What a crazy week. Of course there was Easter, but I had a sick 11yo. Then we were supposed to go on the 6th grade field trip for 3 days, but since he was so sick we didn’t leave with them. Buddy couldn’t handle the thought of not going so he kept saying how much better he felt so we headed 5 hours up to the destination. It rained and snowed pretty much the entire time! And BTW, he wasn’t feeling as well as he made it sound. Here are a few photos of our past week:
We’re a family that is highly amused by SpongeBob SquarePants. The boys can watch repeats of that show over and over again. When we were given the opportunity to try out The Clash of Triton, I jumped onboard.
My boys aren’t big computer geeks, yet. They’re more ensconced with their PS2 and DS. I wasn’t exactly sure how they’d feel about playing a computer game.
HA! I needn’t have worried. This past weekend I had to give my boys equal time playing the game. Then the competition of Brothers came in trying to see who could get to higher levels fastest. They take their turns playing and what’s been nice about this game, maybe its their age, too, they’ve been helping each other with tricks they’ve learned or a certain way to go. So yes, they’re competing against each other, but they’re also helping each other to get further.
This is the first PC game we’ve used since I got my new computer monitor. Man, The Clash of Triton looked so cool on this screen! The graphics are really good and the game challenges my boys as much as their handheld games and gaming system, which is an important aspect when finding games for my boys.
If a game isn’t challenging or engaging, my boys won’t have anything to do with it. SpongeBob and Clash of Triton got my boys involved and that’s the factor that is most important to their game playing.
Here’s some of the technical info about the game:
SpongeBob and The Clash of Triton Interactive Game
New game brings hours of exciting game play and challenges kids to help SpongeBob defeat Triton and rescue King Neptune
CALABASAS, Calif. – March 8, 2011– Nova Development, a consumer unit of leading global software developer and publisher of Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ), and Nickelodeon today released SpongeBob and The Clash of Triton™. This new interactive game engages children ages six to 14 in hours of exciting game play with characters from the award-winning, top-rated Nickelodeon animated series. Through destroy-and-demolish challenges and navigating wacky battle levels, kids will help SpongeBob SquarePants and his best friend Patrick become heroes as they rescue King Neptune from Triton and restore Bikini Bottom.
“SpongeBob and The Clash of Triton is a great addition to our growing library of children’s interactive games. With every challenge, kids can unlock extra games and customize their playing style, adding a personalized feel to this exciting, new adventure,” added Todd Helfstein, President of Nova Development.
In this engaging title, kids help SpongeBob and Patrick save Bikini Bottom as they try to stop Triton and his nutty Krabby Patty Army by destroying and demolishing everything that has been infected with Krabby gunk throughout five different settings. The Clash of Triton features:
SpongeBob and The Clash of Triton is available immediately for $19.99 at major retailers including Office Depot, Amazon, Fry’s, and Microcenter and online at www.novadevelopment.com. The software is compatible with Microsoft Windows® XP, Vista® and 7. It requires 512 MB of RAM, 1 GHz or faster processor (or equivalent) and a CD-ROM drive. SpongeBob and The Clash of Triton is rated E for Everyone.
About Nickelodeon Consumer Products
Nickelodeon Consumer Products manages the world's third largest licensing business, representing leading properties such as SpongeBob SquarePants and Dora the Explorer, and managing merchandising for Nick Jr., Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, MTVN International, and Spike TV.
Nickelodeon, now in its 31st year, is the number-one entertainment brand for kids. It has built a diverse, global business by putting kids first in everything it does. The company includes television programming and production in the United States and around the world, plus consumer products, online, recreation, books and feature films. Nickelodeon’s U.S. television network is seen in more than 100 million households and has been the number-one-rated basic cable network for 16 consecutive years. For more information or artwork, visit http://www.nickpress.com. Nickelodeon and all related titles, characters and logos are trademarks of Viacom Inc. (NYSE: VIA, VIA.B).
About Nova Development
Based in Southern California and founded in 1984, Nova Development is a market leader in consumer software for both Windows and Macintosh platforms. Nova Development is the retail publisher of best-selling software for desktop publishing, print creativity, and many other purposes as well as educational titles for both children and adults. Nova Development was acquired by Avanquest Software in 2007. For more information, please visit http://www.novadevelopment.com/aboutus and http://www.avanquest.com.
