Happy Easter - He is Risen

 

 A and B at church this morning

Happy Easter Everyone!  Our church has this wonderful tradition of flowering the cross every Easter.  Families are asked to bring flowers and they always have flowers available at church for those who weren't able to get some or forgot.  I finally remembered to get a photo this year.  Isn't it lovely?

 C and D creating

While the kids were sleeping last week I boiled 4 dozen eggs!  We had a lot of fun dyeing them together.

 Helping D with hers!

A and B are color pros when it comes to eggs.

Yesterday we were able to take the kiddos to a few local egg hunts.  They had a lot of fun and as you will see, found a ton of eggs.  They also jumped in bounce houses, had their faces painted, and visited with old friends and met new ones.

 A with her basket

D was Ladybug Girl

And we made our traditional Resurrection Rolls.  We love these!  You take a large marshmallow (which represents Jesus) and cover it in melted butter (you are anointing Jesus with oil).  Then you coat the marshmallow with cinnamon sugar (cover Jesus in spices).  

 

 Cover the marshmallow completely

Then you completely cover the marshmallow in a triangular crescent roll (you are wrapping Jesus in the burial cloth).  This is the key step - you want the marshmallow completely sealed!!  

 

 A sealed roll

Then we take the completed roll and dip it in melted butter and coat it in cinnamon sugar for extra yumminess.  

 Going into the oven

Bake at 350 degrees for 10-12 minutes.  If the rolls were sealed, when you cut them in the middle you will have an empty tomb of where Jesus (the marshmallow) used to be.  Our kids love this and of course it taste delicious.

 Out of the oven

 Cut open and empty inside

Even E loved them!

Hope you had a great Easter!  He is Risen :).

What I Wish I Knew at 18 Review & Giveaway

I wanted to tell you about a new book, What I Wish I knew at 18, by Dennis Trittin!  This book is a quick read and a nice resource for parents, especially those with teens.  The idea for this book was birthed when Trittin began writing down a starter list of "life success pointers" for his son before he went to college.  Two sheets of ideas led to a list of 44 points which then grew to 100 points and eventually this book!  I so appreciate not only his advice but Trittin's heart as well.  He tackles topics like character, communication, relationships, spiritual life, adversity, marriage, finances and so much more and he does it with wisdom and grace.  This book is filled with treasure nuggets for really any age.  

I have often thought to myself, "If I only knew then what I know now..." but then I always run into the fact that I wouldn't be the exact same person.  However, there is a lot of information and wisdom that I would have greatly benefited from before the fact if I had indeed listened - this is where this book comes into play.  This book serves as a “destination guide” for our children’s launch into adulthood – one that helps prepare them for the real world and strengthens our relationships at the same time.  And again, you will most likely pick up on some good advice for yourself as well!

Dennis has also developed a whole curriculum around this book and offers it as well as many more extremely helpful features on his website. 

Keep reading to find out more about Dennis.

About the Author

Dennis Trittin is a successful investment manager, educator and mentor committed to helping young adults reach their full potential.  Now retired from managing over $30 billion in assets, he devotes his life to promoting leadership and life management on a global basis.  Trittin serves as an advisor to several charitable groups and as a speaker with national and local educational and community organizations.  Dennis and his wife Jeanne are parents of two young adults and reside in the Seattle area.

Would you like to read this book for yourself?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own copy of What I Wish I Knew at 18!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

3.  Follow Dennis Trittin on facebook (2 extras)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
5.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)
6.  Follow Dennis Trittin on twitter (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on April 8th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US and International residents alike.

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of What I Wish I Knew at 18  to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

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News-O-Matic App Review

Have you heard of News-O-Matic?  It is a newly launched app from Press4Kids (P4K).  News-O-Matic is an educational news app that covers breaking news, sports, science and much more in an accessible and kid-friendly way.  This app is geared for kids ages 7-10 (so perfect for A and B).  News-O-Matic is a week day newspaper application which includes five daily news stories, detailed images, videos, illustrations, maps, timelines and games - the objective is to inspire a generation of children to become news readers and well-informed global citizens.

 Here is a view of topics and stories from a day in February.

 And here is an example of the stories today.

You can see that the topics are diverse and fun.  There is also an interactive element that I really appreciate.  Children can rate stores, draw pictures and ask questions and express opinions about current topics in the "News Room" section of the app.

One way children can engage with the articles.

