Texas Instruments TI-Nspire Review

• **This post was written as part of a program for Family Review Network and Texas Instruments, who supplied the product for review.**
  
  Not everyone is built to be math-oriented. In fact for some of us it is really difficult. Take Regan for example, this has been a constant struggle for us for years. The hardest part for her with her cerebral palsy is that it is so difficult for her to write out math problems so that the numbers align perfectly. Forget about graphing and fractions, it is not something her fine motor skills can do. For the last few years when taking the state mandated TAKS (Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills)Test the school district has gotten her special permission to use a calculator on the exam specifically to help her align the numbers properly. As math has gotten more difficult and moved into higher level algebra and formulas, I have been looking for a calculator to grow with her.

The TI-Nspire is a wonderful calculator for Regan to finish junior high and grow with in high school. In fact it is so impressive and can do so much that it came complete with it's own "TI-Nspire for Dummies" book as well as its' instruction manual. This year Regan will branch out into graphing and algebraic equations and a calculator that she can use and manipulate to help her understand is a dream come true for us. Here are a few more things from the website that impressed me:
Some unique features of TI-Nspire technology let you:

-View multiple representations of a problem on a single screen
-Grab a graphed function and move it to see the effect
-"Link" representations:
-Manipulate the properties of one and observe instant updates to others without switching screens
-Create, save and review work in electronic documents, like a computer
-Activate the handheld's Press-to-Test feature to block access to certain geometry features not allowed on state exams
-Experience identical functions on the handheld and TI-Nspire Computer Software (Windows© or Mac©).
-Your students can use the software independently or in tandem with the handheld
for work in and out of class
-Project a full interactive handheld alongside a large handheld screen to demonstrate concepts to your class usingTI-Nspire Computer Software - Teacher Edition

The great thing is that it is already pre approved for use on SAT ACT and many other state standardized tests. This is the calculator we will be getting approved for her use for the 8th grade TAKS, and I am already working with the school system so that we are all on the same page to learn its uses and functions. Regan has been getting acquainted with her "calc" as she calls it and was showing me all kinds of impressive math, including how to make it graph. Her life and mine just got a lot easier thanks to Texas Instruments

Dumpster Diving at Retama

Last night John Mark, Regan and I headed to San Antonio to go watch the horses race at Retama Park. We love going to the horse races, and at one point we were even co-owners of a horse ourselves. It is a really fun family activity and a great way for us to meet up with some of our SA friends.

My brother David, and good friends Mark and Teresa along with "new to me friends" all had a fun evening at the races. Since Regan had gotten an "A" on her history test, I allowed her to pick a horse in a race. She looked at the book and immediately went for the most "french" sounding name. Did I mention she has an obsession with all things France?

Amount Regan won....Zero

My brother David and I studied the racebook, looked at the jockeys, and made specific decision based on statistics and past performance.

Amount I won.....Zero

Our friend Mark "has a guy" who is really good at that stuff and came prepared with numbers to bet in every race. John Mark just did what Mark did so.....

Amount they won....tons!

Of course there was the race where there was a question before they could call it official. John Mark and Mark where on pins and needles to see if there was a winner or not. They did win, but it was on tickets they had already thrown in the trash.

Mark went in for the classic Dumpster Dive.

Of course I had to get a pic of Mark doing the dumpster dive, but can't say to much because he won...and I did not, but it reminded us how much fun the track is and it is definitely an evening we want to do again

"I'm Bored" Advertising Game Activity

There are often a large number of kids at my house. Mainly because it is easier for me to entertain everyone here so that Regan does not feel left out of anything. Every now and then they reach the point where I have to get involved because everyone is "bored". I thought I would share one of my favorite easy activities that the girls and their friends love to enjoy. We call it the "Advertising Game".

