and have children?
Genevive wants to leave the country. Aaron was just about in tears.
He kept asking why people continue to do this, why do people hate each other so much?
He said he believes if all of the grown ups would stop yelling, hating,
complaining, fighting, treating other people bad, if they would be nice
to other people, help other people and not act like they live in a
zoo most of the time, maybe the kids in this country would start to see
the difference it makes and maybe they would learn that when you are
nice to others and you stop fighting and complaining & blaming
everybody else, things will change and the grown ups of the future
will be those kids, who learned these things from their parents & we
wouldn't have to deal with things like this....
Genevive decided
that if the grown ups would start being nice and teaching their kids
how to be nice, she guesses she will stay here. But only if when she is a
big person, people change from what they are now.
Aaron explained
that he talks to these kids online (video game groups & whatever) and they also think grown ups are lunatics.
The funniest part
was when, Aaron said, "Most grown ups are just dumb. Maybe the kids
should be the grown ups for a little bit and we can teach the grown
ups how to act."
So, we were talking about that for a bit.
Genevive thinks it'll take a few years of kids in charge, Aaron is
giving us grown ups a year to learn how to take responsibility for our
actions, how to treat others & how to learn how to behave.
I
agree 100% with them. I really think this will continue to get worse if
we don't soon stop the hate, ( no, not just race, not just black and white), the ignorance, the division, the pure hell we live in.
I've learned a lot from my 4 little ones, I'm sure many of you have learned from yours.
Why continue down this path of hate and division?
Our kids are talking with their friends, they think we're nuts!
Our kids are looking to us to learn how to act, how to be a part of the
human race and we are failing, miserably! They are losing hope and
wondering what weapons they need to protect themselves, what can they do
if this or this happens, where should they live, where are there the
least amount of people, what job can they do from home so they don't
have to deal with nutballs. This isn't right!
Our kids shouldn't be scared of their futures!!
How can we let them down like this?
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Showing posts with label kids. Show all posts
Friday, August 22, 2014
Friday, November 22, 2013
Right From Wrong
I enjoy talking to children, more then I do, most grown up people.
Somehow, little ones seem to be born knowing right from wrong. They seem to have morals and dignity, immediately, and I am trying to pinpoint where it is, that this starts to change in some children?
I like to start conversations about all kinds of things with my kids, and a lot of the time, they end up coming up with some of the most fascinating ideas and stories all by themselves.
I am amazed at their imaginations, the things they come up with and they always seem to shock us, with what comes out of their little mouths. Most of which is basic, common sense.
The other night, our 10 year old son, Aaron, came into the kitchen, with a notebook and a pencil, and asked, "Mom, how much is an average monthly rent payment for a house or an apartment for one person, until I get married and have somebody else to help pay the bills?" Of course I laughed, and he just sat here at the table, with his pencil in hand, staring at me with his sweet, big, curious, blue eyes.
So, I figured we would do this from an average for our area, and for what the prices are now, and replied with, "I think $600 a month is a fair price, Aaron." and he started writing this down, and asked about monthly bills, utilities, car payments, groceries, spending money for video games and cell phone bills. This was getting to much in depth for me to continue with dinner, so I sat down next to him and helped him with his list. I went by averages, again, for our area, and for present time:
Phone $50
Internet $50
Heat $350 a month for oil/$400 3 times a year for coal
Cell $100
Car payment $400
Car insurance $100
Groceries avg $300 (for 1)
Video games.....ZERO
Electric $150 (for 1)
Cable or satellite $100
Repairs/Upkeep $0 (so far)
And so, he added these up, and started freaking out, and said, "How am I supposed to make enough money to pay for all these bills? OMG"
$2200 est monthly bills....
So, he said, "well, I'm crossing out the car. I can't afford that yet.....and the insurance"
So now we are down to $1700 and he said, "well, I'm going to cut out coupons, how much will my groceries cost?"
I underestimated those, as I hope my kids would shop frugally, like we do now...but I said, "we can cut $50", so, $1650....not good enough yet....
So we cut the tv out, the cell phone, now we were down to $1450......and he said, "how much will I earn to start?"
So, we went into that a bit, and we did an average of $10/hr to start, @40 hrs per wk, $400 a week, or $20,800 a yr or $1730 a month...
So he said, "oh cool! Ill have $280 a month leftover after I pay my bills! I'll use that for video games!"
And I said, "NOT SO FAST! You owe $300 in taxes, per month, for local, state, federal, SSI, Medicare, occupation, per capita, etc etc"
And now you're at -$20 a month and you don't have a car, a tv, a cell phone, video games, what would you do, Aaron?"
My 10 yr old said, "Well, i'll be getting a second job, or a better paying job, that's for sure!"
Oh, the crazy things that children come up with!
Somehow, little ones seem to be born knowing right from wrong. They seem to have morals and dignity, immediately, and I am trying to pinpoint where it is, that this starts to change in some children?
I like to start conversations about all kinds of things with my kids, and a lot of the time, they end up coming up with some of the most fascinating ideas and stories all by themselves.
I am amazed at their imaginations, the things they come up with and they always seem to shock us, with what comes out of their little mouths. Most of which is basic, common sense.
The other night, our 10 year old son, Aaron, came into the kitchen, with a notebook and a pencil, and asked, "Mom, how much is an average monthly rent payment for a house or an apartment for one person, until I get married and have somebody else to help pay the bills?" Of course I laughed, and he just sat here at the table, with his pencil in hand, staring at me with his sweet, big, curious, blue eyes.
So, I figured we would do this from an average for our area, and for what the prices are now, and replied with, "I think $600 a month is a fair price, Aaron." and he started writing this down, and asked about monthly bills, utilities, car payments, groceries, spending money for video games and cell phone bills. This was getting to much in depth for me to continue with dinner, so I sat down next to him and helped him with his list. I went by averages, again, for our area, and for present time:
Phone $50
Internet $50
Heat $350 a month for oil/$400 3 times a year for coal
Cell $100
Car payment $400
Car insurance $100
Groceries avg $300 (for 1)
Video games.....ZERO
Electric $150 (for 1)
Cable or satellite $100
Repairs/Upkeep $0 (so far)
And so, he added these up, and started freaking out, and said, "How am I supposed to make enough money to pay for all these bills? OMG"
$2200 est monthly bills....
So, he said, "well, I'm crossing out the car. I can't afford that yet.....and the insurance"
So now we are down to $1700 and he said, "well, I'm going to cut out coupons, how much will my groceries cost?"
I underestimated those, as I hope my kids would shop frugally, like we do now...but I said, "we can cut $50", so, $1650....not good enough yet....
So we cut the tv out, the cell phone, now we were down to $1450......and he said, "how much will I earn to start?"
So, we went into that a bit, and we did an average of $10/hr to start, @40 hrs per wk, $400 a week, or $20,800 a yr or $1730 a month...
So he said, "oh cool! Ill have $280 a month leftover after I pay my bills! I'll use that for video games!"
And I said, "NOT SO FAST! You owe $300 in taxes, per month, for local, state, federal, SSI, Medicare, occupation, per capita, etc etc"
And now you're at -$20 a month and you don't have a car, a tv, a cell phone, video games, what would you do, Aaron?"
My 10 yr old said, "Well, i'll be getting a second job, or a better paying job, that's for sure!"
