My youngest has hearing loss in his left ear. Thankfully, it hasn’t been so profound that it’s had to change our lives. When he gets ready for school now, we have one more small step to take.
Make sure you check out these Wordless Wednesday participants: 5 Minutes for Mom, Dear Crissy, and Giveaways and More.
Metro Dentalcare has given us the opportunity to get this teeth brushing down a bit better. We’ve come home numerous times from the dentist with those colorful little sand timers. Sand timers that I could fill a sandbox with considering how they’re never used. Great idea, but never put into practice.
We received a fantastic tooth brushing package in the mail that included an ingenious toothbrush. You press the bottom of the toothbrush and brush away until it stops blinking. The first night was kind of amusing. My 11yo said he didn’t really like the toothbrush. I asked him why and he said because it blinks too long before he can spit! heh heh heh
I explained to him that he could spit anytime he needed to. The point was he just had to keep brushing after he spit.
Now, let’s talk about the boys routine. They are supposed to brush 2x a day; once in the morning and once before bed. I would have to say 80% of the time both are done. Sometimes they aren’t ready for the bus and run out the door without their pearly whites being cleaned. Bedtime I always remind them, but on the way down to bed they distract themselves with rough housing.
I’m not alone in this, right? Please tell me I’m not the only one whose kids start monkeying around and tooth brushing is forgotten.
I do the toothbrush test also just to make sure it’s being done. When I get ready for work I go brush my teeth and check to make sure the bristles of the boys brushes are wet. If I find them dry, I make sure I explain to the boys how vital brushing is. I’m a broken record at this point, but it’s too important to stop talking about it.
The biggest challenge for my boys is flossing. They have a hard time with it and I have to admit, I don’t make the time to help them floss. It’s really a coordination thing. It’s a tricky thing to learn but a lot more fun especially with the new, and cool, picks that are out.
Now, with all that’s been going on in my life lately, I haven’t gotten this post up soon enough to get the word out about the challenge and the giveaway. The giveaway ends on April 1st and that’s no joke.
You can find Metro Dentalcare:
Tangled features Rapunzel (Mandy Moore), a young girl hidden away from the world by her overprotective mother, Gothel. Rapunzel dreams of discovering what the world holds, when suddenly Flynn Ryder (Zachary Levi), a caddish drifter stumbles into her life. They strike a deal and Flynn agrees to lead her through the forest and find the hidden strength she never knew.
The boys and I have not had a lot of opportunities to go to the movies much lately, but this will be one of the movies I know my wonderful Aunt B will be adding to our collection. She knows it’s just not in the budget to go out so she always gets us DVDs of movies she knows we’ll love as a family!
Here’s your opportunity to win the BLU-RAY version of Tangled and a promotional surprise picked at random from the following list: A Pascal Beanie Baby, Flynn Ryder and Rapunzel T-Shirts, and Official Disney Paper Lanterns!
Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/4/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.
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I did not receive any compensation for this giveaway.
Last week was a long week. Here are some photos from that week?
my neighbor the snow plow hero again!
"Welcome to the crusade against child abuse. We are a group of believers. We believe that it is possible to break the chains of abuse with the right educational programs, the right awareness campaigns, stricter abuse laws, the right support for those that fight abuse and help rehabilitate the victims of abuse. And most of all we believe in hope and love….which is what every child victim of abuse deserves."
Their major method of raising funds and awareness is through their Superhero Run. Please visit their website to find out more www.SuperheroRun.com, check out the calendar of runs, they are adding more runs this year so stay tuned. Also we have created the promo code "HELPCHILDREN" that will get you 10% OFF your order and we will also make a donation to The Superhero Foundation for every time it's used.
Happy Flying! 
I’m not sure if any of you are in the Santa Monica Beach area, but if you are this sounds like a fantastic event. Here are a few details, but you should head to the site if you’d like to learn more.
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Runners are asked to pay a minimum entrance fee of $10 which will go entirely to the American Red Cross's Japan Earthquake and Pacific Tsunami fund. However, all donations welcome!
Runners will assemble on Santa Monica Beach @ Beach Parking Lot #1 where Ocean Avenue meets 2600 Barnard Way. Registration is at 10:00 AM. The run starts at 11:00 AM. We ask everyone to download the run registration form online, fill it out and bring it with them to the run to expedite registration! You can print the registration form by clicking here: REGISTRATION FORM
Just when I thought winter was winding down, the snow picked up and the dry air loomed heavily here! Thankfully I’ve been using my Vaseline Intensive Rescue lotion throughout the day. I’m not really good at sharing, but since it’s so dry at my work and we’re doing a lot of changes, I’m constantly washing and drying my hands. I’ve decided to bring my lotion to work and leave it there. We’ve been dealing with so much dust, and the air is so dry, we’re all dealing with cracked, dry, chapped hands.