1. I pull a product from around the house (tube, can, bottle, etc.) and cover the label with a piece of paper.
2. Make up a strange name (Jeral jelly, Blibblob, Acnexus, etc.)and write it on the paper.
3. Divide the group of kids into two teams and give each a few blank sheets of paper, and a magazine (as reference).
4. Set the timer to one hour: Each group uses this time to brainstorm what the product might be and do, make a print ad, and a commercial for made up product.
5. When the timer rings everyone does their ad presentations to the group.

**If they claim to be done early, that is not allowed, they need to use all their time for practice of the commercial or even coloring in their ad.

This is a great way to foster imaginations, work on team work, and graphic arts skills. This is a wonderful rainy day activity. I recommend it for ages eight and up.

Get the heck out of my Hula Hoop

As much as I loved watching Seinfeld for years, there were just not a lot of their quirky characters that I could personally relate too. That is until I have finally found my own personal "close talker"

I really have very few pet peeves in life but my personal space is one of them. I love when children come up and hug and cuddle, I love it when my own girls climb onto my lap or hold my hand, and I have even been known to allow John Mark in close proximity (well we do have two kids anyway). Acquaintances and friends on the other hand should always be outside my "hula hoop".

For several years now I have tolerated a sweet woman who just seizes every opportunity to invade my personal space. She chatters away about her family and life in general, but always within a foot of personage. It's as if she can't communicate unless she is right next to you.

If you back up--she closes in. There is no avoiding it without being out right rude

It is probably the one thing that just drives me crazy about an otherwise very nice woman. She has a good heart and a pleasant personality...but why can't she show it from about 2-4 feet away? I really don't need to see the individual pores on your nose to be your friend.

Yesterday, yet again she stopped to chat with me, and I was stopped by a wall. Instead of hearing a thing she was saying I spent the whole time looking for a way to escape, and pretty much missed the whole conversation. I found myself vaguely smiling and nodding my head to heaven knows what.

Any suggestions? Do you know a Seinfeldian character that you can relate to?

Back to School with Febreze

This year with our budgets strapped tight the girls re-used their backpacks and lunchboxes from last year. Of course it also helps that they are really cute backpacks. When we pulled them out of the closet last week, they looked decidedly dingy and had an odor of lead pencils. I didn't even realize how much I don't like the odor of lead pencils until I pulled them out.

Well we wiped them down with a damp sponge, and then Febrezed the heck out of them. I must admit I am one of those Febreze addicts. I spray my carpets, my curtains, sofas, comforters. I keep one in my car to spray my car. It is probably my easy way to avoid a lot of real cleaning, if at least everything smells fresh.

Well the people at Febreze sent me a few products to fuel my ongoing addiction and also gave me a few tips for back to school uses. Which you can see I already put into effect, but here are a few more:

For the little scholars:
Great for kids’ backpacks, carpet squares, nap mats and sneakers, Febreze Antimicrobial Fabric Spray eliminates 99.9% of odor-causing bacteria that hide deep inside household fabrics. With each use, Febreze Antimicrobial Spray leaves behind a refreshing scent while reducing the occurrence of odor causing bacteria.
Middle-school / high-school students:
Arm your tweeds and teens with Febreze Air Effects to keep locker stench at bay.
College students:
Create the ultimate care package for your college-bound son or daughter by including Febreze for their dorm rooms or off-campus apartments.
Teachers:
Febreze Allergen Reducer is a great tool to use on fabrics, especially in the classroom, because it reduces up to 75% of allergens that may become airborne. Such allergens can also hide in carpets, curtains and couches so promote an allergen-free classroom with Febreze Allergen Reducer.

Anyone else have some good Febreze tips for me.

CH ChChChChanges

I have decided to make myself some goals not only personally but for my site as well. These are the type of goals that I want to see tangible results and start to make things happen. It probably has something to do with the girls starting school, but I feel refreshed and ready for a brand new me.