 I really like the maps, photos and videos.  I think it can really help children visualize the "big" picture and what is happening.

We have just started to use News-O-Matic and we are enjoying it.  We look forward to reading more articles and seeing what is in store!  If you have an ipad be sure to check out News-O-Matic and please let me know what you think.

Home Run Book Review & Giveaway

I wanted to tell you about a new book, Home Run, by Travis Thrasher! It is based on the original movie Home Run set to release in theaters April 19!

I don't know about you but our family is huge baseball fans.  We love to head out to the Round Rock Express games when we can.  We were blessed to go to a Major League game a few years back (Go Astros)!

The story is centered around the life and happenings of Major League baseball player Cory Brand.  After years of making poor choices and living recklessly Cory finds himself back in the Oklahoma town where he started.  A DUI and team suspension lead to the assignment of coaching the local Little League team and spending the next 8 weeks in Celebrate Recovery, the only twelve-step program in town.  Cory must face the realities of his choices and the effects they have had on his family and others.  He must also deal with the love he left behind.

Thrasher has a way of drawing you in and feeling the story line.  There were moments that I felt like I was right there at a game or standing there during intense moments of Cory's childhood.

Slight spoiler alert - Addictions are real and they are destructive.  Home Run powerfully reminds us that no addiction is too big for God.  And with God's help, Cody takes the steps to completely turn his life around.

I love this quote and I think it is true!  “What Courageous was for fatherhood, and Fireproof for marriages, Home Run is for battling addictions, bad habits, and hang-ups. The inspiring and authentic message of Home Run is that freedom is possible.”

Read more about the author and please be sure and enter the giveaway!

About the Author

Travis Thrasher is the author of more than a dozen works of fiction, including The Solitary Tales series, Isolation, and Ghostwriter. His writing is known for its honesty, depth, and surprising twists. Thrasher lives with his wife and daughters in Chicago.

Would you like to read this book for yourself?  Enter the giveaway below for your chance to win it!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One of you will win your own copy of Home Run!

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

2.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

3.  Follow Home Run on facebook (2 extras)
4.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
5.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)
6.  Follow Home Run on twitter (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on April 8th at Midnight.  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 48 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US and International residents alike.

Disclosure:  I received my own copy of Home Run to facilitate my review.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own.  Thanks so much to the sponsor for providing this giveaway.

    

Clothing Swap - Part Two

When crowdtap asked me to host a clothing swap I had no idea it would turn out as fabulous as it did!  It was last night and it was so much fun!  Not only did we have a ton (and I mean ton) of departments and items for people to shop at for free but we just had a great time connecting and hanging out!

 

 We had a delicious chocolate cake!  Yep, my hubby made that :)

Shopping Areas

 Boys Department

 Just the 2T girls area

Shoe Department

 Not a great photo but it gives you an idea of the awesomeness of it!

Women's Tops

Maternity Section - Tops and Dresses

And pants!

 Check out these gorgeous flowers that were used to make bouquets!

 Isn't this beautiful?  I was so blessed to take this home and it is now staring at me on my kitchen table, absolutely love it!

Thanks so much to everyone who was able to come and of course to the amazing friend who offered her home (it truly is gorgeous)!  Till the next swap :).

Oh Dude and Mason Jars

I knew it would happen eventually.  One of my children would start using the D word, that's right - dude!  As a child of the 80's, dude was very much a part of my vocabulary but it has long since faded from my conversations and everyday life.  Until this morning.  D started calling everyone dude from out of nowhere.  Hmm, we did watch Finding Nemo last week - perhaps that has something to do with it!  But then it seems to have disappeared as quickly as it started.  C politely informed D that you cannot use dude when addressing ladies and since she has mostly sisters and C doesn't prefer to be addressed as dude - the word is again fading (I love that boy!).

 Miss D growing up!

In other news, I am trying to get back on track with my weight loss program.  I do not know about you but it seems like I take 3 steps forward and then 4 back, 2 forward and then one back, etc.  I can make forward progress and then out of nowhere I sabotage myself.  I am currently in a rut and need to pull myself out of it.  I think this is where it really helps to have community and accountability partners. 

 My Mason Jar Salads

In an effort to eat healthier or have at least some healthier meals I have been making mason jar salads!  I saw this idea on pinterest and I love it.  It totally works.

Here is my salad two days later - still perfectly fresh!