About Avanquest Software
Avanquest Software (EPA: AVQ), is a world leader in developing and publishing software for businesses and consumers in categories ranging from mobility to utilities by way of multimedia. Avanquest Software strives to ensure that all its software can interact, so that the convergence between the PC, Internet services and the intelligent telephone is as complete and secure as possible. The passion that drives our teams, the high technological added value of the software and the solid presence of the Group in North America, Europe, and Asia make Avanquest Software one of the top 10 consumer software publishers in the world. Since it was established in 1984, the company has put innovation at the core of its business and invested heavily every year in research and development, supporting its teams of engineers scattered throughout France, the United States, Canada and China, working every day to create the best software today and tomorrow. Avanquest Software has been listed on Euronext since 1996. For any additional information, please visit http://about.avanquest.com or http://group.avanquest.com.
*We received the product for review purposes. The opinions expressed are ours and never influenced by the company.
“Monkey Brains is a new collection of hair care that allows you to express yourself. To be fun, be cool and be yourself! Look around. How many styles do you spot everyday: spikes, fauxhawks, and controlled messiness... Everyone you see is sporting an individual look! With 2 Gels, 2 Glues, a Pomade, a Hair Refresher and a Shampoo and Conditioner you will be able to rock whatever hairstyle you're feelin' at that moment.One day you don't feel like getting in the shower and the next you're searching for the hair gel. But you're confident about how you want to look on any given day. Monkey Brains gives you the tools to look cool and have fun doing it.”
Doodle LOVES having spiky hair. Always has. Thankfully I grabbed a photo of him trying to do his own hair, but it was too long. He reminded me of Free Willy’s orca who’s fin was fallen over. His hair was too long and his faux hawk wasn’t coming together. He asked to have his head shaved a week later so we haven’t been using the gel.
Buddy on the other hand has short enough hair to spike it. He’s also a fan of the faux hawk, but I’m not so skilled at creating it! I think I need to go back to the stylist for a bit of a lesson. He’s patient with me and we keep trying.
As much as I love the hair styling products, I really have liked the shampoo and conditioner the best. After styling my boys hair they have Goop Out Shampoo and Super Softy Conditioner to get it all cleaned up. For some reason my oldest son’s hair always has a funky smell to it. Not sure if it’s because we’re on well water or what, but it never seems to smell clean. I’ve tried different kids shampoos and none of them have worked for this situation.
That is until now. I did the sniff test after his first shower with Monkey Brains and it was awesome! He no longer had that dirty hair smell. Yes, that’s what it smelled like after he used to get out of the shower. Now he smells clean. Not only clean, but it smells awesome!
When Doodle was doing his hair I told him after he washed his hair to put the gel in. Yah, he thought I meant while he was in the shower. He’s such a goofball. He’s used gel for his hair before and neither of us could answer why he thought he was supposed to put it in while in the shower. She, he rinsed it out, towel dried his hair and put it in again. Unfortunately, his hair was too long and this is how it came out:
So, onto Buddy who absolutely wanted the faux hawk Doodle got at their last hair cut. Hurray, a son who could still try out the Monkey Brains! His hawk turned out su-weet. Here’s his rockin’ faux hawk:
Ready to get your kids stylin’ with Monkey Brains? Here’s your chance! 5 Winners will win a Refresher and a Gel.
Required: Visit Monkey Brains and tell me which other product you’d like to try.
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 5/12/11 at 11:59 PST. Winner has 48 hours to respond.
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I received samples for review purposes. The opinions expressed are my own and never influenced by the company.
One sick kid and a 2nd kid who had to kind of sit back and let things happen around him. We’re gone for a few days so I’m putting this together before we head out.
Not a very successful candy gathering, but we’ve got tons more at home. =)
Heart Rate Monitors USA has a fantastic line of Camelbak Water Bottles that are free of harsh chemicals such as BPA! Here’s what they say about their water bottles:
Heart Rate Monitors USA is more than just about water bottles. The site covers everything from products to keep you healthy like varying heart rate monitors, bike helmet cameras, and BP monitors. They’ve got stuff I never would’ve imagined! Looking to get the active person something in your life? This would be a fantastic place to start!
I’ve also been given a code for you to use to receive 5% off any Camelbak products. Just use the code “CLBK” at the checkout!
Heart Rate Monitors will be giving away a Camelbak Water Bottle for the Mother’s Day event.
*I didn’t receive any product for sharing this information. Just an opportunity to giveaway one of their water bottles.
Handmade Copper, Wire Wrapped, and Beaded Jewelry Inspired by Nature
Jewelry making is a passion come to life. With inspiration from 10 years of experience as a floral designer and a love of nature, I created Of the Earth Jewelry.