For my Blog here are my goals:
1. I want to be the positive voice for moms of disabled kids.
2. I can review great products and have my daughter test them to to give that disability spin. Which I have done with Tie Buddies, Polliwalks, and now with Texas Instruments.
3. To show creative parenting and fun ideas you can have with your teen/tween
4. To make a bit of money on my site to pay for things I want to do and not feel like I have to ask my husband to budget it.
5. To build readership and PR connections by being a trustworthy and ethical blogger
6. To be asked to go somewhere (anywhere) on one of these company/blogger meetups that are being held everywhere. I would also like to attend a conference for bloggers. Right now I am focused on MOM2.0 in Houston. I looooove to travel and my kids are old enough that I have no angst about leaving them.
7. I also want to make this site a bit friendlier with more Vlogs, and work on building relationships with readers.

For Myself:
1. To lose about 30-35 more pounds, just because I need to, and I loved all the compliments I got this summer. With the girls at school though I already found myself stalking the pantry.
2. To figure out my relationship with my church, and If I am where I am needed best for me and the family, or if our needs will be better met elsewhere.
3. To add to our household income without compromising my flexibility and dedication to my family.
4. To finish getting this house ready and get it on the market.
5. Buy myself a laptop so that I do not feel so tied to my desktop, and I can get work done at the gym after coaching.
6. Work on my scrapbooking and the work I have to do still for clients.

Yes I have a lot of goals, but really non of them are unmanageable it just takes some organization. Notice I did not say anything about keeping my house a bit better...there is no use posting one I know I cannot keep.

Band or Athletics: Deciding your Social Course

With all the chaos that surrounds going back to school, I had forgotten that this was the pivotal year to choose whether or not you do band or athletics. Which in small town life doesn't necessarily determine your social circle for years to come, because thankfully the local communities around her are too small for that, but it does draw a line in the sand.

I was not a musically inclined person, in fact my piano teacher finally told my mother she had gotten about as far as she could with me. I chose the athletic route which I then found my niche in cross country and cheerleading. Those were just my things.

John Mark on the other hand did both band and athletics (although he tells me the percussion section is not really a band group). After football season was over he ditched band for baseball and golf which are his favorite sports.

Regan had no desire to be in marching band, but is very interested in music. She has been working with my dad for years on her guitar skills. This is a really special love that they share.

Rebecca came home from school yesterday, and declared to be all athletics. In fact I found out she did not even attend the band meeting. She wants to do all the sports school has to offer. She said only three kids in her class (there are only 13 total) decided to do band. I guess I know which side of the line she chooses.

Which side were you on, and did it make a difference?

Happy Hour Came Early

I know that right now there are probably a million moms who are tearfully sending their children of to their first day of school.

I am not one of those moms.It is not that I do not love my girls with my whole heart, but I was just ready to get my life and work back on track, and have them in a schedule and routine again. This morning I promptly woke them up. They both got dressed (of course Rebecca has lined out her wardrobe for the next two weeks in her closet...and Regan is day to day). Regan requested a hair ribbon to match her outfit which is a bit unusual for her....but I loved it. Rebecca was thrilled that she is allowed to wear powder and lip gloss as make-up in 6th grade. They were fed and ready to go by 7:30 and even didn't put up a big fuss about the obligatory pictures I made them pose for at home and at school.

It is nice to have my life back.
My very own Happy Hour.

Book Review: Table Manners by Mia King

I am going to start off by saying the great thing about Table Manners by Mia King is that you do not have to have read her first novel featuring Deidre to truly enjoy this book. The second main point I want to make is that after having read Table Manners; I can't wait to go back and read her first novel Good Things because I so enjoyed this book. Here's a quick synopsis...and then I share my thoughts.

Deidre McIntosh finally has all the ingredients for a perfect life. She has her
own line of cakes and cookies, and the perfect boyfriend, Kevin Johnson, one of
Seattle's top bachelors. Creative, energetic, and loving, Deidre is the person
friends go to when they need a helping hand. But when Kevin's ex-fiancée, the
sultry and successful magazine publisher Sabine Durant, suddenly appears in
Seattle, it's Deidre who needs help. Already intimidated by Kevin's glamorous,
moneyed world--and his sister, who wants Deidre out of Kevin's life--she knows
she's no match for Sabine. Deidre turns to her friends for advice, but finds
they're having crises of their own. When her business begins to slip from her
fingers, Deidre knows she must to do something to keep her career and her love
life from imploding. Can everyone's favorite go-to person save herself?