The trick is to put your dressing in the bottom, then layer your veggies followed by fruit and greens.  You also want to fill the jar, pack it well.  I did put a bit too much dressing in these jars but I was kind of figuring it out as I went.  These jars contain raspberry vinaigrette dressing, shredded carrots, cucumbers, radishes, blackberries, and a spring mix of lettuce and spinach - yum!  I love that I can make several of these at a time so they are ready when I need them and I can grab them to go - these are perfect for at home or a picnic lunch.  So, what are you healthy eating tips?  I really would love to know!

Clothing Swap Part One

I have been a bit busy lately.  What have I been doing?  Well, I am having a clothing swap tomorrow night!  I have been slowly getting things ready over the last few weeks for this night!  And I am glad to say that I have a ton of stuff to bring including maternity clothes (yes, we think we are done), baby items, baby girl clothes 0-12 months (whatever E has outgrown), boy clothes 4T (what C has outgrown), women's clothing, household items - and the list goes on!

For those who are wondering - what is a clothing swap? - let me explain.

It is an opportunity for people to get rid of the perfectly good -- but not quite right for them - stuff that's crowding them out!  Everybody's stuff will be organized into "departments"--tops, bottoms, dresses, accessories and shoes for Mom, menswear, clothes, toys, housewares, etc.

Then everyone will shop through the goodies for free!  Afterwards, we will bag up the leftover stuff to give to specific groups in need.  Nothing goes to waste!  Brilliant idea, right?  Wish, me luck - I still have some work to do.  I am looking forward to having my living room back.  Below are some accurate photos of what it has been like the last week.

 Organizing the kids clothes

 Sorting through a "pile"

This pile is all going!

Happy Monday to you!  If you have any last minute tips for me, I am all ears :).

History Channel's The Bible Companion Book Giveaway

*** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Wendy!

Remember when I told you about The Bible Series premiering on History Channel March 3rd 2013 on Sundays at 8PM and introduced you to the Blog App below?

Here is the Refresher: From Executive Producers Roma Downey and Mark Burnett comes The Bible - an epic 10-part miniseries retelling stories from the Scriptures for a whole new generation.  Breathtaking in scope and scale, The Bible features powerful performances, exotic locales and dazzling visual effects that breathe spectacular life into the dramatic tales of faith and courage from Genesis through Revelation.  This historic television event is sure to entertain and inspire the whole family!  Check out the Blog App below - complete with Bible-Scene Quiz, Clip Countdown, and Tell 10 Challenge!

Alright, I have another giveaway with this!

Now, onto the giveaway!  One person will win a copy of one of the official The Bible companion books.  Prize will be chosen randomly from the three book titles below.

- A Story of God and All of Us (Hardcover)
- A Story of God and All of Us (Reflections)
- A Story of God and All of Us (Young Readers)

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win!  

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Share your results from the Bible-Scene Quiz (2 extra entries)
2.  Share your most anticipated Bible moment that you would like to see come to life (2 extras)
3.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)
4.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)
5.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
6.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras) 

Giveaway will end on March 25th at Midnight (another quick one!).  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 24 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only. 

Disclosure:  Thanks so much to History Channel for providing this information and this giveaway.

Dial Coconut Water Body Wash Review & Giveaway

 *** Giveaway Now Closed ***

Congratulations to Kim!

Remember my post about the Dial Coconut Water Body Wash Sweepstakes here?  I hinted that my review was to come, here it is.

About Dial Coconut Water Body Wash
Coconut water is found in young, green coconuts and known to be rich in antioxidants and electrolytes that provide replenishing hydration.  A leading trend in the food and beverage category, coconut water is known as 'super water' for its natural hydration and health benefits.

My thoughts
I really like this body wash.  I think it smells pleasant and clean and really leaves me feeling both as well!  So number one, it works - this is hands down the most important quality in a body wash for me - check.  Secondly, it leaves me smelling pleasant and fresh - another check.  Thirdly, it is easy to use.  I found it to lather easily and did not leave me feeling greasy.  I actually do not have a single complaint about this wash, kudos to Dial.

Please don't forget about the Healthier Skin. Healthier You. Sweepstakes featuring Dial Coconut Water Body Wash!  What is up for grabs?  One lucky grand prize winner will receive $1,000, while 250 second place winners will receive free Coconut Water Body Wash. What are you waiting for, check it out here and enter :).

Want to try Dial Coconut Water Body Wash for yourself?  Keep reading...