I hope you enjoy my unique creations! Feel free to message me if you have any questions or would like to know more about my work!
I love how she can intertwine her ideas with birds and nests, birds and initials, nests and birds and initials, nests and charms. The ideas are limitless, especially with the nest egg color options. Aside from choosing which piece of jewelry to review, choosing the color eggs that would go well together was difficult for me.
I explained to Randee what I was trying to accomplish and sent her my ideas from her color palate. She emailed me back with the colors she thought would compliment each other and I have say, I absolutely adore my necklace.
For Mother’s Day I think a set including a ring, necklace, earrings, and bracelet would be beautiful.
Randee will be participating in the Mother’s Day event so keep your eyes out for it!
It’s been quite the week at my home. A lot of ups and downs, but life goes on, does it not?
What’s been going on in your life this week? Hope everyone has a wonderful Easter!
by Jack Canfield, Mark Victor Hansen, and Susan M. Heim
ISBN-13: 978-1935096634
About the Book:
101 Inspirational Stories of Joy, Love, and Wonder
Becoming a new mom is the most amazing event. This book celebrates the physical, emotional, and spiritual experience of having a child and creating a family. New and expectant moms will delight in these heartwarming, insightful, and humorous stories about raising babies and toddlers. This book is full of stories by other moms sharing the wonders of early motherhood, from waiting for the baby, whether through pregnancy, adoption, or surrogacy, to those early weeks and first few years, and everything in between!
Chicken Soup for the Soul books have always been an encouragement to anyone who has picked them up. This New Moms edition would make a wonderful gift for a mom who’s expecting as well as a great book for moms who are looking for encouragement in their new role as “mommy”.
I think we all have so many varying ideas of what motherhood will look like: pregnancy, newborns, birth, parenthood, etc. I tell you what, you gather all the stories you’ve heard from the good to the bad and you’ll find them in this book.
Being pregnant isn’t all unicorns and rainbows for every pregnant woman. It can be downright miserable, uncomfortable, and irritating. On the other hand, there are amazing, beautiful and memorable moments while being pregnant.
You never had children naturally? Are you an adoptive mommy? Then this book is for you as well. Not every mom is able to give birth and the authors recognize this. I’m thankful they’ve included you as well.
It was hard to read the section about the “Tough Stuff” because sometimes when we meet the newest addition to our family we don’t always get what we’re expecting. I’m not sure how I would’ve handled the news of a Down syndrome baby. I know God would’ve carried us all through, but these families are amazing to me!
I also found the dads’ point of views sweet and amusing. Moms aren’t the only ones who go through pregnancy! It can be a roller coaster ride for both soon-to-be parents.
*I received this book for review. the opinions expressed are my own and never influenced by the company.
This book will be given away in the Mother’s Day event!
I wish we were close enough to spend that Sunday with our families, either going out for a Mother’s Day brunch or having a wonderful brunch at home. Just being together is what I miss on this day.
I know I could send her a Mother’s Day Card, and I do, but there’s nothing like being in the same room letting her see how much she’s loved, in person. Sometimes spending that time with your mom is what makes the entire day special, at least that’s what I imagine.
How many of you moms have a personalized photo gift? Mine are everywhere. Why? Because they mean so much to me. At least when they’re little I know that I’m loved. hahahahaha The kids are still so innocent when making tissue paper flowers or a booklet of coupons. Does anyone ever redeem those coupons? I can’t imagine tearing them out!
How are you spending Mother’s Day? Will you be getting together with your mom? Are you hoping for anything special to celebrate your role as a mom?
Make sure you keep an eye out for the Mother’s Day event that will be happening from May 5-10th. Shutterfly will be participating!
by Tamera Alexander
ISBN: 978-0-7642-0391-6
Published by Bethany House Publishers
About the Book
Determined to fulfill her late husband's dream, Rachel Boyd struggles to keep her ranch afloat with the help of her two young sons. But some days it feels as though her every effort is sabotaged. When faced with a loss she cannot afford, she's forced to trust Rand Brookston, the one man in Timber Ridge she wishes to avoid. And with good reason. He's a physician, just like her father, which tells her everything she needs to know about him. Or so she thinks....
Dr. Rand Brookston ventured west with the dream of bringing modern medicine to the wilds of the Colorado Rockies, but the townspeople have been slow to trust him. Just as slow in coming is Rand's dream to build the town a proper clinic. When a patient's life is threatened, Rand makes a choice—one that sends ripples through the town of Timber Ridge. And through Rachel Boyd's stubborn heart.