My own thoughts: I started out not being excited to read this....only because I thought it another typical sob story romance novel. I couldn't be more wrong. It was funny and engaging. I could relate to Deidre as a character with her quirks and insecurities when it came to her rival Sabine. I can't not mention how mouth watering the descriptions of the food in this book are and thank goodness Mrs. King included recipes at the end of the book for me to test out myself. I am now a fan and have ordered her first book Good Things to read so I can have the backstory.
Conclusion: Table Manners is a humorous chick-lit book that is easy to read, well-written, and completely engaging.

All by Herself

The answer to can Regan walk on her own is YES! But only in the water. This is something she has been doing for several years, and she feels secure enough in the water to take steps and not worry about falling and getting hurt.
Regan takes each step carefully but very wide and swerving all over the place. I teased her that she never needs to drink to walk like a drunken sailor. For her exercise time in the pool at the hotel last night, she completed a dozen laps walking back and forth from wall to wall.
See how proud she is of her walking. We still hope that one day her fears and anxiety will allow her to trust herself to take steps out of her walker on land, but for now I will take all I can get with her ability in the water.

Random Searches to my site

A Mysterious Case of Annoying Angst

As we delve again into the mysteries of Regan entering full-out Teen mode I find myself more than ever playing Nancy Drew and trying to figure out what is the cause for her emotional outbursts that leave me completely baffled.

Case #1: She cussed today!!!! And I mean a complete blue streak. I was not here when apparently F-bombs went flying out of my child's mouth, but boy Rebecca couldn't wait to tattle about this when I arrived home from church after lunch. Apparently she was angry because Rebecca had the remote control and would not change the channel. Her brain not being able to process things that don't go her way (partly due to her cerebral palsy) she just went into a full blown temper tantrum and threw everything within arms reach at her sister.

Now we don't curse at my house....I just find it simply distasteful. Regan relished the thought that as soon as I am not at home that she can speak how she wants too. And of course was even more upset that she was told on and had to explain herself.

Case #2: Regan has a good friend from camp that calls and texts her on my phone. I explained to her that if they were going to talk or text for an extended period of time then they needed to take it to the computer and instant message instead so it would not cost me money. Instead of seeing the point of the conversation being monetary, Regan felt I was attacking her friendship and told me "You just don't get teenagers mom...because you are old and wrinkly"

Again she could not process that I was wanting to move the friendship to an online one to ease my phone bill and was convinced I was evil and just denying her friends completely.

Now I could post several more examples like her yelling at Rebecca...just for breathing (yes she really did). My big question though is: Does it seem to be more difficult because her CP affects her process skills? I think her being a teen would be easier if she could understand things better. Or am I reading too much into it and she really is having typical teen responses to things? I am curious if my Nancy Drew is way off base or the case of Annoying Angst can be explained with medical reasoning.

Recipe: Southern Peach Shortcake

I know it is rare when I post a recipe on my site, but you know when I do it is for a very good reason....basically because it's awesome!!!!! First let me give you the background story.

My very favorite Uncle in the whole world (as stated by the best niece who is obviously sucking up) has very fond memories of a local festival that would serve homemade peach shortcakes as part of the highlight. I have heard him tell of this loved dessert a few times and was bound and determined to remember to make it for him. well the opportunity came when my mother had a good friend bring fresh peaches in from Missouri and we knew my uncle was planning to come to dinner. So I asked my mom if we could set the peaches aside and I would find a recipe for this dessert. Now this is an adjusted recipe with little tweaks here and there, cuz that's just how I roll...

