On Becoming a Mama – For All You Love

May 17, 2013 By Leave a Comment
Cowboy Bryson

Every time someone says "Becoming a mom will change your life!" I think, "Well, I hope so." It's funny how such a tiny little being can grab a hold of your entire heart and change you completely.  And those changes go well beyond the sappy stuff. Before becoming a mom, I had never changed a diaper.  Now?  Not only do I change diapers, I use cloth diapers. Before becoming a mom, crumbs on the table grossed me out. Now?  The table and the floor are covered with crumbs even when I clean them both multiple times per day. Before becoming a mom, I would have never wiped someone's nose for them. Now, I'm slinging snot and picking boogers like a pro. Before becoming a mom, the thought of someone's vomit would have made me vomit. Now, I can clean up vomit half-asleep without flinching. Before becoming a mom, I enjoyed peeing alone.  Without an audience. Now, I've learned how to pee while consoling a child on my lap.  Seriously. Before becoming a mom, dress up seemed a bit … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Personal Thoughts

Blast Zone Hydro Rush Inflatable Water Park Review {Giveaway!}

May 17, 2013 By 37 Comments
BLAST ZONE HYDRO RUSH INFLATABLE WATER PARK GIVEAWAY

Now that the weather is finally warming up, we are spending our days outside enjoying the sunshine.  I have a feeling this is going to be the best summer yet thanks to the Blast Zone Hydro Rush Inflatable Water Park we received for review.  Swimming pools make me overly anxious with little ones around, but our summers are too hot to play outside without water.  The Blast Zone Hydro Rush solves our water dilemma and is better than a swimming pool for our family. Blast Zone Hydro Rush Set Up One of my main concerns surrounding large inflatables is the set up. I expected it to be a daunting task that required a lot of effort and quite honestly, my patience wears thin with that kind of thing. That could not be further from the truth with the Blast Zone Hydro Rush Inflatable Water Park. Set up is an absolute breeze. Normally, with any large item, I wait on my husband to help me. On a whim, I decided to try out the Blast Zone Hydro Rush while he was at work. It was 80 degrees outside, … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Reviews, Toys Tagged With: , , , ,

All About Reading Pre-reading {Homeschool Review}

May 15, 2013 By 5 Comments
All About Reading Pre-reading Preschool

As a very new homeschooling mom, choosing curriculum can be difficult and overwhelming.  It's especially daunting when ordering online without the opportunity to see everything and flip through the books.  I rely on reviews from seasoned homeschool moms to help me navigate the curriculum waters and figure out what will work best for our family.  One of the most highly recommended companies I've found is All About Learning Press.  After reading tons of positive reviews, I settled on the All About Reading Pre-reading curriculum for Bryson. To give you an idea of where we are, Bryson is 4.5 years old.  He knows the alphabet and each letter sound.  He can sound out words and figure out the letters so simply going over letter sounds became redundant and boring to him.  I knew he was ready to move onto something a little more challenging, but nothing that would discourage him.  After using All About Reading Pre-reading for over 2 months, it is clear that it is the right curriculum … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Education, Homeschool, Preschool, Reviews

10 Toddler & Preschool Toys That Last

May 14, 2013 By 3 Comments
10 TOYS THAT LAST

We are currently in the process of purging our toys.  The kids have so, so much and it's my fault.  Truthfully, when it comes to toys, less really is more.  I've found that our quality toys are played with over and over again while others are simply dumped and strewn about.  Today, I am sharing 10 toys that have lasted in our home.  Now, Bryson is only 4 so I can't say we've had these toys for 10 years, but these toys have stood up to both of my not-so-gentle kids and are played with often.  I am linking up with other bloggers at the iHomeschool Network for a Ten in Ten blog hop.  Be sure to click over and check out their most recommended toys too! Tonka Mighty Dump Truck While brainstorming for this post, the Tonka Mighty Dump Truck was the first toy that came to mind.  Why?  Bryson received this truck as a gift for his first birthday and it is one of our most played with toys even 3 years later.  He has pushed this truck all over the yard, he would ride in the dump … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Homeschool, Preschool, Reviews, Toys