Before I moved to Minnesota, I hadn’t paid much attention to using lotion on the rest of my body, but my legs, I tell ya, have had a rough go of it this year. I’ll be at work and realize I’m rubbing my thigh because it’s so itchy and dry.I need to get in the habit of putting lotion on before I get dressed to go to work to avoid that situation.
The Dry Skin Patrol is comprised of Hot In Cleveland star Wendie Malick, celebrity dermatologist Dr. Jessica Wu, and 3 real women, bloggers Kailani, Kari, and Michelle. The women were searching the Web for a solution to their dry skin and were rescued by Vaseline. One of their stops was right here in Duluth, MN. Wish I would’ve known when they were going to be here, I would’ve snuck on the “set”. *wink*
Make sure you head to the Vaseline Facebook page so you can sign up to win a trip to one of the locations they stopped at on the Dry Skin Patrol. It ends 3/31/11. Be sure to visit the Facebook page to learn about the Rules & Regulations.
Have you found any solutions for your dry skin? If so, I’d love to hear what you do!
Here’s your chance to win a bottle of Vaseline Intensive Rescue!
Required: Tell me what you do for your dry skin.
Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/10/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.
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I received a bottleVaseline Intense Rescue to review. The opinions are mine and never influenced by the company.
My oldest daughter got her Dell laptop 2 yrs ago. He doesn’t pull any punches and he makes sure no matter what that these computers are totally covered. At least that’s what I thought. I will be calling him this weekend to clarify what he actually paid for. This is my daughter’s reaction when she came home to her graduation present. Sorry for the not so hot quality.
Before my daughter went on Spring Break a couple of weeks ago she started having some different issues with her computer not running correctly. It’s gotten to the point where it just won’t turn on or if it does it’s sporadic at best.
Today she finally called Dell “support”. They told her the computer hardware was covered but not the software. That surprised me because of the amount of money my brother dropped on her computer.
While she was talking to them the first time, before they dropped her call, they told her there would probably be a one time cost involved or a cost for 2 yrs. She wasn’t sure what that amount would be. I told her to call them back and get more information.
She calls me back and tells me it’s going to be $135 to fix the problem. A one time fee. I thought that was absolutely ridiculous because at the time I was under the impression this was covered. I decided to take matters into my own hands. I made a call.
In case you weren’t aware, my oldest daughter is away at college, not sitting right next to me. I can’t look at her computer, I can’t talk to her about her computer while I’m on the phone with someone in another country.
Too bad I got an absolute JERK of a “support” tech and I use the word “support” very loosely. We started discussing the issue and I had to explain that the computer wasn’t with me. My daughter was away at college. THIS chump tells me it’s going to cost $239.99. I was like, “WHAT? I’m not paying that. I don’t have that kind of money. I’ll go to someone locally and have them fix it.”
Well, he didn’t like that so he started giving me a hard time. He said, “So you’re going to pay someone $50 who isn’t Microsoft certified. Then in 2-3 months pay them again because there’s a different problem?”
I told him, “Yes, I don’t have $239 sitting around. I can’t afford that, my daughter can’t afford that. My brother has already poured a ton of money into Dell for her computer and my other daughter’s brand NEW laptop. We’re not going to give you another dime.”
Him, “So you’d rather pay $50 now and $50 later to someone who doesn’t have the training?” On and on he went all the while I’m getting more pissed because he’s being a complete JERK.
He wouldn’t shut up about me going somewhere else to get my computer fixed so I said, “Thank you for your time,” and I hung up. I wasn’t in the mood to listen to one more thing this dude had to say.
I called back after talking to my daughter and hearing her say that she wanted to dump this stupid computer and go with something other than a Dell. Let’s just say a Mac is sounding pretty delightful right about now and with her lovely tax return coming back, she’ll have the dough to buy one.
I decided I would try one more time to get hold of someone at Dell who might be a bit more pleasant and a bit higher up the food chain. This time I got a guy who I could actually understand. The first time I had to ask the guy to keep repeating himself. I don’t have an issue with talking to people in India, although I’d prefer Americans to be employed by these big companies, but if they’re going to be talking to American’s using English on a daily basis, they should be understandable.
This 2nd guy I talked to told me he’d be able to give me $5 off my daughter’s quoted price and he’d fix the problem for good for $129. He went on to tell me how amazing he was and that there’d never be a problem again. I told him I’d have to talk to my daughter and see if she wanted to spend this kind of money. He said we could do a conference call. Well, the fact that we have no money makes a conference call pointless and I told him we didn’t have the money right now anyhow that I’d have to talk to my brother.