Ingredients:
•3 cups all-purpose flour
•1 tablespoon plus 1 teaspoon baking powder
•1 teaspoon salt
•1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
•1/2 cup light brown sugar, firmly packed
•3/4 cup butter
•1/2 cup coarsely chopped pecans
•1 egg
•3/4 cup milk
•8-10 medium peaches, about 2 pounds peaches
•1 cups sugar
•1 cup heavy cream
•1/2 teaspoon almond or vanilla extract
*** and 2-3 tablespoons Cointreau if you have any ***
Preparation:
Sift flour, baking powder, salt and cinnamon into a mixing bowl. If you sift twice through it will really be a perfectly airy mixture. Stir in brown sugar; cut in butter until mixture is crumbly. Stir in chopped pecans. In a cup or small bowl, whisk egg with milk. Add milk and egg mixture to dry mixture; stir with a fork until blended. Roll out dough to a thick inch or so and cut using a biscuit cutter (or drinking glass if you like) Bake at 450° for about 20 minutes, or until golden.
Peel, slice and sweeten peaches with about 1 cups sugar and the Cointreau for a wonderful enhanced peach flavor. In a small bowl, whip cream with almond flavoring until stiff. Place one shortcake on a plate, top with peaches and whipped cream. Top with second shortcake and remaining peaches and whipped cream.

The verdict was that this is an excellent dessert. The brown sugar and pecans really make this a wonderful southern version...and trust me on the Cointreau if you have it.

Kim & Scott's Pretzels: Review

I seriously can't wait to share these pretzels with all of you because they are the "BOMB-diggety" (as my 11yr old put it). The girls and I could not wait to try the Kim & Scott's Pretzels Original sampler pack (available at their website) that arrived at our house a few weeks back. In fact we had to very specifically sort out the savory and sweet pretzels to coordinate with each other, and then divide each one into three parts so we could all taste them. this meant putting it off for a full week since Regan was at camp during this time and insisted we could not continue without her professional pretzel opinion. The pretzels that were in our pack included one of each of the following pretzels and our thoughts.

Apple Cinnamon Pretzels: Really tasty like apple pie
Original Cheesecake Pretzel: This was my personal favorite dessert pretzel
Mixed Berry Cobbler Pretzel: Good, but didn't get the cobbler reference
Chocolate Crumb Pretzel: This was Rebecca's favorite sweet one
Cinnamon Roll Pretzel: We actually set this one aside for breakfast
Pizza Pretzel Pretzel: This was the girl's favorite and the one they want for their lunchbox
Cheese Lover's Pretzel: Kind of like fried cheese without all the "fry" part
Spinach Feta Pretzel: My favorite of the savory, the feta and spinach were a great combo
Grilled Cheese Pretzel: The girls would also like this in their school lunchboxes
Cream Cheese Pretzel: The least favorite at our house for some reason
Well now that we have become devoted fans ourselves of Kim & Scott's Pretzels I am thrilled that I can get these for the girl's lunchboxes and feel confident that they are eating all natural quality ingredients. You can put a pretzel in the lunchbox in the morning and it will have thawed by the time it is ready to eat at school. Not only can you purchase them online at the website, but they are now available in many markets too. We can even buy them at our local HEB and we are a small town with only one grocery store! Want to see if they are near you? Check Here

Selfish Mom Moment

This afternoon I dropped of Rebecca to spend the night with a friend, and I am completely enjoying the quiet loveliness that happens when it is just Regan and I.

Then it started....

"Mom can I call a friend to have over?" (Ignore a while)
"Mom can I call someone since Rebecca is gone?" (give Regan some tasks and hope she forgets and vaguely search auto insurance quotes)
"Mom, now I can I have someone over?"

I don't mean to be a bad mother or favor one child over the other, but honestly when Regan has a friend over I entertain them most of the evening because Regan ignores them to play computer or watch TV. She loves the idea of friends and being social but it gets lost in translation when it is not all about her. It is easier if Rebecca and she have friends over at the same time so Rebecca can entertain all the guests.

I also enjoy the nice quiet that is happening at the house and would selfishly like it to continue. I want to work a bit, and get some cleaning done. I want to breathe for a moment....in other words I want to be a selfish mom.

On the other hand I feel completely guilty because it isn't an unreasonable request.

