Free Pillsbury Newsletter and Freebies

Have you heard about Pillsbury's new Not-So-Secret-Club?

 

Be sure to sign up before the big launch on May 26th. Pillsbury will be giving away thousands of free samples each month. Coupon savings and exclusive member offers.

I've signed up--have you? 

Andrew's Double Awards

And the awards just keep coming! 

Very proud of Andrew, who managed to letter twice as a freshman. He lettered in Marching Band and Concert Band. He was also named the Section Leader for the Frontline (Pit) for next year. 

We are waiting for the 'real' letters to arrive (there was a shipping delay). So at his awards ceremony his name was called, but we didn't get the letters just yet. So, I found a random 'N' on the internet and put it here for now. I'll get real photos as soon as I can.

Andrew hopes to add an academic letter to his credit next year. He discovered that freshmen can not get academic letters so he has his goal set for next year. He is enjoying high school and we are so proud of him and all he is accomplishing. 

Michael Buble new album To Be Loved

What a fun review this one was! I enjoy Michael Buble's singing and this was a very fun walk down memory lane as I enjoy some of the oldies he covered on this album. He has quite the voice and is a true crooner--reminds me so much of listening to Frank Sinatra and Bing Crosby. I'm a huge fan of the Big Band Era so this album was totally up my alley. I hope you have a chance to enjoy it as well. My favorite is "You Make Me Feel So Young." 

To Be Loved, released on April 23, finds the Grammy winner covering songs by Frank Sinatra, the Bee Gees, Elvis Presley, as well as collaborating for a duet with Reese Witherspoon. In the mix of standards are four original songs co-written by Bublé, dipping into his personal life for inspiration.

 "I want to take you on a wonderful journey about love—all different kinds of love," he says. "The album swings big time: it rocks, it’s soulful, it’s happy, sometimes a little sad. It’s romantic, it’s yummy, and it’s heartfelt."

And if you need a little eye candy in your day, check out these pictures of Michael Buble in a suit. 

Wordless Wednesday - I'm looking over...

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

But by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Look at what Nathan found. I was so excited--believe it or not, I've never seen an actual four leaf clover before. I've got it pressed in wax paper in a heavy book trying to preserve it. Way to go, Nathan!!! (But you know I've been singing the song ever since he showed me--right?)

I'm looking over a four leaf clover,

that I've overlooked before.

One leaf is sunshine,

the second is rain,

third are the roses that grow in the lane.

No need explaining the one remaining,

she's somebody I adore.

I'm looking over a four leaf clover,

that I've overlooked before. 

Nathan's PE Student of the Month Award

Very proud of Nathan. He was named the PE Student of the Month for his grade. This award is given not based on your PE skills, but on your positive attitude, can-do spirit, and never giving up. 

We are so proud of Nathan. It was only a few short years ago that he had to have weekly Occupational Therapy because he didn't have enough muscle strength to hold a pencil, sit up for more than a few minutes at a time, nor could he balance to ride a scooter or bike and he couldn't throw and catch well. 

Now, he can run the mile--not the fastest, but he completed it--and he is able to play basketball with the kids up and down the block. He can ride a bike and a scooter. And in PE Classs, no matter how hard it is, he always keeps trying. We are happy that his PE teacher (who has about 300 students) recognizes that at the end of the day, Nathan keeps on trying and keeps a smile on his face. 

Congratulations, Nathan!!

Mustache Cookie Cutter Review and Giveaway

This one was for the kids. I don't understand the theory, but mustaches are big in the high school circles right now. They find a mustache to be cool. Again, I don't pretend to understand, I try to accept. It's my job as mom of a teenager.

I can't tell you how thrilled my teen was when I was given the opportunity to review these mustache cookie cutters. He's already making plans to give mustache cookie gifts to his friends. (I think my summer is going to be filled with  mustache cookie shapes.) I also got a mustache button that was immediately taken and put on his lanyard for school. He's now a mustache hero. Go figure.

This cookie cutter set comes complete with three different mustache cookie cutters. All are made of 100% stainless steel and measure about 4" wide and 1.25-1.5" tall--it depends on which shape you are using. I found the stainless steel was easy to clean after use. You have to adjust baking times a little bit to make sure your mustaches are cooked without burning them. Overall, a really cute and fun cookie cutter. 