Oh, the crazy things that children come up with!
Friday, December 21, 2012
Share Your Sticky Situation Contest
I know we all have crazy stories of sticky, messy situations! For some of us, this happens everyday! I know it does here, lol, we have the 3 little ones, running around, not caring at all what may drop or spill or fall or get dumped. Most of the time, these little guys, seem to find lots of amusement with all of this and think it is so funny and so cool, when Deegan, their 2 year old brother, makes the biggest mess I swear I have ever seen!
This is pretty much everyday, now that I think about it. Matter of fact, I just had to stop from writing this post, so I could clean peanut butter from the living room wall! Unbelievable, the things these kids get into. The craziest part is, they all sit and laugh at most of this and look like they are having the times of their lives.
Just last week, I was doing dishes, and didn't hear a peep out of Deegan for a couple minutes. (This is how we always know they are up to no good!), so I went through the house, preparing myself for the worst, when I heard a giggle coming from the bathroom. OMG! I forgot to make sure the door was shut properly!
This is something I always have to double check because it is always left open, just a little, and since Deegan looks for this, it is always my top priority to make sure the bathroom door is shut the wole way.
Anyway, I had to break in with our key, (since he loves to lock us out), and sure enough, there he was, with his toothbrush and toothpaste all over his face and his hair. Cute, huh? No, not when I looked and saw that the toothpaste was also all over the floor, toilet, sink, walls, and his clothing.
But he is just to cute with those big dimples, and he loves to brush his teeth so much. So, I took him and stuck him in the laundry room, so I could gather my thoughts and scrub the bathroom. Well that was a HUGE mistake!
About 5 minutes later, I found him in the kitchen, with my cell phone, taking pictures of himself and now he had chocolate all over his face, hair and my phone!
I can't ever leave this one alone for more then 30 seconds! He is always on the lookout for something he can get into, and he really loves the admiration and giggles from Genevive, and Aaron.
I would love to hear any sticky situations you and your little ones have had!
I always love comments, but there is something even better this time!
Wet Ones is giving us the opportunity to share our sticky situations that we have found ourselves in, along with any tips you may have, through their Facebook contest!
I just entered and it was super easy!
You could win an iPad mini or Six Flags tickets!!
Click here to enter!
“I participated in a campaign on behalf of Mom Central Consulting for Wet Ones. I received a promotional item to thank me for participating.”
Wednesday, December 5, 2012
Sports Illustrated for KIds ( Super Cool Christmas Gift!)
My kids absolutely love receiving mail. Most of the time, there isn't much mail for them, since they are kids, lol. But they even love to open up the junk mail and paging through all of the catalogs we get every day.
Once every few months, they do each receive a Lego magazine, and that is by far, their favorite day ever.
One thing that is very important to me, especially these days, is the lack of exercise, outdoor play, and reading. It seems this is a problem with kids these days, and parents who tend to think their children should just sit and watch television or play video games, and they aren't outside as much, or playing in team sports. This is one of the biggest problems I believe children have, and I wish rather then sitting in front of computers and tv's, they would be using their imaginations, and playing like we used to when we were kids.
Of course there isn't anything wrong with tv and video games and computers sometimes, but these things should be only some of the time, and not all day every day.
Sports Illustrated for Kids, is an excellent gift for your kids, for many reasons.
I love how this magazine takes our kids favorite team players, and promote being active, playing together as a team, and of course, reading.
It takes all the cool stuff kids like, their favorite teams, role models, players, and has interesting articles our little ones love.
Not to mention, their website, is also a fun place for kids to hang out and rea more about their favorite sports teams and players!
There are usually contests, my kids love the caption contests! Photos, games and a lot more.
You can also find them on Facebook!
They are offering a subscription for only $19.95! This is for print and tablet.
Sports Illustrated for Kids has received the highest honors from The Association of Educational Publishers and Parents Choice Awards.
This will make an awesome stocking stuffer for your kids, grandkids, or any sports fans on your Christmas list.
Once every few months, they do each receive a Lego magazine, and that is by far, their favorite day ever.
One thing that is very important to me, especially these days, is the lack of exercise, outdoor play, and reading. It seems this is a problem with kids these days, and parents who tend to think their children should just sit and watch television or play video games, and they aren't outside as much, or playing in team sports. This is one of the biggest problems I believe children have, and I wish rather then sitting in front of computers and tv's, they would be using their imaginations, and playing like we used to when we were kids.
Of course there isn't anything wrong with tv and video games and computers sometimes, but these things should be only some of the time, and not all day every day.
Sports Illustrated for Kids, is an excellent gift for your kids, for many reasons.
I love how this magazine takes our kids favorite team players, and promote being active, playing together as a team, and of course, reading.
It takes all the cool stuff kids like, their favorite teams, role models, players, and has interesting articles our little ones love.
Not to mention, their website, is also a fun place for kids to hang out and rea more about their favorite sports teams and players!
There are usually contests, my kids love the caption contests! Photos, games and a lot more.
You can also find them on Facebook!
They are offering a subscription for only $19.95! This is for print and tablet.
Sports Illustrated for Kids has received the highest honors from The Association of Educational Publishers and Parents Choice Awards.
This will make an awesome stocking stuffer for your kids, grandkids, or any sports fans on your Christmas list.
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Putty Buddy Met My Kids Expectations (and Mine)
We received an order of Ruby Red Putty Buddy in the mail, and the kids tore the package open asap!! They went crazy and I kept thinking, really?? LOL! Kids love all kinds of crazy things, and things that seem so dull to us, cardboard boxes, bubble wrap, (well, ok, I do like bubble wrap too;) But I often wonder what in the world and how in the world, do some of these companies stay above water?
Well, Putty Buddy is one of those things I thought of course the kids will like it, but what does this guy think he's doing? I have been proven wrong, by the reaction from my kids, all 3 of the youngest ones, (2,5, and now 9), and I am very pleased with how much time I have freed up by this little container of Ruby Red Putty Buddy!
Genevive, of course always makes hearts out of everything, and she especially liked the color and how easy it was for her to shape it without any help from a brother or mom or dad!
Aaron, always likes to make people and monsters and animals, and his little brother is always so proud of Aaron's creations. He thinks he is super cool:)
This stuff is quite interesting and very versatile! They were able to do and make everything that it claims to do, bounce, stretch, mold, it is pretty much endless, and really does provide hours of entertainment!
The kids were thrilled to get this in the mail, and they were anxiously awaiting it's arrival! They had already watched the videos on the website and were freaking out about how cool it was!
Putty Buddy comes in 2 colors, (and I can assure you, it does not stain a thing!!) Groovy Green or Ruby Red.
The price is reasonable, especially when you are going to grab more then one.
1 cost $9.99
2 for $15.99
OR you can grab 3 for $19.99! (that is the best deal, you buy 2 and get 1 free!!)
You can check them out on Facebook here!!
I would love to read any comments from our friends!! Did you order any? What did your kids think?
I am aware that there are a lot of recipes out there to make our own homemade gobbly putty playdoh clay gak slime stuff, lol, but I like this price and the deals, and as much as we love making our own of everything, I have to say that the cost of ingredients is about the same if not more. Plus, I really never had any come out quite as nice as this stuff. So, this is one of those things we would rather buy then create on our own!