What would you do?

Bacon is not Currency

Yesterday I made a Wal-Mart run to get the girl's school supplies. Rebeca and her good friend Kayla accompanied me to make sure I was spending my money on useless junk the perfect school supplies. Rebecca seems to think it is important if I am buying Kleenex for the class that I cannot get the generic store brand...because she like the stuff with lotion. After explaining to her that these were for the whole class not her personal use, and not everyone is as picky...she offered to cough up the extra buck in price difference for her Kleenex, and told me I could put Regan's name on generic but not hers.

Of course I asked her to hand over the dollar first before relenting.

Anyway, we gathered the majority of the supplies, looked at acceptable lipgloss that can be worn as a 6th grader, and headed to check out to pay for everything. After emptying my cart and waiting for the lady to quote me the price, I reached into my wallet to pull out the amount.

And pulled out a piece of Bacon.......

No Kidding!!!!

The lady looked at me oddly.
My face turned beet red and the girls started laughing hysterically.
Why do I have bacon in my wallet?

I started fumbling out an apology, but by that time the cashier had lost it too and was laughing.

"Wal-Mart has a policy that we cannot accept bacon as payment" she quipped.

Which sent the girls into more howls of laughter and the entire front of the store looking my way.

I quickly shoved the bacon back in my purse and pulled out the cash, grabbed my bags and pulled the girls holding their sides to the car.

The Multi-Generational Slumber Party

Tonight we are having a slumber party at my grandma's house. It is really awesome that my girls have five great grandparents in their lives. My Grandma lives about a 1/2 hour away from us, and the girls have begged me before to be allowed to stay the night with her. My problem with that previously has been that they want to stay with out me, and I just think Regan is a little much for my grandma to deal with on her own.

There is that, and then the last time I left them with her for an hour Regan tried to microwave the kitchen timer (just to see what would happen) and caught the microwave on fire. I figured everyone in question could use an adult figure in the picture.

1.The gameplan has been to eat (check...at 4:30, LOL)
2.Take a walk(check)
3.Play some cards (check....until grandma couldn't learn Rebecca's game, and Regan yelled that they were bothering her)
4.Watch Jon and Kate plus 8 (about to come on....and Regan and Grandma's favorite show. Of course Regan has been watching it since it started, and Grandma has been watching it since the made the cover of the Enquirer)
5.have some fun snacks and watch a movie

Wish me luck and an evening of fun memories

OFF! Clip-On: Review

*This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program by SC Johnson, who also supplied the product for review.
To test out the OFF! Clip On I went straight to the source....mosquito heaven. Or, as we call it in my family, my parent's backyard. They have built a small goldfish pond in the back complete with lily pads and a fountain. As precious as it is, does not mean that it is friendly to my skin which attracts mosquitoes like crazy.

I read the direction on the clip and inserted the repellent, pulled the tag near the batteries, and switched the fan to on. Then I handed it to my dad with instructions. Why? Because I wanted a guinea pig to test it out on first, and he was planning to be in the backyard anyway so there is no need to scream parental abuse on me. My Dad ventured forth only armed with his clip on, and I hung out in the house with my mother. Time passed and I had a wonderful time with my mom and then excused myself to use the restroom....where I was bitten my a mosquito. In My Parents House!!!!!

My Dad comes in a little while later, and not a bite to be found on him. Yes it works, and it protected my dad nicely, but I guess I am the real sucker. Who knew I would need my own clip inside my parent's house?

What Happens when my Girls get to Choose

Friday was our official choose your own adventure day where the girls would get to choose "right", "left", or "straight" at any major crossroads we came to. I should have of course suspected something was up immediately when Rebecca's first question as we are packing for the day was:

"When we get to the end of our road which way is the beach?"

So my point of being purposely random for the whole day was sabotaged by the girls with their own agenda, but really who can blame them....the closest coastline for us is just an hour away. I made sure to pack swimwear, sunscreen and a day to explore new places began.Right near Lake Texana we began to see many fields of burned cotton, with the fluffy cotton balls spilling out. Of course I took the opportunity to share with the girls our family history of picking cotton, and a quick history discussion on sharecroppers. It is always about the teachable moments.

