Kashi Kid Approved Snacks!

I'm a big fan of Kashi. Brady loves their fruit bars. He would eat them all day if I would let him. Kashi’s products are natural, minimally processed, and free of highly refined sugars, artificial additives, and

unnatural preservatives, which makes this mom very happy. 

 Recently, I got to try Kashi's TLC Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola bars and shared them with my book club, thanks to Moms Meet! Brady is not very picky when it comes to food, he'll actually eat just about anything. Just until recently, the one thing I have a hard time getting in him is oatmeal or granola. 

 Then, peanutty and dark chocolate goodness met granola. The kid almost ate the whole thing in one sitting which is pretty much a rarity since the kid never sits still. I've actually been able to get him to eat "Eatmeal' as he calls it! The best part is that each Kashi ®TLC ® Peanutty Dark Chocolate Layered Granola Bar has 7 grams of fiber and 4 grams of protein, making me feel feel good about giving it to my child but also indulging myself. I won't lie and say that I wanted to hide most of them for myself. I even got my junk food loving husband to eat them! They were a hit among the moms and kids from my book club as well! The layer of chocolate on top is so oohey and gooey, they are hard not to love.

You can find these delicious kid friendly snacks at most local grocery stores. Join the Kashi community online at and on Facebook! I highly recommend you check them out because they send yummy samples in the mail often! It was how we discovered their delicious fruit bars and they've been a staple in our house ever since. Some little boy might find them in his stocking this Christmas instead of candy since they are better for him and he is sure to gobble them up!

Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms MeetSM program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms MeetSM blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

Reminder!

Just a reminder to enter this giveaway!  It never showed up in my Google reader so I'm extending it a bit through tomorrow night!

Two

Dear Brady,

As I sit here thinking of the past year, I can't help but smile. There were some bumps in the road but having you in our lives has made the ride smoother and much easier. You have always been there to make us laugh and to bring a big smile to our faces. I can't help but thank you for that.

I found myself looking at pictures from your birthday last year and you've lost the chub in your cheeks and started looking more like a little man. You have more words and hit new milestones but deep inside, you will always be my little baby.

Today, you turn two. Another year has come and gone and I find that I love the same things about you but I am always finding something else. That is the thing buddy, with each age and stage, I find more to love about you.

I love each part of you, each piece of your puzzling personality.

I love the way your hair curls on the top of your head and the way you twirl each strand when you are sleepy.

 I love the way that when you laugh, your whole body laughs with you and how contagious it is. I even love how when you get mad, you can see it all the way from your head to your toes.

 I love that you do your own thing and I hope you never lose that as you grow up.

I love your red boots too, buddy. 

 I love the curiosity in your eyes and your love for animals, things that go and anything that bounces. I even love that you call cats, 'pumas,' and  horses  'Annie!'

  I love that you are happy. It makes me feel that I have done my job and done it well. Seeing you grow, seeing you learn new things and each little thing you accomplish makes me proud to call you my son.

I love to watch you sleep. I still love to watch your chest rise and fall with each restful breath. There is something calming, something peaceful and something beautiful about watching you sleep. 

I love that you notice everything. We joke that you don't miss a beat but you notice all the details. It makes for a fun shopping trip as you point out everything!

                            

 I love your self-confidence and self-determination you carry at such a young age. The accomplishment in your eyes shines bright and I know that will continue to grow as you do.

 I love those dimples. Oh, how I love those sweet dimples.

 I love how sometimes when you get really silly or laugh really hard, you squint your eyes and throw back your head. Then, you look at me with those big eyes of yours that are so full of love and trust, it can bring me to tears.

 I love your sense of style and how you find joy and excitement in every small moment.

I love that you love to read and pick me to read with you. 

I love that each holiday is so much more special with you in our lives. Birthdays and Christmas carry so much more meaning and you make me feel like a kid again. 