My Review
Going back to Timber Ridge and catching up on the characters from Beyond This Moment was like revisiting old friends. Within My Heart starts off on a strange note that may have you wondering what’s to come.
Rachel and Rand, the local doctor, are thrown together to save the life of Ben, a local and beloved merchant. Helping Rand out brings back memories of her dad and she’s not so thrilled to work with Rand.
Rand has a desire to bring a clinic to Timber Ridge that will benefit the entire town, but he has no way to make that happen. He strikes a bargain with Toliver, the owner of a new getaway that has a state-of-the-art doctor’s office. He can take care of Ben there and work in a beautiful clinic. He needs an assistant and Rachel is the only one he can ask. Will they be able to work together and overcome the odds stacked up against them?
I was able to envision Timber Ridge as I read through Within My Heart. I could picture the old dusty town with the striking new lodge. Tamara brings detail to life in her words and her characters captured my heart. There was a point where I did a bit of crying. She is definitely able to bring out emotion through her characters.
About the Author
Tamera Alexander is a bestselling novelist whose deeply drawn characters, thought-provoking plots, and poignant prose resonate with readers. Having lived in Colorado for seventeen years, she and her husband now make their home in Tennessee, where they enjoy life with their two college-age children and a Silky named Jack.
*I received my book from Bethany House for review purposes.
Memoirs of a Single Dad has thrown down the gauntlet. Am I a blogger for the writing or for the money? That is the question. Here’s my long response that may or may not hit the nail on the head.
In the Beginning
Never in a million years when I started blogging did I ever consider where it would go (this seems to be the theme of my life). I guess you could say that when I started blogging, I wasn’t even a “real” blogger depending on who you ask.
So what was I? I was a Christian book reviewer. I had (have) such a passion for sharing good Christian reading and sharing books as giveaways that I thought Woven by Words would be the way to share that passion.
All I wanted was to read. Nothing else. I was getting free books and doing what I loved!
Then came the detour of product reviews. I figured if I could get free products and my readers could get those same free products, then we would both come out winners! I’m a winner, the company’s a winner, wouldn’t you like to be a winner too? (sung to the Dr. Pepper theme)
And So It Goes
So, I started branching out to mainstream household products and created a new blog called Marvelous Mom Reviews. It seemed a good choice to separate the personal from the products. Nearly a year I threw myself out there to company after company hoping they’d see me as a viable blogger to work with. (I have since put MMR on hiatus to try to make my life a bit more manageable.)
I wasn’t even thinking about monetization at the time. As a single mom working part time, I felt this was a great way to supplement for the things I couldn’t purchase. I did my best to stick with products someone in my home would use, be it me, the children or the pets.
What I didn’t realize was how hard it would be to get that ball rolling. I was “competing”, if you will, with bloggers who had been in this venue for a minimum of a year longer than me. They were up there in the high hundreds into the thousands for followers. I realized I had a looong way to go. The gap has grown significantly in the past year!
What’s Ahead
For me, it’s still not about the cash (probably because I’m not making any). I can’t see myself doing Google AdSense or any other type of ads to try to earn $. I just don’t see that as a viable source of income, especially when I see bigger bloggers showing how little they’re making with that option.
I’d love to connect with a company or two and become an Ambassador. Who wouldn’t. It would be somewhat of a sign to me that I’ve arrived, I can play with the big kids, the other bloggers that everyone clicks to from their RSS feeds. My blog needs more meat. Not just product reviews and Wordless Wednesday posts! I can then ask to be fit into the line up to be featured at The Secret to Success is Support (SITS) or somewhere similar.
As my blog didn’t start out about my writing or pouring my heart and life out into my posts, I’d have to say my blog had never been about that. It’s always been about connecting with others in regards to products, whether books or . Last summer when I was interacting with the SITSGirls I realized how good it might be to add more of myself to my blog.
I’m trying.
I’m trying to find my voice. Trying to figure out how I can get my personality to spill over into the written word. It hasn’t been easy and I’m still trying to find my blogging legs. As you can see, if you’ve made it this far, I can ramble, thanks to my ADD, but I hope and pray that as I work on my writing and don’t sound so elementary, I’ll be able to connect with anyone who stops by!
By participating in this “challenge” I’m entered to win a $50 gift card either to keep or to giveaway.