Great news--one of my readers will get a Mustache Cookie Cutter set of their own. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.
 
a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received the product mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Review & Giveaway - Undipads

Undiepads are a new product in feminine hygiene. It is a pair of disposable underwear with protection built in. These panties are designed for women's heaviest days and nights. There are some plusses and minuses with these.  I liked how UndiePads have a built in pad so you have leakproof protection since the pad is built in, it can't slip. These come with toss and go bags so you can easily dispose of them. 

I thought it was a great idea, but I would only use at night since you have to get totally undressed and redressed as you change underwear each time. I like the extra long coverage and how everything stayed in place. 

From the manufacturer:

UndiePadsTM Patented Technology Disposable Panties With Built-In Menstrual Pad are the newest, freshest and most stylish way to make “those days of the month” a whole lot easier. They look and feel like your regular panties, provide gentle control, extreme coverage and long-term absorbency with advanced leakage- and odor-protection. UndiePads completely eliminate the dangers of Toxic Shock Syndrome and combine new fabric technology with cutting edge design for a menstrual product that’s so complete, so comfortable and so fresh, you can forget you’re wearing them.


The UndiePads team has agreed to give away a box of UndiePads to one of my readers. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

I received the product mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Tips on Tuesday: Reading with your child

Since schools across the country are winding down for the year, I wanted to share the single greatest secret weapon you have to retaining knowledge and learning over the summer....

Read with your child.

No magic formula, no worksheets or textbooks or tests. Just read. Keeping the printed word in front of your child (or reading to those too young to read for themselves) does more to boost academic achievement, improve test scores, retain information learned over the past year and it also increases vocabulary. And we aren't talking major amounts of reading. If your child is preschool aged or younger, 15 minutes a day will do. For elementary children, 20 minutes. Middle school and high school 25-40 minutes a day. 

And for the younger ones (and early elementary), I ran across an article based on the Johnson & Keier book, "Catching Readers Before They Fail," that gives some excellent insight into ways to boost comprehension and reading skills. 


Ask questions about what you just read. If you don't know what to ask, try some of these questions:

• Does this book remind you of anything?
• Were there any parts that surprised you?
• What have you been wondering as you (I, we) read?
• What did you notice about the story?
• Does this book make you think of anything else you've read?
• What was your favorite part?
• What are you going to read next?

I firmly believe in the power of reading. According to Child Trends Databank, young children who are read to regularly by family members...{have} boosts in literacy development, as well as social-emotional gains, and increased likelihood of later overall school success. We've heard it said that Readers are Leaders...and I believe it's true.

Do do yourself and your children a favor. Over the summer--read. Need motivation? Check your local library to see if they offer a summer reading program. Also, be sure to check out the Barnes and Noble Summer Reading program to find out how to earn a free book. 

So get ready, get set....READ!

Harlem Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics

Click to register. 

A little over a month ago, we had the fantastic opportunity to see the Globetrotters live. It was one of the most amazing shows that not only promotes physical fitness and basketball, but humorously shows how teamwork makes the game fun. Now I have learned that that fun and spirited teamwork is being taught with basketball skills all across the country at Globetrotter Clinics. 

The Harlem Globetrotters have teamed up with 24 Hour Fitness to bring Summer Skills Clinics to numerous locations nationwide. Keep reading for all the information and make sure you register by 5/31 using the code USFAMILY in order to receive $10 off. I thought the clinics would be very expensive--but they are only $59 ($49 with the discount code) and one of the things your child receives is a voucher worth up to $40 to get a free ticket to a game in the 2014 Harlem Globetrotter National Tour.

Now everything awesome - kids, basketball, teamwork, and having fun – comes together at destination awesome: Harlem Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics, the ONLY clinics coached by stars of The Harlem Globetrotters!

Everyone loves The Globetrotters, the stars who always put smiles on kids’ faces. At Globetrotter Summer Skills Clinics, our stars coach kids in limited size groups and bring laughs, encouragement and high fives for everyone! Globetrotters direct, motivate, inspire AND entertain, keeping it inclusive and fun for ALL boys and girls, aged 6-12, of ALL skill and experience levels. Each session is $59 and includes a free ticket voucher to see the Globetrotters live in 2014!  But you can save $10 with promo code USFAMILY! Code is valid through 5/31.

