Mome reads Mommy, My daughter's way to spell it when she was younger... It stuck. My son calls me Mome... just like it looks. I now sign all my notes to them "Love, Mome". It's our inside secret and makes them smile. I always want them to smile.

Wednesday, April 27, 2011

Happy Birthday Baby Girl


3 days old

 My Darling Puddin Pop,
I love you more than words can say.  Today you turn 5 and I want to Thank You for all you've given and taught me.  You are independent, funny, charming and sweet.  You are also a bit of a drama princess, but in a good way.


1st Birthday



I learn from you every day.  Mostly to not take everything so seriously but also how to be a better listener and to give more of myself than I have ever wanted to before.

2nd Birthday

You are creative and tough.  A fairy Princess on some days and an I-can-do-anything-boys-can-do-and-like-it girl on other days.  You love the water and everything outside.  Tree climbing is a new favorite activity and used to be one of my favorite things to do as well. 



3rd Birthday
I love that you've managed to get the best parts of all of us.  Your grandmother's eyes (which Daddy also has) and sweetness, my nose, wit, and independence.  You have Papa's ears and the stubbornness comes from Daddy and I.

4th Birthday



I love you more each day and can't imagine my life without you.  May you continue to grow in good health and become the person you are meant to be.

I love you baby,
Mommy

Monday, April 25, 2011

Freschetta By the Slice -Review and Giveaway

This post brought to you by FRESCHETTA®. All opinions are 100% mine.

Every Friday we do Pizza and Movie night.  We either buy frozen pizza's ahead of time, order and have them delivered or, make them ourselves.  When we order them I find I eat whatever is let over.  I LOVE cold pizza so grabbing a slice for breakfast and an afternoon snack the following day is like striking gold.  Not the best idea when trying to lose weight,  I have no self control.

Now that I can get FRESCHETTA® By the Slice, Instead of ordering a medium pizza of my favorite combinations, I can order one pizza for the kids to split and have a slice o pizza for myself.  Thereby taking away the temptation the following day.

The pie comes in four fantastic flavors:

*BBQ Chicken Recipe

*Vegetable Medley

*Chicken, Spinach & Mushroom

*Six Cheese Medley

 FRESCHETTA® By The Slice BBQ Recipe Chicken

I tried the BBQ Chicken Recipe and LOVED it.  With tangy BBQ, chicken and red peppers and onions, this slice is packed with flavor.  Not something the kids will eat (hopefully), I will keep a few o these on hand for when the kids are away or I want a late night snack.  We've always trusted the FRESCHETTA brand when we've bought our pizzas for Movie Night so having this single slice option is just another way to enjoy pizza without over indulging.

Giveaway

One lucky reader can win a FREE FRESCHETTA By the Slice (coupon) and a 6 piece locking FRESCHETTA storage set (3 containers, 3 lids).  I'm going to make this super easy.  I'm thinking of a number between 1-1000.  Leave a comment about your favorite pizza combinations (We all have more than one, leave a comment for each) and guess a number.  The first person to guess the correct number (and lists toppings) WINS!  You can enter as often as you like BUT, must list favorite combinations (or come up with new ones) when guessing a number.

**Contest ends Midnight(EST) on May 7th and a winner will be announced (Whoever is closest to the right number if it's not guessed) on May 8th.  Make sure I have a way to contact you.

For more great deals make sure to follow FRESCHETTA on Facebook and Twitter.

Visit Sponsor's Site

Sunday, April 24, 2011

Crest Pro Health Results

I mentioned before that I was participating in the Crest Pro Health Test Drive and after a month of using it, at least once a day, wanted to share the results.

I love it!  Not sure why I haven't been using a mouth rinse all along.  I've used Crest products all my life.  It's been the number one trusted brand in our household since I was a kid, but using a mouth rinse (and flossing daily) have never been big on the priority list.  The kids get their teeth flossed (not daily) but it was never anything I was raised to do and you know how (bad) habits are hard to change?  I'm changing them now.



 Crest® Pro-Health® Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse provides several oral health benefits:

Kills germs


 Reduces plaque


 Helps prevent gingivitis


 Keeps teeth cleaner longer (vs. brushing alone)


 Freshens breath

 Invigorating sensation

I think the biggest difference I've noticed is that my teeth don't get the purple tinge they used to while drinking red wine.  This makes me very happy.  I hated looking in  the mirror before bed and noticing the color of my teeth before brushing them.  Now I don't have to worry.  I can still drink my wine without advertising to everyone with purple teeth.
 
The flavor is good and I like the way it makes my mouth feel in the morning. Clean and Crisp.  Handsome has started using it before school (diluted) and likes how fresh his mouth feels too.  I will deinitely continue to use this product and can suggest it to you as a trusted oral health benefit.


I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.


Saturday, April 23, 2011

So. What happened was...

It's been crazy around here.  I'm a bit (or a lot) of a procrastinator.  There are things I should have taken care of this week (Easter baskets and stuff) that I put off to the end of the week.  I figured Thursday morning would be a good time to get all the candy and put the baskets together.  The less time it's in the house to tempt me, the better.