He offered to call my brother and I explained to him my brother is at my grandma’s funeral today. I’m sure to him I sounded like I was making it up, but as my readers know, it’s the complete and utter truth. My grandma died last Friday and she’s being buried today in New York.
The guy told me he was one of the only people authorized to give me a price like that and that there were no guarantees that out of the 3000 workers that I’d get him again. I told him I understood that, but it was a chance I’d have to take. If I actually had the money, I’d probably just go ahead and do it, but he’d still have to call my daughter because she’s the one with the computer.
Now, if my brother DIDN’T buy coverage for the software, then we obviously have an issue. That’s not really my point with this post.
My issue is the crappy customer service. Since I have 2 more boys down the road getting computers for graduation, and me currently on the lookout for a laptop, CRAPPY customer “service” will completely encourage me to go to a competitor, such as Apple. I’ve heard so much positive talk about Macs I’m very tempted to pay out the nose for them because of their reliability.
Anyone have advice on what kind of computer we should look at considering the fact that I, and my daughter are fed up with Dell? What kind of computer do you have? Would you suggest it to someone in the market for a new one?
When it comes to listening to an audio book, the main factor for my enjoyment is the sound of the reader. If they have little inflection or don’t sound like the different characters, I have hard time enjoying the story. Trenna does a wonderful job of making the stories come to life. I also like the background music and sound effects.
Trenna Daniell’s formal education was in art and music. A life-long student of philosophy and metaphysics, she won a national reputation as a Human Potential Seminar trainer and lecturer. She has appeared on more than a hundred radio and television programs throughout the United States, including Good Morning America. Braille International of Stuart, Florida, translated many of Trenna’s stories into Braille books and cassette stories for the blind.I spent the day going through different features on AutoTrader.com. I’ve been playing with the idea of using our tax refund towards a down payment on a newer vehicle. Seeing how happy @ladyozma is with her Dodge Journey I thought I’d do some research.
Suffice it to say, I can’t afford a Dodge Journey. Not even the base model.
Let’s back this train up for a second and talk about what I’m driving right now.
So, back to the reason for this post.
I’m not so keen on having a minivan anymore. Smooch has her own vehicle and will be going to college in the Fall. It’s just me and the boys. Of course, I have to look to the future, too. I’ll be a grandma in the next 10 yrs, at least that’s my guess. I want to be able to tote my grandbabies around. So, maybe a minivan would be a good choice.
True, I will probably need a newer vehicle before 10 yrs, but still…Not only that, but we travel to Chicago and VA to visit family. That means there’s the potential to have 5 of us and a dog together in one vehicle. Trust me, we want comfort.
My Chrysler is an AWD and I absolutely adore that feature, especially here in the MN winters. So, I would love to have that with my new vehicle. The downside to an AWD is the gas sucking power of it!
I also want that extra seating for 7 people. I know, I want it all but at a low cost. I’m crazy and I understand that. A girl can dream right? I figure if I can find something a year to three years old with miles under 40K miles, it might be affordable. And when I say “affordable” I mean something I still can’t afford.
What else do I love in my current vehicle that I’d like in a new one:
What are you driving? Any suggestions for me? Would you go for a minivan or crossover?
The photos are from Autotrader.com who had nothing to do with this post and have no clue I’m talking about them.
As you may know, I’m a Purex Insider and I’m the lucky girl who gets to try out their laundry detergent. I’ve been using the Purex Crystal Softeners consistently and have loved the outcome. I’ve even been using it when I do the boys laundry. For a while I was saving it for only my laundry. I know, I’m just that kind of mom.
The next time I get laundry detergent I’m going to try the Purex Free & Clear. Simply for the fact that all I want to smell is my Crystals when I’m done with the laundry.
What I like about Purex Complete with Zout is that you can use it in a regular washing machine or in a HE washer! I hope to be changing to one of those some bright, sweet smelling day!
I would have to say the laundry is coming out as clean as I expected, especially with two boys who love getting dirty. I did have a pair of my 7yo’s jeans that still had dirt smudges, but I think they sat in the laundry bag too long without me knowing they were so stained.
Purex® Complete with Zout® combines the proven performance of Purex detergent with the triple-enzyme stain-fighting power of Zout® pretreater. This powerful combination works to get stains out the first time, even tough stains like grass, chocolate, and tomato sauce. Try it on your tough stains.
Two winner will each receive a coupon to purchase a bottle of Purex Complete with Zout.