Each child will receive: 

• A free ticket voucher (valued up to $40) to see the Globetrotters during their 2014 World Tour
• Autographs and photos with the stars!
• Official Globetrotter certificate of completion wi th a personalized Globetrotter nickname

Clinic Locations: http://globi.es/GlobetrotterClinicsUSFAMILY (These are just the clinics - the games for your tickets are in 200 cities)

Save $10 on registration! Enter the Coupon Code USFAMILY on the cart page after completing your registration 

Happy Mother's Day

To all the moms out there--

Happy Mother's Day

Cub of the Week/Month

Very proud of Rebekah. She has been working very hard on her self-control at school. She's a bit chatty (no idea where she gets THAT from) and sometimes a bit impulsive. 

The day before the autism walk, she had a big day at school. Lost a tooth at school (so you get a treasure chest to bring it home in) and she got Cub of the Week. 

Then this past Friday, I show up to read with her class and she had something new to show me--a Cub of the Month for RESPONSIBILITY. She's been working very hard and it has paid off for her.

Check out that smile!! Way to go Rebekah. 

Ring the Bell DVD Review and Giveaway - open worldwide

It's not very often that I find a truly family friendly film that my whole family can enjoy together. "Ring the Bell" is one of those movies. We had a very enjoyable family movie night. I'll admit my youngest (age 6) was a little bored at times, but she stuck with the film. I think the older kids got more out of it. But, it's one we'd all be willing to watch again so as she grows up, I think she will grow into the movie more. It was also nice to have a movie the boys were interested in. That's not always easy to find. 

The music in the film was AMAZING and we all liked the songs. If you enjoy a good family film where you don't have to worry about language, nudity or sex, this is a great choice for you. And...keep reading to find out how to get a copy for yourself.  

Disclosure of Material Connection: I received one or more of the products or services mentioned above for free in hope that I would mention it on my blog. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.

About Ring the Bell:
Ring The Bell shares the story of a slick, big city sports agent Rob Decker who seems to have it all. But on his latest mission to sign a high school baseball superstar, Rob becomes stranded in a small town where the simplicity of life—and the faith of the people—stand in stark contrast to his own fast-paced, win-at-all-costs mindset. Torn between these two worlds, will Rob have the courage to let faith transform his life? This heartwarming story of redemption is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family.

Ring The Bell features a host of well-known Christian music artists, such as Mark Hall along with his band Casting Crowns, Steven Curtis Chapman, and Matthew West, all who play a role in this inspirational drama. Several former and current Major League Baseball all-stars are also featured in the film: ESPN analysts John Kruk and Rick Sutcliffe (a former Cy Young Award winner), along with Ben Zobrist.
This family-friendly movie was produced by Mark Miller, Beach Street Records' founder and Casting Crowns’ producer. Miller, who is also the lead singer and founder of country music group Sawyer Brown, co-wrote the script with Thomas Weber and Weber directed the production.

Ring the Bell is available on DVD for only $19.99 

DVD Special Features:

The Heart of "Ring the Bell"

Casting Crowns “The Well” Music Video


On Set with Casting Crowns

Famous Faces


A Very Special Movie


Ringing the Bell


I'm thrilled to announce that I get to give away a copy of the DVD to one lucky winner. This giveaway is open worldwide and will end on May 24. Enter using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck!!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday - Rebekah's Note

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take,

but by the moments

that take our breath away. 

Something that made my heart smile. 

I'm working on cleaning up my house now that our autism walk is over for this year. I ran across this note from Rebekah to her friend Abby.

Dear Abby,

What mackes you special is...

You are the best friend...

ever!

You make me smile when we play

I'm touched that she spends hours a day at her 'art table' creating pictures and notes for friends. She has a gift for art---and for encouragement. I hope the rest everyone knows how lucky they are if they know her.

Hey God, I've got some guy... Book Review and Giveaway

OK--I don't know about you, but check out the title of this new children's book, "Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Names Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up." Just reading the title I knew I had to get my hands on this book. And it was worth it!! My kids and I laughed our way through the whole book...while they learned. 

I love when authors take a unique look at a Biblical story and teach the story in a way that engages children. Kudos to Troy Schmidt for doing such a fantastic job. I'm also glad that there is a parent guide on the back cover to help us all learn and be able to teach our children with even more depth. 

I can't wait to see the other books in this series. We loved learning about the most famous whale in history!