Thursday morning I got a call at 6:53 am.  I only know that because hearing my cell ring before 7am kinda freaked me out.  I mostly use my cell for long distance so that's the number my family and out-of-state Friends have or me.  I just knew it was going to be bad news.  Who else calls that early?  The School.  That's who.  A couple weeks ago I was asked if I was interested in Substituting at my daughters pre-school.  Of course I said yes.  I filled out all the mandatory paperwork for background checks and (surprisingly) I'm in the clear. (that's a joke)  Anyway, one of the teacher's was ill and they needed me to work.  "Great.  I can still get my shopping done on  Friday." NOPE.  They needed me on Friday too.  Since morning is the only time I am without child... I'm kinda hosed.  But... I have a plan.  I also now have more money.  Let's see if I can pull this off.

On a side note:  Handsome's school did a "Walk for a Cause" to raise money or Relay for Life.  They set up the track with bounces, face painter, balloon guy, and food.  The kids got to walk the track in a two hour even and all the money raised will support the PTA's Relay for Life Team.  It's an awesome idea and this was the First Annual.  Did I mention the Balloon Guy?

He was AWESOME.  Every kid got a bracelet.  Handsome wanted an Alien and the kid behind him got a birthday cake.

Wednesday, April 20, 2011

Valdivieso Reserva Pinot Noir

This is wine #1 from the Wines of Chile Blogger Tasting. On each one I'll share Winemaker notes as well as tasting notes from the group to show how diverse individual palates are.

Valdivieso~ Reserva Pinot Noir 2009
Casablanca Valley

Harvest~
Hand-picked March 30th- April 16th

Tasting Notes (from the Winery)
Color~ Bright vibrant red
Nose~ Intense aroma of fresh berry fruit, strong cassis character and strawberries with elegant sweet spices from barrel aging
Palate~ Full-bodied, with balancing acidity.  Flavors are consistent with the aromatic profile

Tasting Notes (from the group)
Nose~ Burnt rubber, nice spice notes, dark berries and cinnamon
Palate~ sour cherry, dark cherry, rhubarb, juicy plum, strawberry and soy.

Vinification
~ Careful hand selection
~ Bunches were gently de-stemmed
~ Fermentation is realized in small, stainless steel, open-top fermenters for seven days
~ During fermentation, the skin's cap is pushed by hand three times a day
~ Long post-fermentation maceration on skins for 21 days before pressing
~ Aged for 12 months in 100% French oak barrels

SRP ~ $16.99

Wednesday, April 13, 2011

Wines of Chile Blogger Tasting TONIGHT

I'm really looking forward to this evening.  Wines of Chile is hosting another great blogger wine tasting and it should be a lot of fun and very informative.  Fred Dexheimer, along with the Chilean Winemakers will be on hand to answer questions and tell about the processes for making each wine. 

I'm thinking I'll review each one separately this time but that may change.  For now,

The wine list...

(almost) Wordless Wednesday~ Weather

I happened, last night, to notice that the weather was favorable for a rainbow.  I grabbed my camera and headed outside.  Nothing in the front yard, so I headed out back. 

Here's the view to my left...

If you look close you can see the rainbow.  It was very faint




...  and here's the view to my right...

Beautiful, right?

Tuesday, April 12, 2011

Movie Night~ Truth Be Told~ April 16th @ 8pm (Fox)





I had the opportunity last week to preview the upcoming Family Movie Truth Be Told starring Candace Cameron Bure and David James Elliott.  It's the story of how little lies turn into big ones and how the deception grows.  It's about reuniting old friends and finding new love.  It's a movie about a family and is one the whole  family should sit down together and watch. 

We do family movie night every Friday night.  We (usually) have pizza, popcorn, candy and drinks and rent a movie that we haven't all seen yet.  Finding movies that are appropriate for the kids and entertaining for adults starts to get tricky when all the new releases  have been seen.  Walmart and P&G are bringing back Family Movie Night with movies the whole family can enjoy and a cast that does not resemble an After School Special.  There's also a musical guest.  I won't give it away but it's one of my favorite American Idols.  One that went home too early.

Lying is an issue I am dealing with right now with the 7 year old.  It's also a trait I will not tolerate.  This movie perfectly represents the message I am trying to teach.  Lying does no good and trying to perpetuate it only makes it worse.  Telling the truth, even when it's difficult, is much easier than trying to keep up with the lie.  Telling the truth will make you a trustworthy person. Lying will only cause more harm and will make it less likely that people will believe you when you are telling the truth.

While watching the preview we had a chance to chat with Candace Cameron Bure.  She answered questions about the weather on the set, what made her choose to do this movie,  her co-stars and her conversation with that secret musical guest.  She was gracious and willing to talk about anything.  She even had some questions herself.  It was great to interact with her while watching the movie and made the preview even more special.

We'll be watching Truth Be Told this Saturday, April 16, at 8pm (Fox).  Will you?