Plus, we love to support small business!! I think it would be cool to have maybe a couple new colors added in the near future;) HINT HINT!!
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Lightning Fast Japanese for Kids and Families by Carolyn Woods
I was very excited when I received an email from Carolyn Woods, asking if we would be interested in reviewing her Lightning Fast (insert your choice) for Kids and Families book. This was something I have been wanting to get started on with my kids and something I thought would be fun for me as well.
We chose German, (which I will be posting about next), but she also had a Japanese version, and the kids were anxious for this one, so she kindly sent me the file for Japanese too!
This was so much fun, and Carolyn, has a very unique way of teaching other languages, which I found I am very impressed with. She makes it all seem so easy, and after you start, it really is rather easy. The only thing I am worried about is, are we saying it right? Lol! But, I am hunting for something online maybe that I can type the words in and have a translation. Just so I can be sure! (Carol does have the pronunciations in the book of course, I am just curious as to if I am saying everything properly:)
The kids have tons of fun learning this language! Especially Aaron, who was the main one who said, "Let's learn Japanese!!!", and Carol makes it fit into everyday life, so there was no studying for 2 hours a day or anything added to our already hectic schedule.
You just simply start out asking and answering in the language you chose, just as you would talk and communicate in everyday settings. For instance, you can start out with waking up in the morning and asking questions about what would you like to wear to school today? The way she teaches this makes so much sense! Just jump right in and start! So, you can ask "What are you going to wear to school today?" Your child/children, can answer (with your help at first of course, and lots of printing and reading from the book:), with the type of clothing, the color, and there you go! You and your children already started learning Japanese!!
I really like how she wrote the book to fit into our everyday life, this was something that just seems to make so much sense, and yet I don't think I have ever come across this, when shopping online for a simple and quick way to teach my kids.
The book has several chapters that all fit into our lives, from going outside, to breakfast, to dinner, and she even has "I Spy" games, and other practice games as well.
It is also very easy to read, it doesn't scare you away in the least bit, and it really just starts to come as a second language in your house!
We are anxious to learn more languages now, and I am also contemplating home school for my children, and I would certainly recommend Carolyn Wood's Lightning Fast series for home schools, and just for parents who would like to open their families and children up to other languages and cultures. Carolyn includes many different good ideas and tips along the way, and it's almost like having a teacher right there in the pages. Unlike other books I have found where it is simply a word, and then the translation. The way she wrote these books, really seems to help get through it all much quicker, without sacrificing anything important.
We will be also going back to her books for reference along the way, and using them again for refreshers.
Another cool thing I have to mention, Carolyn Woods, is also a very busy mother of 4, just like me! So, I was happy to have this opportunity to use her books and review them! I also believe that this is exactly why and how she has made such an amazing and simple way for us to teach these other languages to our children!
If you are interested in purchasing her books, (if you have children, I highly recommend looking into this series!!), you can check them out on Amazon
There are many choices:
Lightning Fast German
Lightning Fast Spanish
Lightning Fast French
Lightning Fast Italian
Lightning Fast Chinese (this one will be our next choice!!)
Lightning Fast Japanese
Lightning fast Spanish Vocabulary Building Crossword Puzzles
I have the eBook versions, which are perfectly fine, however, I would suggest maybe purchasing paperback versions, so you can throw it in your bag and use it for the doctor waiting rooms, and times when you are away from home and have a little extra time:)
I would love to hear any comments from any of you who have used these books! Please comment with your review links, blog links, and share your opinions!
We chose German, (which I will be posting about next), but she also had a Japanese version, and the kids were anxious for this one, so she kindly sent me the file for Japanese too!
This was so much fun, and Carolyn, has a very unique way of teaching other languages, which I found I am very impressed with. She makes it all seem so easy, and after you start, it really is rather easy. The only thing I am worried about is, are we saying it right? Lol! But, I am hunting for something online maybe that I can type the words in and have a translation. Just so I can be sure! (Carol does have the pronunciations in the book of course, I am just curious as to if I am saying everything properly:)
The kids have tons of fun learning this language! Especially Aaron, who was the main one who said, "Let's learn Japanese!!!", and Carol makes it fit into everyday life, so there was no studying for 2 hours a day or anything added to our already hectic schedule.
You just simply start out asking and answering in the language you chose, just as you would talk and communicate in everyday settings. For instance, you can start out with waking up in the morning and asking questions about what would you like to wear to school today? The way she teaches this makes so much sense! Just jump right in and start! So, you can ask "What are you going to wear to school today?" Your child/children, can answer (with your help at first of course, and lots of printing and reading from the book:), with the type of clothing, the color, and there you go! You and your children already started learning Japanese!!
I really like how she wrote the book to fit into our everyday life, this was something that just seems to make so much sense, and yet I don't think I have ever come across this, when shopping online for a simple and quick way to teach my kids.
The book has several chapters that all fit into our lives, from going outside, to breakfast, to dinner, and she even has "I Spy" games, and other practice games as well.
It is also very easy to read, it doesn't scare you away in the least bit, and it really just starts to come as a second language in your house!
We are anxious to learn more languages now, and I am also contemplating home school for my children, and I would certainly recommend Carolyn Wood's Lightning Fast series for home schools, and just for parents who would like to open their families and children up to other languages and cultures. Carolyn includes many different good ideas and tips along the way, and it's almost like having a teacher right there in the pages. Unlike other books I have found where it is simply a word, and then the translation. The way she wrote these books, really seems to help get through it all much quicker, without sacrificing anything important.
We will be also going back to her books for reference along the way, and using them again for refreshers.
Another cool thing I have to mention, Carolyn Woods, is also a very busy mother of 4, just like me! So, I was happy to have this opportunity to use her books and review them! I also believe that this is exactly why and how she has made such an amazing and simple way for us to teach these other languages to our children!
If you are interested in purchasing her books, (if you have children, I highly recommend looking into this series!!), you can check them out on Amazon
There are many choices:
Lightning Fast German
Lightning Fast Spanish
Lightning Fast French
Lightning Fast Italian
Lightning Fast Chinese (this one will be our next choice!!)
Lightning Fast Japanese
Lightning fast Spanish Vocabulary Building Crossword Puzzles
I have the eBook versions, which are perfectly fine, however, I would suggest maybe purchasing paperback versions, so you can throw it in your bag and use it for the doctor waiting rooms, and times when you are away from home and have a little extra time:)
I would love to hear any comments from any of you who have used these books! Please comment with your review links, blog links, and share your opinions!
Friday, April 27, 2012
Books and Book Reviews and More Books and More Books!!!
We love books, and although I would love to read a book a day, I end up having some kind of small catastrophe that turns into running extra errands, going to the doctor, running to the pharmacy or a grocery store, or just a big crazy "fun" day here at home with some very hyper crazy kids!
I sometimes have to put off reading a book, or finishing one and starting the next, especially when I know it will be a good book and I won't be able to put it down!
As most of you know, I work weekends, and although it is considered my "time off", I have a long weekend some weekends, like this one coming up! I sometimes work straight through the whole thing! So, books, unfortunately have to be put aside. ( for the time being)
But I can assure you, we have some very, very exciting books coming up, some I have had to put off a little longer and schedule as they came in, but there are history books, thrillers, mysteries, all kinds of books, except for children's books! Aaron just asked me last night if he just has off for awhile or what lol! But the kids have been working on their German and Japanese, which is very cool!! The Lightning Fast Series will soon be posted here and this has been an adventure in itself!