From the B&H Publishing: 
On sale May 1, 2013
Cost $9.99
Author Troy Schmidt

About the Book: 
Oh sure, we've all heard the story of Jonah and the Whale a hundred times. But have we heard it from the perspective of the whale who experienced that history-making event?
Hey God, I've Got Some Guy Named Jonah in My Stomach and I Think I'm Gonna Throw Up! imagines how that great sea creature from the incident might tell his side of the story, helping kids ages 4 to 8 discover a creative way of learning about that guy who was supposed to go to Ninevah.
The "Parent Connection" feature (inside the book) will help moms and dads take the story further with scripture references and tips on how to talk with their children about what really happened. 

About the Author: 
Troy Schmidt has writing and video production credits ranging from assignments with Disney (The Mickey Mouse Club) and Nickelodeon to Max Lucado's Hermie franchise. He is currently the lead writer for The American Bible Challenge hosted by Jeff Foxworthy on the Game Show Network. Troy and his wife have three sons.

The series:  This is just the first in a series!  Other books available include Hey God, Can You Stop the Rain so I Can Get off Noah's Smelly Ark? and Hey God, I'm Having an Awful Vacation in Egypt Thanks to Moses!

If you are as excited as I was about getting a copy of this book, have I got an opportunity for you. Enter my giveaway using the Rafflecopter form below. Good luck! Contest ends 5/17. 

a Rafflecopter giveaway


Disclosure: I received a copy of this book in exchange for a review. However, all thoughts and opinions are my own and receiving a copy does not influence my review. 

Autism Acceptance Month - Autism is his Super-power

When Nathan was small, he couldn't say Autistic very well. He kept telling people he needed to wear earplugs because he's Artistic. Good enough--we knew what he meant. 

 

We've spent his whole life trying to heap on therapies that might help him out, working with him to get through anxiety and sensory issues, while at the same time trying to pretend that he can do everything we do and 'force' him to learn to cope in difficult situations. 

We're big museum goers. I love museums--and I REALLY love obscure museums. And it doesn't have to be obscure to qualify--just obscure to me. Take the Pro-Rodeo Hall of Fame. That's an internationally known and loved museum. But I'm not a rodeo fan...so I qualified it as obscure to us. So his whole life, he's been forced to learn to cope with the sensory issues at museums. Some are very loud. Some smell funny. Some have weird lighting. Museums can really bombard a kid living on the edge of sensory overload. 

Imagine life where everything is magnified 10 times. So a whisper is as loud as a shout to you. The rotten garbage smell can keep you awake (and nauseous) at night. And then add people. People can be loud, they can smell, there's a lot of hidden social rules that don't make sense. 

Museums are not always fun for Nathan. But neither are restaurants, amusement parks, the regular park, school, home or anything you can think of--depending on the day. Yet, since we've always made this a part of every trip, every vacation and every school break, it's something he has learned to enjoy. We take it slower (or faster if it's rough going). We take earplugs and sometimes use them. We take long bathroom breaks (which is a little sensory time out for Nathan) and we give him snacks every so often. 

Now, he even suggests museums to go to. And when I watch him work through sensory situations that in the past would have driven him over the edge, I realize it's true...

Autism is Nathan's Super-Power!

Cowboy Fit Zone Fitness - Lose 12 Inches in 12 workouts

Do you ever watch Shark Tank on TV? It's venture capitalists who hear pitches for new inventions. The inventors/business owners want the sharks to give them some money for their business/company and partner with them on expansion. I am behind in viewing Shark Tank, so I just recently saw Cowboy Ryan Ehmann and his Cowboy Fit Zone workout. I've been wanting a new exercise program to try and his had some excellent points that intrigued me. 

Now, I'm excited to say I will be reviewing this workout and give it a trial. Then I'll let you know what I think. If you would like to join me, check out the information below. I'm excited to give this one a try!

I'm Cowboy Ryan Ehmann  "AS SEEN ON ABC SHARK TANK" and I can't wait to share this program with you.  Are you "TIRED OF WORKING OUT WITH MINIMUM RESULTS? CAN'T GET RID OF BELLY FAT? For only $9.95 LEARN THE Cowboy Fit Zone SECRET at LOSE12INCHES.com.  IT'S SCIENTIFICALLY PROVEN AND SWEEPING THE NATION BECAUSE IT WORKS.  YOU WILL DISCOVER that YOU'VE BEEN WORKING OUT WRONG YOUR ENTIRE LIFE. 