Required: Tell me what detergent you use now that you’d give up for Purex Complete with Zout.
Giveaway open to US residents only 18 yrs or older. Please leave your email in the required entry or have it available in your profile. No email/contact = No entry. Giveaway ends 4/6/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.
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I’d like to thank Purex for the opportunity to be an Insider. The opinions expressed are my own and never influenced by the company. I received a bottle for review.
Here’s are a few of my current giveaways if you’re so inclined to enter:
3 Maybelline SuperStay Lipcolors Ends 3/28
Yogi Bear DVD Ends 3/28
$25 Grocery Gift Card from Barber Foods Ends 4/2
To add your giveaway linky you must link to your giveaway not to your homepage! It will be deleted if it doesn’t. Spam will go as well. If you believe I’ve deleted your linky by accident, please let me know. Also no affiliate links either.
Ok, I tried busting out of the winter duldrums by grabbing my bathing suit and having a crazy moment. Who cares about the snow and cold? Not me. =)
Hi All. I will be gone for the next 4 days. I have a funeral on Tuesday and then Wed-Fri I will be going on a 6th grade field trip to Northern MN. Sounds exciting aside from the fact there’s a BLIZZARD warning! Ugh! Two years ago they lost power due to an ice storm. We’re talking bare bones wilderness up there so I’m no so thrilled!
I hope you’ll link up but I doubt I’ll be able to visit everyone. I also work this coming weekend, so I’ll really be gone until Sunday night! Hope everyone else stays warm and thinks of me while I’m freezing my toosh off.
PRESENTED BY STATE FARM®, “AGENTS ON A MISSION” MULTI-CITY TOUR Yep, I’m a bit late. This past week didn’t go nearly as expected. Same with this weekend. Here’s a quick photo update of how life was in a nutshell last week:
WASHINGTON, 16 March 2011- As information increases about the devastation of Japan's earthquake and tsunami, our children will likely see disturbing news footage and have questions about this tragedy. Below are several suggestions on how to talk with children about this disaster and its impact.
These tips are provided by humanitarian organization World Vision. World Vision has worked in Japan for more than two decades and responded to the massive Kobe earthquake in 1995, and now has staff assisting in the relief efforts in Sendai.
1. Start by listening.
Find out what your child already knows. You can then respond in an age-appropriate way. The aim is not to worry them with the devastating details, but to protect them from misinformation they may have heard from friends or disturbing images they may have seen on television.
2. Provide clear, simple answers.
Limit your answer to the question asked and use simple language.
3. If you don't know the answer, admit it.
If your children ask questions that you can't answer, tell them so, and then do some research to try and help them sort it out. If they ask "Why did this have to happen?" don't be afraid to say "I don't know." The reassurance offered can be invaluable in helping your child sort through the truth that awful things happen.
4. Follow media reports or online updates privately.
Young children in particular are easily traumatized and seeing or hearing about the horrifying details of the quake may be more than they can cope with. Adults, too, should ensure they are dealing with their own emotions by talking to others, so they can continue to respond well to their children's needs.
5. Concentrate on making them feel safe.
When tragedies occur, children wonder if the same event could happen in their hometown. If it was an act of nature that could not be repeated in your area, tell children that. Placing themselves in the situations of victims is not all bad-it is a sign of empathy, an essential life skill, but watch for signs of excessive worrying.
6. Give children creative outlets.
Some children may not be prepared to speak about what they have heard, but may find drawing or other creative activities helpful to deal with their emotions and stress. Their drawings can be helpful starting points for conversation.
7. Model involvement and compassion.
Tell your child that, as a family, you will be helping the people in Japan by giving a donation to a reputable charity such as World Vision.
8. Give your child a chance to be involved.
Being involved in the solution will help relieve some of their anxiety. Invite them to contribute to the family's gift by giving something out of their piggy bank.
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For more information on World Vision's efforts please visit www.worldvision.org/press.
World Vision is a Christian humanitarian organization dedicated to working with children, families and their communities worldwide to reach their full potential by tackling the causes of poverty and injustice. We serve the world's poor - regardless of religion, race, ethnicity or gender
Here’s your opportunity to win a DVD of Yogi Bear!
know one fact you learn from the large widget/box at the top of the page.
Feel free to explore the following links and study up for the hunt.
www.novoink.com (For Novo Ink Questions)
http://www.kimberleywoodhouse.com (For No Safe Haven & Author Questions)
http://robinmillerbooks.com/ (For In the Shadow of Evil and Author Questions)
We will be giving away five $20 gift cards from Novo Ink and two $25 gift cards from Life Way
See you there!