There are also a couple reviews coming for some very pretty and well made nail accessories that we received, and soon a couple very cool Father's Day gift ideas! One we are still waiting on, a fogless shaving mirror, and there is a local couple near me who sell and install LED's on anything from cars, motorcycles, Aaron's 4 wheeler is soon coming home with some, even in your home! They save you tons on your electric bill and some people have them installed in their kitchens! I am thinking of doing this! But, I am having a baby shower for our oldest daughter, yes, I am going to be a grandma in July, so it has been real busy with planning and things but still more excitement then anything! I ordered some light strips from BnP Led Lights for prizes and I think this is such a cool idea for Father's Day!! What guy doesn't like crazy bright, super bright, colorful, flashing, lights? LOL! You can get power cords for them and a strip and they can be attached to whatever your husband or dad or friends want! I am going to see what it would be like on or near my desktop because this will take place of the annoying tiny lamp in my room when I'm online! I don't know how good my pictures will get but I will take some soon! For now, if you want to check their page out, there is a link to their store where you can place orders, you can visit them here!
In any case, if you like to read, our schedule is completely booked for a month! So, some will have giveaways with them and these will be announced as they are posted!
In the meantime, if you have a children's book your kids love, or you are an author of a children's book, please let us know! Leave a comment below or email us at busymommylist@yahoo.com.
I sometimes have to put off reading a book, or finishing one and starting the next, especially when I know it will be a good book and I won't be able to put it down!
As most of you know, I work weekends, and although it is considered my "time off", I have a long weekend some weekends, like this one coming up! I sometimes work straight through the whole thing! So, books, unfortunately have to be put aside. ( for the time being)
But I can assure you, we have some very, very exciting books coming up, some I have had to put off a little longer and schedule as they came in, but there are history books, thrillers, mysteries, all kinds of books, except for children's books! Aaron just asked me last night if he just has off for awhile or what lol! But the kids have been working on their German and Japanese, which is very cool!! The Lightning Fast Series will soon be posted here and this has been an adventure in itself!
There are also a couple reviews coming for some very pretty and well made nail accessories that we received, and soon a couple very cool Father's Day gift ideas! One we are still waiting on, a fogless shaving mirror, and there is a local couple near me who sell and install LED's on anything from cars, motorcycles, Aaron's 4 wheeler is soon coming home with some, even in your home! They save you tons on your electric bill and some people have them installed in their kitchens! I am thinking of doing this! But, I am having a baby shower for our oldest daughter, yes, I am going to be a grandma in July, so it has been real busy with planning and things but still more excitement then anything! I ordered some light strips from BnP Led Lights for prizes and I think this is such a cool idea for Father's Day!! What guy doesn't like crazy bright, super bright, colorful, flashing, lights? LOL! You can get power cords for them and a strip and they can be attached to whatever your husband or dad or friends want! I am going to see what it would be like on or near my desktop because this will take place of the annoying tiny lamp in my room when I'm online! I don't know how good my pictures will get but I will take some soon! For now, if you want to check their page out, there is a link to their store where you can place orders, you can visit them here!
In any case, if you like to read, our schedule is completely booked for a month! So, some will have giveaways with them and these will be announced as they are posted!
In the meantime, if you have a children's book your kids love, or you are an author of a children's book, please let us know! Leave a comment below or email us at busymommylist@yahoo.com.
Tuesday, April 17, 2012
Teach Baby to Talk
I am a mother of 4, one of which is almost 2, and he is a late talker! So, I was excited about being able to read this book and hoped to learn a few pointers to maybe help Deegan start talking!
Ella Jackson, has been an education researchere, a practicing teacher from kindergarten to 12th grade, and she also tutored children with learning problems. She is the author of this book, and a mother of 3 and a grandmother.
I have to say, I actually feel a little more intelligent after reading this book, mainly because I learned quite a bit! I was very pleased with the way it was written, as if I was having a conversation with somebody and they were answering my questions as i read through this book, and they reinforced some of the harder to grasp parts. Yes, I can honestly say there were a few things I found that shocked me! For instance, when a baby is born, he/she actually has more brain cells then an adult! Can you believe that? I never even thought about it, and just when I thought, "Nah ah!", the author explained it again, and it really made some sense!
I have always been a pretty confident mom, and even though I would always still take what people offered for tips, advice, to heart, I usually ended up being stubborn and sticking with my same old routine. Of course I still call my own mom for advice, and even with 4 children, things change, new research and medicines and science. I just have always stuck with what I learned and what I knew. It has done pretty well for us, so far.
But each child is different, and all of ours have their similarities, there are giant differences! Bethany, our first, talked and walked and was potty trained by age 1. Aaron talked at, (you will never believe this, but I swear it is true!), the very night he was born! The nurses and doctors insisted he was saying "MOM!", every time he looked at me and wanted me to pick him up. However, Aaron was in diapers for much longer then Bethany! Genevive, was an early eater, walker and talker, but is still in Pull Ups at night time only!
Deegan, who will be 2 in May, was born with club foot and cleft lip. ) I have many miracle stories about this little boy, as some of you may have read, but we were told several times that he would be born with many, many issues, and he wasn't!). Most recently, we were told that he had some missing pieces of his brain. He was also diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome, Chiari Malformation, and Hydrocephalus. Well, we just refused to believe this, seeing that he showed not 1 symptom, and the doctors and specialists were going on and on and insisting that they were right during my pregnancy. We took Deegan to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, for a second opinion. Here is another unbelievable story, they told us Deegan is perfectly healthy and fine! I was in tears and tried to keep from being so happy and relieved because I felt horrible for the other families that were there that morning. The pediatric neurologist told us that his MRI's had a missing tonsil, which actually wasn't missing and the pictures were just a bit off and goofy but only because Deegan moved his head during the MRI! Wow.
Anyway, my point behind this is, I am very happy and much more content since reading this book! I have been afraid to ask our doctors about Deegan not really talking much just yet. I figure they will start the tests and diagnose him some more, so I have been trying to help him talk.
What I found with Deegan, is, he just doesn't feel like it. He does this thing where he talks with his mouth closed and you can kind of make out what he is saying, but very rarely will he talk while his mouth is open. He does say Mom, Dad, what, thank you, he even says your welcome. Some days he doesn't say anything except for mom. Some days he is talking like crazy, but still mostly inside his mouth.
I am very thankful for this book, and have been able to feel more at ease, knowing that there are late talkers and there are things I can do to help Deegan along the way!
At the end of this book, is a section that explains what ages in months, should be considered "normal". Suffice to say, Deegan is "normal", and I am quite content now, knowing that at 24 months Deegan should be saying 7 true words, and understanding 50.He should also be able to comprehend simple spoken directions, like, "Give me the cup", which he has for a long time. (Trust me, he is a naughty little man, so he does hear lots of simple spoken directions, as he smirks at us and kind of does what he is told lol).
By 24 months, he should be speaking 2 word phrases, which he does, point to body parts when asked, yes, and understanding when called from another room, YUP! So, unlike a lot of what I hear from other moms, magazines, and even the doctor's pamphlets they give at each visit, (You know the "milestone reports"), Deegan is fairly doing just fine.