Now, onto the giveaway!  Purex and Dial sent me coupons to offer up to my readers.  Somehow I have misplaced them so I am offering a $10 gift card to Target in the coupons place.  My apologies to Purex and Dial!  This gift card will allow you to try Dial Coconut Water Body Wash for yourself :).

Mandatory Entry:  Follow me on google friend and let me know, that's it!  Please be sure and leave your email so I can contact you if you win! 

Extra Entries, leave a separate comment for each extra entry.  As you can see, there are lots of extra entry opportunities so don't be shy!

1.  Enter the Healthier Skin. Healthier You. Sweepstakes found here (5 extra entries)

2.  Follow my google+ page (2 extra entries)

3.  Follow my facebook page (2 extras)

4.  Follow Dial on facebook (2 extras)
5.  Comment on Dial's facebook page and mention that Cummins Life sent you (2 extras)
6.  Follow me on Pinterest (2 extras)
7.  Follow me on twitter here (2 extras)

Giveaway will end on March 25th at Midnight (this is a quick one).  Winner will be selected using a random number generator and will have 24 hours to respond.  If there is no response, I will randomly select another winner.  Open to US residents only.

Disclosure:  I was selected to participate in this campaign as a Purex Insider.  Thanks so much to Purex and Dial for providing me with a sample of Dial Coconut Water Body Wash to facilitate my review and coupons for this giveaway.  Unfortunately, I misplaced the coupons so I am offering a gift card up instead because of my mistake.  All opinions expressed are 100% my own. 

Mibblio App for Ipad Review

I want to tell you about a NEW musical storybook app for the iPad, Mibblio, has just launched their first interactive app!  Now kids can read, sing, learn and play music all at the same time!

About Mibblio

Mibblio is the first interactive musical/storybook app of its kind. With an intuitive design, Mibblio is easy to use and creates a world where children can read, sing, learn and play music all at the same time!  Inside Mibblio is a world of beautiful mibblets - illustrated story-songs that invite children to read, sing and jam while understanding the layers of developing music. Targeted to children ages 3-8, kids can listen to and build upon a song while simultaneously having fun and improving reading skills.  A mix of classic songs such as “On Top of Spaghetti” and “The Wheels on the Bus” alongside new, instant classics like “Monkey Jamboree,” are written, illustrated, sung and performed by accomplished artists such as Grammy-nominated mandolinist, Andy Statman and Grammy-winning drummer Marty Beller.

When you download the Mibblio App you will have a choice of one free mibblet.  We chose Monkey Jamboree and the kids love it!  Below is a photo of the kids enjoying Mibblio on St. Patty's Day (note the shirts).

 One of their favorite things is to add to the music.  A is adding guitar above.

And D is adding some percussion here.

Now parents can watch and listen as children understand the layers of developing music and learn the basics of creating a song, while simultaneously improving reading skills.  There is a setting that allows for you to turn off the music and read it as a book.  I like that it has this option paired with the music and song creating aspect.

 All of the kids are engaged when they do Mibblio!

 C is having a great time with it!

So what are you waiting for?  Download Mibblio today, and let your kids start creating!

Wazoos

 

Have you heard of Wazoos?  Wazoos is where Fun is Inflated!  They are open everyday from 10am-8pm and located in Austin.  Ages up to 12 years are welcome (woohoo - that means my kids and I can go!). 

 

They charge $9 for all day play and readmission.  Outside food and drinks are welcomed (I am a huge fan of this!).  They sometimes host Parents Night Out and they have 5 large party rooms (reserve your party with a $50 non-refundable deposit). 

If you like Wazoos on Facebook you can get $1 off admission.  Go here!  Stay tuned for my upcoming review after the kids and I go!

Nuby Fun - Giveaways You Don't Want to Miss

I wanted to let you know about a few Nuby Contests that are going on right now!

First there is March Madness!  Nuby is giving away 1 Nuby Fish Swoosh Bath Time Play Set everyday this month on Twitter.  Make sure you follow Nuby on twitter here and retweet the daily #MarchMadness #NubyBath giveaway tweet!  My review on the Fish Swoosh can be found here!

Next, win a Year's Worth of Nuby Products!  To enter for a chance to win, like Nuby on facebook here and click the Nuby Giveaway tab located under their cover photo.  For Mobile devices, click this link to enter.  Giveaway ends at 11:59pm CST on 3/31/13.

Good luck!