This post was created before my break.
Do you ever have times in your life when everything comes together just enough for it all to fall apart? The “little” things begin to build up so much that all it takes is one more thing to send everything spiraling out of control?
That’s where I am right now. It wasn’t just one thing that has me where I am. It’s the timing of everything going on and upcoming.
I want to be clear, I’m NOT looking for sympathy as we all go through crazy times where it seems like we’d rather stay in bed for a month. I’m just laying it out here for you because I don’t know how much I’m going to be online. There are things that have to be done, but I need a break.
Two weeks ago my yearly exam brought me to getting a biopsy. Something completely unexpected. Unfortunately, again because of life, I had to wait over a week to be tested and then a few more days for the results. Turns out the biopsy showed the tissue is benign, but that doesn’t take away the stress.
About the same time, my 2nd daughter turned 18. To say she and I have a contentious relationship is putting it mildly. The level of what I thought was hate and bitterness has always been palpable, even when she was young and an adolescent. Two weeks ago, today, she asked me a question that she already knew the answer to, knowing she was going to get the same answer.
That was the catalyst for her to leave. When I say “leave” I mean, she’s been living in her car since then. She left at 1am. I’ve seen her parked behind our church. I’ve talked to parents who I’m close to who’s daughter’s are close with my daughter and I know she’s done laundry at their house, showered, and eaten meals.
Thankfully we’re in a small town and very little crime happens. I’m hanging on to that. I’ve told her she is welcome to come home any time she wants because this IS her home. I have to remember she made this choice. She has food, a bed, brothers, etc here that she could come home to any time. She chooses not to.
Of course all this brings back how crappy I feel as a mom. A failure. How did I go so wrong with this one child? How can I have an amazing relationship with my oldest daughter? How can I stop the same thing from happening with either of my boys? Trust me when I say I KNOW I can be a crappy mom. Am I crappy 100% of the time, no I don’t think so.
Yep, I lose my cool (sometimes in a major way), yes I have been known to drop the “F” bomb, no I haven’t always been loving, nurturing and understanding. I’d probably say I have good mom moments and I’ve NEVER pretended to be anything but a woman struggling to be a mom. Ask any of my friends and they’ll tell you I am as transparent in my failure as a mom as anyone can be. Maybe someone will learn from my mistakes.
One thing I do know is she and I are very similar. We both have ADD, but I think there’s more to it than that. She’s exactly like her dad who she hasn’t seen or talked to, but once since she was 2yrs old. He lived on the streets, in bushes, under bridges, etc ALL by choice. He hated his family, well, his step dad, and would rather be alone than safe at home.
By the end, she was telling me she wasn’t angry and didn’t hate me. She just doesn’t care to have a relationship with me. Apathy is probably worse than feelings of bitterness and hatred.
So, I have a 3 day trip I’m supposed to go on with my 6th grade son and now I have to get someone else to stay at the house with my seizure dog. Finding someone has been stressful. I finally did, but I need to come up with the money to pay him because I can’t expect him to stay here for free.
Then we have a graduation party. My 2nd daughter has been doing school online through the college she’s planning on attending. That has been a major FAIL, but I believe she’ll graduate. We’re doing the party with two other families: her BFF and our pastor’s family. We’re all supposed to go shopping on May 2nd for all the stuff. I can’t even imagine that. Then the grad party? How are we supposed to pretend?
She’s also determined to go on a mission trip this summer. She’s been advised not to go by a few people, but she’s choosing to ignore what anyone says who might be “against” it and planning on going anyhow. How do I support her when I think it’s the wrong thing? She has to come up with at least $4000.
All this has made me not want to be near a computer at all. Not want to engage. I tried several times yesterday to write some posts and nothing. I’m feeling somewhat dead inside right now and need to be somewhere else. It takes a lot to bring me to my breaking point in a sad way, but I’m there now. I just need a break and I’m going to be taking one, as much as I can.
Once Upon a Sugar Tree creates personalized bottle cap and bezel pendants for necklaces or keychains, beaded necklaces, bracelets and much more. We offer jewelry and accessories for your little ones, moms, grandmas, teachers, medical symbols and more. Our beaded necklaces or custom bottle cap necklaces would make the prefect addition to your little ones outfit. Our bottle cap necklaces also make a great party favor gift! 
We have designed some diabetes blue circle pendants and for every one of these that sells, we donate money to Life For A Child. This organization helps children around the world gain access to insulin and medical supplies that they need for diabetes. 