Of course, as the author suggests, if you would happen to have a doubt in your mind, you should talk to your doctor, about a possible hearing assessment. Deegan does have his hearing checked every 6 months due to his cleft lip, so we are good there;)
Back to the book, is it worth your money? Yes! Is it a well written book? Yes! Would I recommend this book to family and friends? Yes!
Not only does this book help you teach your baby to talk, and give you examples, facts, and back up the research, it has lots of very cute activities for you and your babies and toddlers!
Each chapter offers more information, I always say I try to learn something new everyday, and this book most definitely taught me plenty!
I liked how they explained the differences between the different ways you can talk to your baby, and teach your baby to talk. Each way has their own examples, explanations and activities. I am going to be a grandmother this summer, and I enjoyed reading about the bilingual and sign language options, and I believe that would be very interesting to talk with Lillian in German, or Japanese, (yes, me and the little ones have been learning these 2 languages). I also was happy to read about how we should talk to our babies and use mimicking and touch, as ways to help them learn and make the connections between objects and words.
We have always, well me especially, (since I tend to talk a lot), spoken to our babies, from day 1, as though they were an adult, or at least a big kid. I tell them what we are going to do today, where we are going, what we will do, point out colors and animals, what is in the cabinets, the bathroom closet, etc.
I have to add just a couple more things I found very useful and interesting in this book:
If your children are saying a word or two or more, with a different sound or letter, for example, "gog" for dog, try saying "dog" with a thumb or a bottle or a pacifier in your mouth;) I never thought of it this way. You should also not say "gog" back to your child, you should still say, dog, correctly!
My favorite part of the book, (well, one of my favorite parts), was; newborns are capable of expressing emotions through their facial muscles. They can in fact smile, and frown, and much more!
I know some people and doctors say they are not smiling at us that early, but they are!
Another cute thing for you mommies and daddies out there to remember, when your babies are moving their little mouths, you should consider this as a sign that they are communicating and trying to talk to you!
You can find Teach Baby to Talk on Facebook
Follow their blog
and you can order this book, along with some very cool freebies, here!
Ella Jackson, has been an education researchere, a practicing teacher from kindergarten to 12th grade, and she also tutored children with learning problems. She is the author of this book, and a mother of 3 and a grandmother.
I have to say, I actually feel a little more intelligent after reading this book, mainly because I learned quite a bit! I was very pleased with the way it was written, as if I was having a conversation with somebody and they were answering my questions as i read through this book, and they reinforced some of the harder to grasp parts. Yes, I can honestly say there were a few things I found that shocked me! For instance, when a baby is born, he/she actually has more brain cells then an adult! Can you believe that? I never even thought about it, and just when I thought, "Nah ah!", the author explained it again, and it really made some sense!
I have always been a pretty confident mom, and even though I would always still take what people offered for tips, advice, to heart, I usually ended up being stubborn and sticking with my same old routine. Of course I still call my own mom for advice, and even with 4 children, things change, new research and medicines and science. I just have always stuck with what I learned and what I knew. It has done pretty well for us, so far.
But each child is different, and all of ours have their similarities, there are giant differences! Bethany, our first, talked and walked and was potty trained by age 1. Aaron talked at, (you will never believe this, but I swear it is true!), the very night he was born! The nurses and doctors insisted he was saying "MOM!", every time he looked at me and wanted me to pick him up. However, Aaron was in diapers for much longer then Bethany! Genevive, was an early eater, walker and talker, but is still in Pull Ups at night time only!
Deegan, who will be 2 in May, was born with club foot and cleft lip. ) I have many miracle stories about this little boy, as some of you may have read, but we were told several times that he would be born with many, many issues, and he wasn't!). Most recently, we were told that he had some missing pieces of his brain. He was also diagnosed with DiGeorge Syndrome, Chiari Malformation, and Hydrocephalus. Well, we just refused to believe this, seeing that he showed not 1 symptom, and the doctors and specialists were going on and on and insisting that they were right during my pregnancy. We took Deegan to The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, for a second opinion. Here is another unbelievable story, they told us Deegan is perfectly healthy and fine! I was in tears and tried to keep from being so happy and relieved because I felt horrible for the other families that were there that morning. The pediatric neurologist told us that his MRI's had a missing tonsil, which actually wasn't missing and the pictures were just a bit off and goofy but only because Deegan moved his head during the MRI! Wow.
Anyway, my point behind this is, I am very happy and much more content since reading this book! I have been afraid to ask our doctors about Deegan not really talking much just yet. I figure they will start the tests and diagnose him some more, so I have been trying to help him talk.
What I found with Deegan, is, he just doesn't feel like it. He does this thing where he talks with his mouth closed and you can kind of make out what he is saying, but very rarely will he talk while his mouth is open. He does say Mom, Dad, what, thank you, he even says your welcome. Some days he doesn't say anything except for mom. Some days he is talking like crazy, but still mostly inside his mouth.
I am very thankful for this book, and have been able to feel more at ease, knowing that there are late talkers and there are things I can do to help Deegan along the way!
At the end of this book, is a section that explains what ages in months, should be considered "normal". Suffice to say, Deegan is "normal", and I am quite content now, knowing that at 24 months Deegan should be saying 7 true words, and understanding 50.He should also be able to comprehend simple spoken directions, like, "Give me the cup", which he has for a long time. (Trust me, he is a naughty little man, so he does hear lots of simple spoken directions, as he smirks at us and kind of does what he is told lol).
By 24 months, he should be speaking 2 word phrases, which he does, point to body parts when asked, yes, and understanding when called from another room, YUP! So, unlike a lot of what I hear from other moms, magazines, and even the doctor's pamphlets they give at each visit, (You know the "milestone reports"), Deegan is fairly doing just fine.
Of course, as the author suggests, if you would happen to have a doubt in your mind, you should talk to your doctor, about a possible hearing assessment. Deegan does have his hearing checked every 6 months due to his cleft lip, so we are good there;)
Back to the book, is it worth your money? Yes! Is it a well written book? Yes! Would I recommend this book to family and friends? Yes!
Not only does this book help you teach your baby to talk, and give you examples, facts, and back up the research, it has lots of very cute activities for you and your babies and toddlers!
Each chapter offers more information, I always say I try to learn something new everyday, and this book most definitely taught me plenty!
I liked how they explained the differences between the different ways you can talk to your baby, and teach your baby to talk. Each way has their own examples, explanations and activities. I am going to be a grandmother this summer, and I enjoyed reading about the bilingual and sign language options, and I believe that would be very interesting to talk with Lillian in German, or Japanese, (yes, me and the little ones have been learning these 2 languages). I also was happy to read about how we should talk to our babies and use mimicking and touch, as ways to help them learn and make the connections between objects and words.
We have always, well me especially, (since I tend to talk a lot), spoken to our babies, from day 1, as though they were an adult, or at least a big kid. I tell them what we are going to do today, where we are going, what we will do, point out colors and animals, what is in the cabinets, the bathroom closet, etc.
I have to add just a couple more things I found very useful and interesting in this book:
If your children are saying a word or two or more, with a different sound or letter, for example, "gog" for dog, try saying "dog" with a thumb or a bottle or a pacifier in your mouth;) I never thought of it this way. You should also not say "gog" back to your child, you should still say, dog, correctly!