We found our way to Port Lavaca and a small public beach there. The sky looks gorgeous, but believe me when I say it is so depressing how brown and murky the water is close up. Regan chose to not change into her swimsuit and instead found a shady spot outdoors to write in a notepad and play games on my phone. Rebecca and I explored some wetlands and found a hermit crab which we brought up to shore to show Regan. We also brought her several shells

The next part of our day was very important in the eyes of the girls because I was allowing them to buy the "oh so coveted" junk food that I never let them eat. Regan chose Twinkies because she had always wanted to try them, and Rebecca went for the hostess cupcake. They were in processed food heaven as we wandered a bit further down the coast.

In Seadrift we saw the many shrimp boats huddled into the docks and we talked about shrimp. The girls thought I should buy some at the bait shop so they could have them as pets or potential dinner (it depends on which child you ask). I opted to drive away from the bait shop area all together and focus on finding a new town with dinner options

Our dinner stop was in the fishing town of Port O'Connor where Rebecca was enthralled with the shells lining the parking lot by the restaurant. We enjoyed wonderful shrimp from Clarks and talked about our favorite moments of the day. Of course a trip to Port O'Connor is never complete unless you run into people you know, and today was no different. We got to chat with friends from Shiner dining at the restaurant just fresh off their fishing boat.

After our dinner we took one more detour and watched the sun go down and wandered the beach at Indianola for a bit. We collected a few more shells and called it a day.

What a wonderful day to spend with my girls before school starts back up and we all get busy in the midst of our crazy lives. I loved our day of adventure and the memories we can take away from it.

Veggie Tales: Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella

I have stated before that we are huge fans of the Veggie Tales series. Is it just me or do the french peas seem extremely "Monty Python-ish". Of course I find them humorous on an entirely different level than my children, but what I appreciate for them is the lesson that can be learn from the movies. In this particular movie it is all about confidence....not something my girls particularly lack, but could still learn the confidence with grace, not silliness.
This movie compliments of Family Review Network and Veggie Tales is called Minnesota Cuke and the Search for Noah's Umbrella. While the storyline of Minnesota Cuke searching for the umbrella of Noah's Ark was easy to follow and much along the lines of the beloved Indiana Jones films, it was more about his inability to put himself out there for fear of being laughed at that really hit home for us. Whether he was afraid of looking foolish in a dress or singing a little Spanish song, Minnesota Cuke lacked the confidence that would help propel him forward by not really being himself especially in front of others.Like all Veggie Tales shows it was complete with the obligatory silly song that we have come to love and adore (I even have several of our favorites on Itunes in our car rotation). the song "Sippy Cup" was fun and catchy and Regan was singing it all afternoon.

This is a great movie for any family, and I highly recommend it if you are a Veggie Tales fan and looking to inspire a little confidence in their own children.

This post was written for Family Review Network as part of a program for Big Idea, who supplied the DVD for review

Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets; review

Rarely am I excited and apprehensive to try something at the same time than I was with the new Purex 3-in-1 laundry sheets. the reason is that with my front loading washer and dryer I have been really good at using the correct detergent for it and following manufacturers instructions. These particular laundry sheets claimed they are great for any washer and dryer, and I was honestly a little unsure.

First of all to claim to contain not only your detergent but your fabric softener and dryer sheet all in one is a pretty big deal. Secondly if it actually works as well as it claims, because my sweetheart can be a little picky about his laundry and making sure his clothing looks and smells a certain way. Thirdly to test it in my HE machines when I have been so diligent. So when I received my two packs from MomSelect it honestly sat on my washer for a bit while I finished my "other" detergent up.

Finally I could wait no longer, and you know what I found out? It works great! I had no suds seeping out of the sides of my front loader. My clthes came out clean and smelling great. There were no problems with static and it is really convenient to throw in a sheet instead of all the different individual steps I usually do. I am impressed and chagrined that I held out so long.