A Clean Home, A Happier Mom #PowerandFree

May 13, 2013 By
Lysol Power and Free

There seems to be this myth that stay-at-home-moms are supposed to spend their days cleaning, keeping their homes spotless.  Well, that isn't what this SAHM does at all.  I often say that I am a stay-at-home-MOM, not a maid.  Not only do my children drag out toys and make messes, I happily encourage their play.  That said, when our home is in disarray, it takes a toll on my mind and my attitude.  Justin will attest to this fact.  The state of our home has a huge bearing on how I feel mentally. So, while I know that our home will never be spotless, there are certain spaces that I have to keep clean.  Our kitchen is the most used room in the house.  It really is the center of our home, the heart of our home, if you will.  It is not only a kitchen, it is my office and our school room.  Cooking, blogging, teaching, paying bills, crafts, projects- it all happens in the kitchen.  Even with a whirlwind of activity, the kitchen has to be clean.  If my counters are wiped down and … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Household Products, Reviews

Hello, Baby B!: Pregnancy {Week 10}

May 10, 2013 By 7 Comments
aby B3, Pregnancy 8W 1d

We've reached week 10 and this pregnancy already feels like it is flying by.  I am trying so hard to soak it all in, even the not-so-fun parts, because I know that this could be our last.  We settled on 2 kids, then I begged and pleaded for a third.  I don't think Justin will go for a fourth.  So three may very well be our number. Baby B is the size of a prune! How far along:   10 weeks Due Date:  December 5, 2013 Total weight gain:   About 2 pounds. Maternity clothes:  Not yet, but I do need to dig them out soon and go through them. Stretch marks:  Between Bryson and Bella, I am no longer concerned about stretch marks and I doubt I will notice more. Sleep:  I wake up at least once a night to pee.  Last night, Bryson woke up crying because his sippy cup of water (we need to break that habit) had leaked on his pillow.  Then, Bella woke up and came into our room ready to roll at 3AM.  Needless to say, I did not get out of bed and see Justin off to work this … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Parenting Tagged With: ,

Adding a Little Extra to Ordinary Days – #QuakerEpicAdventures

April 30, 2013 By
Water Table

One thing I love about little children is that they are so easy to impress.  I'm not talking about toys or gadgets and gear.  It doesn't take money or things to turn an ordinary day into extraordinary.  The things that usually award me the "coolest mom ever!" title are not things at all.  It's always a moment, sometimes just a few minutes, of undivided attention doing something my child loves.  It could be as simple as a run through the water hose or playing in the fresh dirt.  As moms, we put a lot of pressure on ourselves to create these fun, over-the-top activities that require a lot of time, effort, and preparation.  Then what?  In my case, if I don't get the reaction I'm hoping for, I feel defeated and like I've wasted my time because the kids didn't even enjoy it. I have a simple summer activity series in the works, but for now, I want to share a few ideas that can turn those ordinary days into extraordinary.  Most of these are low cost or no cost and can be pulled … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Food, Personal Thoughts, Reviews Tagged With:

Lansinoh Affinity Pro Double Electric Breast Pump Review

April 29, 2013 By 4 Comments
Lnsinoh Affinity Breast Pump

Now that we are expecting Baby B3 this winter, I am already getting sappy at the thought of nursing another baby.  Bella is still nursing at 27 months.  Justin looked at me the other day and said, "Do you realize that when you have this child and nurse it, you will have been pregnant or nursing for like 5 years!?"  I do realize that and it makes me smile.  Y'all know that I am huge breastfeeding advocate.  The bond that it creates is beyond amazing and I love those moments snuggled up with baby nursing.  I blessed that I never needed to pump with Bella.  We were never apart for more than an hour or so, so I was always available to nurse her.  I plan on doing the same with Baby B3, but I know that isn't the case for all mamas which is where the Lansinoh Affinity Pro Double Electric Breast Pump comes in. I've owned a few different brands and styles of pumps and I definitely recommend a double electric pump if you are shopping for one.  While they tend to cost more, they are … [Read more...]

Filed Under: Baby Products, Breastfeeding Products, Reviews
«Older Posts
Sign up!