My favorite part of the book, (well, one of my favorite parts), was; newborns are capable of expressing emotions through their facial muscles. They can in fact smile, and frown, and much more!
I know some people and doctors say they are not smiling at us that early, but they are!
Another cute thing for you mommies and daddies out there to remember, when your babies are moving their little mouths, you should consider this as a sign that they are communicating and trying to talk to you!
You can find Teach Baby to Talk on Facebook
Follow their blog
and you can order this book, along with some very cool freebies, here!
Tuesday, March 13, 2012
The Juppy Baby Walker Review and Please Vote!!
Have you seen this baby walker yet??
I was quite amazed with this very unique, terribly easy to use and pack, and fabulously comfortable, Juppy Baby Walker, and I am amazed with how well it works!
What a simple idea, and yet, nobody has thought of putting this together, making it, and selling it, until of course, somebody, thank God, finally did!
The brilliance I think is what amazes me the most. I mean, why have I been using the regular old, giant, plastic, expensive baby walkers, that were hardly easy to pack and take along, and always had snacks stuck in the cracks, under the noisy, flashing lights and thingamajigs, that my kids always kind of just grunted at?
not to mention, what about the dangers behind these old, goofy plastic things, that barely fit through our doorways? It seems to be more work behind these regular, traditional walkers, then just picking the baby up yourself, and holding him up in front of you, right?
Well, that is the thing! With this Juppy walker,
the strain on your back, legs, the pain from bending down, and walking goofy, behind your little one, is gone!!
I am anxious for my granddaughter to arrive, yes, I will be a grandma at 38, and our younger children, Deegan, will be a 2 year old uncle, and genevive, a 5 year old aunt and Aaron, an 8 year old uncle! But we are excited for this event, and can not wait to meet Lillian!! I will also be ordering a Juppy, in pink, and with her pretty little name, monogrammed! (Another cool thing about The Juppy!)
We did receive one of these in return for our review, and since Deegan, our youngest, had already started walking pretty well, I knew somebody close to me who would love to have the chance to use this for her little boy, Kambell.
Genevive's preschool teacher, has a cutie pie, Kambell, and he has been having the time of his life, using The Juppy! His mother is especially delighted, since she actually has tremendous back pain, and sees a Doctor, regularly for her back.
She has been grateful and has seen an improvement with Kambell, and also recommends this product to anybody!
Deegan, definitely could have used this walker, had I known that this existed, I would have bought one!
Deegan was born with club foot, and has been wearing casts and boots with his Ponsetti bar, since day 1. He did have his surgery at 6 months, and has been recovering quite well, however, he still has a few tiny issues, and he still sees his foot Dr. He was not "supposed" to walk already, they said he may be behind, but he started walking quite early, at least earlier then what they thought. This is why I would recommend this to any parent, especially those with a child with any kind of developmental issues, or club foot!
You have to check out the neat way this baby walker fits in the adorable, colorful carrying bag, and how cool is that, that is can fit in your purse?
The straps are wide, the little leg holes are roomy, and it is the most comfortable thing for the tiny ones!
Walmart is having a very cool promotion right now, and it would be real neat to walk into my local walmart, and see this product on their shelf!
It is for small business owners, to have a chance to have a space on Walmart's shelf!
Please check the contest out here, and vote to get The Juppy on their shelves!!
If you can not get online everyday, to vote for The Juppy, you can also use your cell phone and text: 933 to 383838.
Check out The Juppy on Facebook here.
I was quite amazed with this very unique, terribly easy to use and pack, and fabulously comfortable, Juppy Baby Walker, and I am amazed with how well it works!
What a simple idea, and yet, nobody has thought of putting this together, making it, and selling it, until of course, somebody, thank God, finally did!
The brilliance I think is what amazes me the most. I mean, why have I been using the regular old, giant, plastic, expensive baby walkers, that were hardly easy to pack and take along, and always had snacks stuck in the cracks, under the noisy, flashing lights and thingamajigs, that my kids always kind of just grunted at?
not to mention, what about the dangers behind these old, goofy plastic things, that barely fit through our doorways? It seems to be more work behind these regular, traditional walkers, then just picking the baby up yourself, and holding him up in front of you, right?
Well, that is the thing! With this Juppy walker,
the strain on your back, legs, the pain from bending down, and walking goofy, behind your little one, is gone!!
I am anxious for my granddaughter to arrive, yes, I will be a grandma at 38, and our younger children, Deegan, will be a 2 year old uncle, and genevive, a 5 year old aunt and Aaron, an 8 year old uncle! But we are excited for this event, and can not wait to meet Lillian!! I will also be ordering a Juppy, in pink, and with her pretty little name, monogrammed! (Another cool thing about The Juppy!)
We did receive one of these in return for our review, and since Deegan, our youngest, had already started walking pretty well, I knew somebody close to me who would love to have the chance to use this for her little boy, Kambell.
Genevive's preschool teacher, has a cutie pie, Kambell, and he has been having the time of his life, using The Juppy! His mother is especially delighted, since she actually has tremendous back pain, and sees a Doctor, regularly for her back.
She has been grateful and has seen an improvement with Kambell, and also recommends this product to anybody!
Deegan, definitely could have used this walker, had I known that this existed, I would have bought one!
Deegan was born with club foot, and has been wearing casts and boots with his Ponsetti bar, since day 1. He did have his surgery at 6 months, and has been recovering quite well, however, he still has a few tiny issues, and he still sees his foot Dr. He was not "supposed" to walk already, they said he may be behind, but he started walking quite early, at least earlier then what they thought. This is why I would recommend this to any parent, especially those with a child with any kind of developmental issues, or club foot!
You have to check out the neat way this baby walker fits in the adorable, colorful carrying bag, and how cool is that, that is can fit in your purse?
The straps are wide, the little leg holes are roomy, and it is the most comfortable thing for the tiny ones!
Walmart is having a very cool promotion right now, and it would be real neat to walk into my local walmart, and see this product on their shelf!
It is for small business owners, to have a chance to have a space on Walmart's shelf!
Please check the contest out here, and vote to get The Juppy on their shelves!!
If you can not get online everyday, to vote for The Juppy, you can also use your cell phone and text: 933 to 383838.
Check out The Juppy on Facebook here.
Thursday, February 9, 2012
Be Fun. Be Fabulous. Be You. (Holy Cannoli! Chick-E Gets A Job)
If you like funny, silly, hilarious, very descriptive stories, this is definitely one you must check out!
I did read this story with my kids, even though the word "bra" is included! ( I would suggest, that if you are the type of parent who does not want this word in your children's stories, replace it when you read to them!) Don't just throw this off to the side, and disregard! Because this book teaches a very valuable lesson, and you will be pleasantly pleased at the end of this story!
I have to explain who Chick-E is, Chick-E, is a very cool, and sweet character, I am assuming she may be a teenager, or very early adult. But she is an, energetic, lively, cool and very positive chic, with some super cute hair, and a great personality! She loves to help others with problems, and has the kinds of answers a parent would be content and very pleased with, when Chick-E is asked by their pre teens and teens.
She even has her own blog!
Chick-E also has a Facebook page !
You can also find her answers to some of life's, kid's. and young adult's roughest questions, on her Youtube channel!