Purex 3-in-1 is not only dedicated to changing how we do laundry, but is also changing lives. They have teamed up with charitable organization Kiva.com to help support businesses that are owned and run by women. So each of us can support women entrepreneurs just by buying these laundry sheets and entering in your bar-code. For every code entered Purex makes a donation to Kivo selected women owned businesses. You can read more about this worthwhile endeavor at http://www.purexchangeslives.com/

Family Game: Choose Your own Adventure Day

Since my philosophy with the girls is to parent outside the box as much as possible today fits right in with my game plan. I had promised the girls for a while now that we would set aside an entire day when they are both home for a "Choose Your Own Adventure Day" What this means is we load the car up with gas and a cooler full of snack food and at every major intersection each of the girls gets to choose which direction we will take.

In my mind a major intersection is highway or farm to market road which we have a lot of here in south Texas. Then after about two hours we will see what local community this has lead us to and wander around, eat, find historical markers, and possibly geocache if I can get my phone working properly. Then we head back home with a day of memories under our belt.

The last time we did this we found all kinds of small Texas coastal towns and wandered a few beaches, explored a marsh a bit, and had great seafood. This time we may end up going a different direction completely it will just depend on the whim of the girls.

I love days like this where you just never know where life will take you and you just embrace the day for what it is.

Just a touch of Bitter and throw in some Irony

There has been a lot of flack given to review bloggers, in which I consider myself one....although to be honest that is only about half of my posts because I can't get way from talking about my real life and parenting my girls.

I definitely have a melting pots as far as blogs are concerned, which is fine by me because you can read what you want and skip the rest. It hurts my feeling not in the slightest. The problem comes into play when the ethics of review bloggers come into question. Am I always giving you my honest opinion or am I trying to sell you a product in which I have been "paid" to do.

I think for me it is a little bit of both. I love trying new things and will often get caught up in the moment of being one of the first to try something and then getting to share it with others. Combined with my enthusiasm for things in general and my cheerful laid-back nature, I hardly come across anything I don't like or can't find the good in. That being said, everything I write is strictly my own opinion and should be taken as such.

There have been products I have not cared for, although I usually have a tactful way of saying I may not have cared for it personally. I would say that if you choose to purchase something based upon my recommendation please use your own judgement.

With that being said I wanted to talk about my own ethics because a friend of mine who is also a review blogger was approached by a commenter to purposely have their number chosen randomly and she would send money for half the value of the prize if she were guaranteed to win the giveaway. I should preface this by saying it wasn't even an expensive prize, it was baby wardrobe.

I find that despicable and downright tacky (there I go getting all southern on you). If the ethics of bloggers come into question let us draw attention to those who enter giveaways under multiple email addresses, so that instead of the 6 entries I usually guarantee each commenter, they end up with 18-24 different ways to get into the giveaway. While I won't even let my family enter my giveaways in an effort to stay above reproach the same cannot be said of those who troll through all the giveaways in blogville under multiple names and email addresses.

I must say I was stunned and disheartened that this has happened to a fellow blogger and hope this is a one time event and not a trend. I also know the name of the commenter in question and it is someone who has entered many of my giveaways. I want to warn anyone who come in under false pretenses that I reserve the right to redraw winners if I feel the ethics of the giveaway has been compromised in any way, and I will not hesitate to let my sponsors know why.

Cursed to be stuck in a wifebeater

Every year at Easter my side of the family tries to get together for a large group family photo. This tradition has been going on for a long time only to be interrupted by extreme weather or lack of available family. About 8 years ago my mother requested we all wear white for the family photo.....and everyone got the memo but my Uncle Buzz (yes his real name).

Anyway because he does not fit comfortably in my father's available shirts he was stuck wearing a white t-shirt or what we affectionately call a wifebeater shirt. Every time I see this great photo of my family that I just adore, a smile comes to my face as I see my favorite uncle sucking it up in the back wearing the white t-shirt to match everyone else.