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of P&G and received a movie kit to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Saturday, April 9, 2011

Silly kids on Facebook

Handsome decided to sport a headband this morning.

Here's the conversation that followed...

Handsome: Mom.  Come look at me (as he's sitting on the loo).
Me: Nice headband.  Can I take a picture?
Handsome: Yes.  Take a picture

click, click (two pictures)

Handsome: Can I see? (Digital cameras rock.  Another luxury we didn't have as kids)
Puddin Pop: Can I see?

(show both of them)

Puddin Pop: You know she's going to post it on Facebook.
Handsome: Are you going to put it on Facebook?
Me: Would you like me to post it on Facebook?
Handsome: Yes.

...so here he is...

Photobucket


on Facebook and The Blog.  Because that's the easy way to do it ;)

Friday, April 8, 2011

Thank You Welch's for My Purple Bathroom

The kids have always loved Welch's Grape Juice.  Knowing it's made from 100% grapes and is full of nutrients and antioxidants make  it a no brainer to serve it to them.

While we have always been fans, I was not aware of all the tools Welch's provides to promote healthy and active lifestyles to their consumers.  I always like to point out companies that are giving back and prefer to give them my business.  Welch's is providing knowledge.

Welch's Family Vine Tool
Diet and Exercise impact our health but so do our genes.  Family Vine is a site where families can share health information with others and create a complete history to share with Doctors to promote productive and proactive conversations.

Concord Grape Science Center
This site has tons of information on the benefits of grapes and updates as new studies are done.  While the information is in summary form, links to the full articles are provided.  You can find up-to-date studies on how Concord Grapes can benefit you and your family in the areas of Cardiovascular Health, Cognitive Health and Immune System Health.   They also provide links to "Grapes in the News" and Grape Nutrition Resources.  It's a wealth of information.

The Recipe Box
Looking for a recipe using Welch's Grape Juice?  Look no further.  Beverages, sauces, main courses and even "The Great PB&J Makeover" are all right here.


For other info on Welch's you can follow them on Twitter or like them on Facebook.

As part of this tour, we were also asked to participate in a "Paint it Purple" project.  It could be anything from recipes to poems to painting.  Creativity was the key.  We may have dropped the ball here. 

3 weeks ago Puddin Pop and I had removed all the wallpaper from our guest bathroom.  It's needed to come down since we moved in but other projects have taken priority.  Once we removed the wall paper and chair rail we waited for inspiration to come on what color(s) we should paint it.  The kids suggested "rainbow" but that seemed like a little much for me.  When Welch's suggested we "Paint it Purple", I thought "Hmmm.  Is that a good idea?" I asked the kids what they thought and they LOVED the idea.  Especially PP who has concluded that purple is her new favorite color (she's 4).   This week is Spring Break and the kids spent the first half with their dad.  I took the opportunity to get this project finished.  I was hoping to have it completed by this post but the deadline got here before the border did so... You end up with a shot of the upper half.  Hope that's okay.  I'll update when the border arrives and we get it up.



Does that look purple?  It is.  Violet Whimsy actually.  The bottom half is Fresh Air. The border that will go up between is this one...

... if it ever shows up.

We also painted that mirror, which was dark wood, and replaced all the fixtures updating the brass to brushed nickel.  We are very pleased with our new bathroom and Thank Welch's for the inspiration.

To celebrate we had strawberries and blueberries that were soaked in Welch's grape juice.  YUM. YUM.



Can't forget the Cool Whip

I wrote this review while participating in a blog tour by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Welch’s and received a product sample to facilitate my review and a gift code to thank me for taking the time to participate.

Tuesday, April 5, 2011

Crest Pro Health Test Drive

I've always co-slept with the kids.  I love snuggling and having both of them in bed with me gives me such a safe loving feeling.  The kids each have their own room and often sleep there as well but if given the chance, they love sleeping in "the big bed" as much as I love having them there.  It started at birth.

You realize they are no longer babies that one morning when they roll over to say good morning and you almost gag on the aroma coming from their mouth.  "When the heck did that happen?"  It's as if they woke in the middle of the night, ate a bag of Doritos, vomited, and then went back to bed.  It definitely makes me more conscious of my "morning breath".  When the kids wake in the morning and I know I've had a cup of coffee I can only imagine what breathing in their face would produce.  I try to brush before close contact.


I was recently asked to participate in a Test Drive for Crest Pro Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse.  Crest has provided my oral care since I started brushing my teeth and produces products I'm confident in providing for the kids.  I'm not usually a "rinse" user for no other reason then I just don't buy it.  Crest's new product provides multiple benefits including killing germs, preventing gingivitis, and freshening breath.  It's not over-powering either.  I've started using it after I brush.  I love the way it makes my mouth feel and am confident that my morning coffee breath has been removed.  I'll continue to use this product and allow the kids (at least the  older one) to try it as well... especially before bed to see if it makes a difference.


I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by Mom Central Consulting on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.