I was very happy to have been given the chance to do this book review, and I read the story with my children, and I visited her blog, and social network, to see what she was about. It has been a long time since I have picked up an issue of YM or Seventeen magazine, do you remember Sassy magazine? That was the cooler magazine for the cooler chics;p and that is where I bet Chick-E would have her own "Ask Chick-E" section each month!
I have to say, we all loved the story, I especially loved the lesson in the book, and my kids love to laugh and this was a very silly book! I am a big fan of teaching our future adults, to love and respect others and themselves, and to always get right back up and never give up! I especially love when these values and lessons are hidden in such a good way, (to our children), behind a cool girl that will end up being a good friend, and a book that has some of the funniest scenes, (food flying all over the place, ALWAYS gets them!!)
This book has it all! Holy Cannoli! Chick-E Gets A Job by Mona Schmitt, is definitely a book for parents, grandparents, school teachers, and children of course!
Chick-E gets herself a job at Mama Romano's restaraunt, and she has quite the eventful, first day! Did you ever have one of those days when everything just seems to be going wrong? (I know I sometimes have those a couple times a week!) Well, that is how poor Chick-E's first day was. After some flying meatballs, a couple crazy twins and M&M's, Mama Romano, and noodles in her hair, Chick-E gets sent home early.
What happens next is my favorite part, not to mention, a recipe that doesn't sound bad at all! You have to read this story to see how quickly, smoothly and confidentially, Chick-E changes the course of her waitressing job at the Italian restaraunt.
This is Volume 1 in the Chick-E Gets A Job series, so I am very anxious to read the next volume, and Genevive, my 5 year old, already loves Chick-E. (I think it's the hair that got her!!) Genevive has been asking about this Chick-E book, ever since she heard it, and in 8 years or so, I am hoping Chick-E is still around answering questions for Genevive!
Chick-E also has some t-shirts and pendants you can check out here!
This is my new favorite saying, and my favorite item from the Chick-E shop!
Be fun. Be fabulous. Be You.
It is pretty catchy and short and to the point!
We are giving this story 5 STARS!!
Genevive and I loved it the most, Deegan is 20 months old, so he had a fun time watching the rest of us giggle and Aaron actually picked up on the lesson and shared his insight. Which led to our discussion on. how to make the best out of everything from school days to fighting with siblings, to possible future dilemmas. This story was written very well, lots of adjectives, which described everything so well, you don't need pictures!
Another cool activity from this story we are planning? Why, make Neatballs, of course!
There is much more coming from this author, you have to check out Chick-E's blog, and Facebook, and we will be hosting a giveaway, where some of you will win a free download of Holy Cannoli! Chick-E Gets A Job! Stay tuned in for that!! (Coming within the next few days!!)
I did read this story with my kids, even though the word "bra" is included! ( I would suggest, that if you are the type of parent who does not want this word in your children's stories, replace it when you read to them!) Don't just throw this off to the side, and disregard! Because this book teaches a very valuable lesson, and you will be pleasantly pleased at the end of this story!
I have to explain who Chick-E is, Chick-E, is a very cool, and sweet character, I am assuming she may be a teenager, or very early adult. But she is an, energetic, lively, cool and very positive chic, with some super cute hair, and a great personality! She loves to help others with problems, and has the kinds of answers a parent would be content and very pleased with, when Chick-E is asked by their pre teens and teens.
She even has her own blog!
Chick-E also has a Facebook page !
You can also find her answers to some of life's, kid's. and young adult's roughest questions, on her Youtube channel!
I was very happy to have been given the chance to do this book review, and I read the story with my children, and I visited her blog, and social network, to see what she was about. It has been a long time since I have picked up an issue of YM or Seventeen magazine, do you remember Sassy magazine? That was the cooler magazine for the cooler chics;p and that is where I bet Chick-E would have her own "Ask Chick-E" section each month!
I have to say, we all loved the story, I especially loved the lesson in the book, and my kids love to laugh and this was a very silly book! I am a big fan of teaching our future adults, to love and respect others and themselves, and to always get right back up and never give up! I especially love when these values and lessons are hidden in such a good way, (to our children), behind a cool girl that will end up being a good friend, and a book that has some of the funniest scenes, (food flying all over the place, ALWAYS gets them!!)
This book has it all! Holy Cannoli! Chick-E Gets A Job by Mona Schmitt, is definitely a book for parents, grandparents, school teachers, and children of course!
Chick-E gets herself a job at Mama Romano's restaraunt, and she has quite the eventful, first day! Did you ever have one of those days when everything just seems to be going wrong? (I know I sometimes have those a couple times a week!) Well, that is how poor Chick-E's first day was. After some flying meatballs, a couple crazy twins and M&M's, Mama Romano, and noodles in her hair, Chick-E gets sent home early.
What happens next is my favorite part, not to mention, a recipe that doesn't sound bad at all! You have to read this story to see how quickly, smoothly and confidentially, Chick-E changes the course of her waitressing job at the Italian restaraunt.
This is Volume 1 in the Chick-E Gets A Job series, so I am very anxious to read the next volume, and Genevive, my 5 year old, already loves Chick-E. (I think it's the hair that got her!!) Genevive has been asking about this Chick-E book, ever since she heard it, and in 8 years or so, I am hoping Chick-E is still around answering questions for Genevive!
Chick-E also has some t-shirts and pendants you can check out here!
This is my new favorite saying, and my favorite item from the Chick-E shop!
Be fun. Be fabulous. Be You.
It is pretty catchy and short and to the point!
We are giving this story 5 STARS!!
Genevive and I loved it the most, Deegan is 20 months old, so he had a fun time watching the rest of us giggle and Aaron actually picked up on the lesson and shared his insight. Which led to our discussion on. how to make the best out of everything from school days to fighting with siblings, to possible future dilemmas. This story was written very well, lots of adjectives, which described everything so well, you don't need pictures!
Another cool activity from this story we are planning? Why, make Neatballs, of course!
There is much more coming from this author, you have to check out Chick-E's blog, and Facebook, and we will be hosting a giveaway, where some of you will win a free download of Holy Cannoli! Chick-E Gets A Job! Stay tuned in for that!! (Coming within the next few days!!)
Tuesday, October 11, 2011
MAM Party!!
MAM sent a ginormous box of free products, coupons, brochures, and real cool prizes for our games!
I personally have heard of MAM, and I have seen their products online and in Parenting Magazine, but I have never come across them in a store. (We live in a very rural area, and we aren't near lots of big stores) Although we do get out in the "big city" sometimes, lol, I am a little limited to where we go shopping.
I am very impressed with the bottles and the cool designs and the shape!
My little guy, Deegan, was quite impressed with the blue toothbrushes the most.
He is 1 now, and amazingly enough, he loves brushing his teeth! ( I wish I could say that about my 8 year old son, lol). These products are superior quality, and I am very pleased with all the teething rings, which by the way, have the coolest and smartest design I have ever seen on a teething ring yet!
How cool is that, to have the teething ring actually have parts to fit the whole way in the back for those sore parts?
We had our first party on October 1st, and I actually forget my ancient digital camera. I only realized this on the way to our party, and luckily, the daycare owner who offers her daycare for our meetings, had a camera to take pictures for our posts!
We had a mix of pregnant moms, pregnant first time moms, and babies and a few toddlers.
The snacks went over quite well, especially with the little ones!