My client "Daymond John, Founder of FUBU and Reality TV Star of ABC Shark Tank is doing the Cowboy Fit Zone training so why not join him.  You will learn the scientific reason why you are not losing fat with any other workout. Come on, let's get started today.  
Wooo Hoooo ... That's What I'm Talking About! VISIT: www.Lose12inches.com

Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep Review

For everyone out there who suffered from sleep deprivation after your bundles of joy arrived, I have found a book for you (and me if only it was out when my kids were babies). Even when my kids were little, Dr. Harvey Karp had published his book The Happiest Baby on the Block and moms everywhere--myself included--rushed out to purchase and work on the section for helping babies sleep.

Good news, Dr. Karp has expanded that section into a book filled with not just suggestions and tactics that work, but there's a lot more. You will find some funny anecdotes, tips to help you and some stories to help you understand.

You can read all about The Happiest Baby Guide to Great Sleep at the Harper Collins Website. I'll tell you just the section entited: Stretching Baby's Sleep - Birth to three months would have made a world of difference in my life. I had kids who didn't sleep long. They slept a lot, but in shorter bursts than other kids. This meant I was up more times in the night than many of my friends and it was putting me into a sort of sleep deprivation fog.

There's napping tips and the chapters are broken into various ages and stages. I think this should be a book every new mother receives.

I hope other moms can apply these tricks and tips and get a little more sleep at night.

Autism Conference

Another installment in Autism Acceptance Month:

I've been offline for a few days attending an Autism Conference. I learned a lot of great information, but had to share a funny quip regarding diagnosis. We saw a local doctor who was well known for working with and diagnosing those with autism. What we did not know is that she is notoriously known for giving a British diagnosis for autism that will not qualify you for services in the US. I believe she does this, in part, because if your child has the label of autism in their medical file, your insurance can deny services (such as speech and occupational therapy) based on your diagnosis. 

As an aside, laws are slowly changing to stop the insurance discrimination against those with autism. There are now 32 states with mandatory coverage for people with autism. 

The downside is that you can't get any special education supports with that diagnosis in the school setting. We had to lobby our school and jump through extra hoops to get him educationally verified as autistic. So his medical diagnosis is PDD-NOS. This generally stands for Pervasive Developmental Delays--Not Otherwise Specified. 

One of our speakers renamed it:
Physician Didn't Diagnose--Neurologically Odd Son

That about sums it all up. 

Wordless Wednesday

Life is not measured

by the number of breaths we take

But by the moments

that take our breath away.

Like our lopsided face? Rebekah had to have a cavity filled. It was her first filling and first time with Novocaine  The dentist said she handled it like a champ. Her brothers thought her Novocaine induced lopsided smile was the funniest thing ever. We had to document and she wanted to know when I could post on Facebook--and my blog. 

So, Rebekah, here you go. 

Autism April Fools

Autism Acceptance Month:

Imagine what it's like to wake up and know an entire day is going to be devoted to doing all the things you find most confusing, most bewildering and most hurtful. Welcome to Autism and April Fools Day. 

On Monday morning, Nathan got up and was already in tears and distraught. I thought he had a bad dream. He kept telling me he didn't know what was wrong. So we got dressed and ready for school. Five minutes before he has to leave, he says to me, "Today should be a holiday!"
Me: "Since it's Easter Monday?"
N: "No. Because how are you supposed to know if homework is really assigned or if it's a big joke."
Enlightenment comes to me swiftly here. Now I know why we are running at top anxiety this morning. 
Me: "Nathan, I don't think your teachers would really do that. And if they did, they will make a BIG DEAL out of telling you it's a joke...but I really don't think they will."

From there we discussed that friends are most likely to pull jokes. And not big, scary, messy ones like we see on TV. Just average "your shoe is untied--April Fools" jokes. I calmed him down as best as I could and sent him on his way...then ran to the computer and emailed every teacher to give them a heads up. One very lovely teacher emailed and said she would personally walk him to his last class of the day because it is downstairs and he would be most likely to find pranksters on the stairwell. She swore to keep him safe to his class. And she did. 

He told me 4-5 friends tried to tell him his shoes were untied. One tried to tell him he spilled some of his lunch on his shirt. That was it. All that anxiety for almost nothing. But think about it--if you can't read facial expressions or body language, you have trouble telling the difference between sarcasm and sincerity, and pragmatic language and idioms (such as raining cats and dogs, laughed my head off) seems literal to you, how anxious would a day of practical jokes be to you?

We are thankful he made it through the day (and teachers backed off in his class and didn't play jokes). Hopefully next year will be less anxious. But all in all, it's just another autistic day in my house.