We had cheese and crackers, a fruit tray with dip, (yum!!), goldfish crackers, tea and lemonade and a few different kinds of mini cupcakes!
We have so many moms and even not moms, lol, interested in our group, and hoping to attend our November 5th meeting. We already have a couple meetings per month, due to locations of some of our members. I live in the middle, so I have some over at my place once per month, and I travel about 20 miles to another town, to have the other meetings!
We were all very thankful and excited for this MAM event, and I am anxious for our next meetings we have coming up!!
We also still have a few MAM products left, and I think we will have those for new members, who are expecting or have little ones.
We also have a project we are doing with our "Not Just 4 Moms" group, with donations. (a member came up with this real cool name at our MAM party!!) So, I believe we will be figuring out exactly which church or school will be receiving our donations, and then we can decide if we should donate the leftover pacifiers, and teething rings! That may be a very nice gift for someone else!
We have a "Reviews" tab on our groups brand new site, and MAM is the first review on our site!!
I will have another post on my other blog, momscrazyday, with some real cute pictures of Deegan, using his new favorite toothbrush. I have to run for some batteries for the camera, and upload the pictures!
We had a very nice time, everybody in our group seemed to really be happy with the products they received, and we all seemed to think MAM products are very high quality, and have awesome designs and the biter brush I believe was the biggest hit!
I am shocked that I have never seen this product before! After 4 kids, and now unfortunately we are done, (sometimes I wish we weren't;p), but after all of that, and now I find a biter brush!!
I think I know what our next giveaway should be..... I think a MAM gift basket with a biter brush and the awesome glow in the dark pacifiers, will be a huge success!!
At least I also know what to purchase for baby shower gifts in the future. I am more then pleased with MAM, and I am very grateful for the nice box they sent for our party, filled to the top, with tons of cute gifts and products for everybody! Outstanding job MAM!! Thank you!
Child's Play Party, is an amazing company! I have so much fun with the opportunities they provide for these parties! I recommend them to anybody who has a mom group, blog, website, or even a product they would like to get out and advertised.
Not just 4 Moms, and me and Deegan, give MAM, and Child's Play Party, 5 stars!!
Friday, July 29, 2011
Our Favorite Homemade Snack Recipe
This is one of our most favorite treats, I know it is very familiar to most of you, and may not seem so special, however, there are A lot of variations and ways to make this your own family tradition.
I also like the homemade taste. I do, from time to time, purchase Chex Mix, I love the Bold flavor, while the kids really love Cheese flavored Chex Mix. But, there is just always something about homemade anything, especially snacks;p Plus, the time spent together is treasured more then any snack!
I am A huge fan of flavor;p so, I do like to make mine with a bit more worcestshire sauce. There are so many ways to make this. The above picture, shows the ingrediants that we normally use, (add a stick of butter)
We use, Janes Mixed up Salt, Season All Salt, Frenchs Worcestshire sauce, Kellogs Crispix cereal, Wege pretzels, and any type of unsalted mixed nuts. ( We tend to favor Walgreens brand for the mixed nuts)
I should start measuring and keeping track of all of this, but there are just times when you can tell what is needed, how much, if you should add, etc, when you make this;p
I set the oven at 250 degrees, while the kids wash their hands, then spread the Crispix cereal and pretzels on a baking sheet. We always add more Crispix then anything, since these are the pieces they all want more of lol.
Then they add the nuts, by small handfuls, and stir around to check if more of anything is needed. meanwhile, I melt a stick of butter in the microwave, stirring halfway between, and adding worcestshire sauce.
I do add A bit of the Season All salt and Janes Mixed up salt, but not all of what I plan on putting in. (it's also best to do a little at a time because you don't want to go overboard! There aren't many ways to "fix" it, if you end up with to much!)
Next step is to pour the butter and worcestshire mixture over the cereal mix and toss to coat.
A storage bag is also A big help, but at the same time, can end up being messier!
Then it goes in the oven for 35 minutes, checking every 10 minutes, and tossing a bit more.
You can also taste test and add more salt, garlic powder, whatever seasonings you decide to use!
After you pull the Crispix Mix from the oven, let it cool, and taste test again;p
We use a spatula and pour the mix right into a Ziploc storage bag, zip the bag shut, and shake! The kids enjoy this part, and this also helps to evenly coat each piece.
Finally, if you need to add any seasonings, this is a perfect time to do so, and reshake,
We do like to eat this warm, but it is very good once it sits for a bit and cools down!!
Tuesday, July 26, 2011
Kashi 7 Grain Pita Crisps
I received a box of these Pita Crisps from Kashi last week, along with a few real good coupons!
If you are not a member of the Kashi site, I suggest you sign up! They offer samples, coupons, news of new products, and much more!
I am now in love with these Pita Crisps, as I am a lot of Kashi products.
They have the perfect amount of salt, the best crunch, and they are excellent for dips of all kinds, and just as wonderful by themselves.
My 3 youngest ones, also were pretty thrilled with the crunch, (they are not allowed to have chips very often, so they are very fond of crunchy crackers, lol)
I will be buying these as soon as i find a local store who will be carrying them.
They have plain, and salsa flavored Pita Crisps. I did sample the plain, and I can not wait to sample the salsa flavor!
I also like Kashi because the prices are good, the packages are generous, the taste is unbelievable, very flavorful, and it is good for me and my kids, and they do not take away from anything to make them good for us!
Plus, they do hand out a lot of coupons, and I normally won't buy anything, unless I have a coupon;p
Amazon offers a 12 pack of 7.9 oz boxes of these very tasty Kashi Pita Crisps for $16.05 and free shipping, if you do the Subscribe and Save;p
you do not have to keep the subscription active for these prices if you do not want to receive these crackers every 3 months, r however you set it up. However, I am a huge fan of Amazons Subscribe and Save Offers! They are very cheap and the free shipping and extra discounts are amazing!
You can use the Amazon search box at the top right of my blog, to search for these crackers, or anything else you may want to purchase!
If you are not a member of the Kashi site, I suggest you sign up! They offer samples, coupons, news of new products, and much more!
I am now in love with these Pita Crisps, as I am a lot of Kashi products.
They have the perfect amount of salt, the best crunch, and they are excellent for dips of all kinds, and just as wonderful by themselves.
My 3 youngest ones, also were pretty thrilled with the crunch, (they are not allowed to have chips very often, so they are very fond of crunchy crackers, lol)
I will be buying these as soon as i find a local store who will be carrying them.
They have plain, and salsa flavored Pita Crisps. I did sample the plain, and I can not wait to sample the salsa flavor!
I also like Kashi because the prices are good, the packages are generous, the taste is unbelievable, very flavorful, and it is good for me and my kids, and they do not take away from anything to make them good for us!
Plus, they do hand out a lot of coupons, and I normally won't buy anything, unless I have a coupon;p
Amazon offers a 12 pack of 7.9 oz boxes of these very tasty Kashi Pita Crisps for $16.05 and free shipping, if you do the Subscribe and Save;p
you do not have to keep the subscription active for these prices if you do not want to receive these crackers every 3 months, r however you set it up. However, I am a huge fan of Amazons Subscribe and Save Offers! They are very cheap and the free shipping and extra discounts are amazing!
You can use the Amazon search box at the top right of my blog, to search for these crackers, or anything else you may want to purchase!
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