I love that you are my child. I love that I was given the gift of watching you grow and being your mom. I am so blessed beyond measure. There is not an emotion that can describe the feeling we feel for you but it is an immense love that grows with each day.

Happy Birthday, baby boy. I hope your day is filled with love, laughter and cake :)

Yep. That happened.

Some days, laying on the floor at the dollar store is necessary in the eye of an almost two year old because apparently life is so hard.

Later that day, he poured mouthwash into the toilet (um, he can open childproof things now?)

Took a bite of my chap stick.

He figured out how to open our screen door and ran out the door....while I was making dinner! Good thing, I'm always asking him what he is doing so I caught him right after he ran out there! (Childproof locks, check!)

Unrolled half a roll of wrapping paper

Took his pants off 100 times but then get this. He runs to his room and brings me a PAIR OF UNDIES and says, "I pee!"

<----nearly passed out.

Needless to say, I'm exhausted and I'm afraid of big boy undies.

Very afraid.

It's almost that time of year: Tiny Prints

Christmas season is going to be here before we know it. I find that each year as the holidays approach, my giddiness grows. With the excitement my child exhibits with the smallest things, I can't wait to see him when we put up the tree, decorations and after Santa visits!

I'm already thinking of Christmas cards. We have SO MUCH going on between now and the the onset of the holiday craziness and this is my attempt at avoiding procrastination (which I run into every.single.year. I must learn!)

Tiny Prints always seems to amaze me on their selection and well, they are adorable, modern and classic.

I love that this one doubles as an ornament. I mean, what a fabulous idea! I love that it can be used as a keepsake and not just thrown away! I always hate throwing away Christmas Cards. It feels wrong to me! 

I love that this one is simple, elegant and modern.

Gotta love polka dots. You know I have a thing for dots. 

 Wow. This one would be perfect for my child. 

I like that this one it different yet reminds me of classic cards. 

Lastly, I love the saying on this one but unless I borrow a sweet newborn from someone...

Do you send out Christmas Cards? I know I love receiving them!



I was given the opportunity to write this post in exchange for holiday cards. I've always ordered from Tiny Prints before and the opinions are all my own. I mean who can resist cute cards? 

Bad days

Some days, I'm tired. 

Some days, I'm just a little cranky. 

Some days are full of spilled coffee and running ten minutes too late. 

Some days, just suck. 

Then, there are those days full of meltdowns, tears and constant battles of will. 

 Then, there are smiles.

 Big cheesy grins.

 Smiles that are so full of excitement, joy and pure happiness. 

Smiles that are full of the future and hold memories of the past.

It's that smile that makes my bad days seem to dissipate as soon as those sweet dimples appear and I feel my lips turn into a smile. It's that smile that defines so much of him and that I love so intently.

That smile. Oh boy. I'm in trouble.

Proud to Support Pink

Last weekend, I was happy to attend a party for a friend. It was a party unlike most parties you'll attend. We had cheese balls in the shape of boobs, cupcakes that looked like boobs and we wore bras outside of our clothes! It was a all for a good cause and to celebrate a friend (and her new boobies!)

 (read her shirt, I love it!)

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month and Freschcetta Pizza is doing their part in helping out. From now to October 31st (hurry!) when you purchase Freschetta pizzas and Artisan Pizza Crusts you will be helping to donate to the Memorial Sloan-Kettering Cancer Center. Each specially marked pizza will have a unique code that you can enter on their Proud to Support Pink site! They will donate a $1 for each code up to $50,000! The site also has a place to share their breast cancer journey and maybe inspire someone else. Cancer is in so many lives that I know and we all could use some inspiration. It helps that the pizza is good too! Our favorite is always pepperoni!  Eat some pizza, help find a cure!

Freschetta is also giving away 50 Ipod Shuffles each week in October and 50 each week will be donated to cancer centers around the country! Enter here.

I am excited to offer a giveaway in honor of my friend and those out there in the fight. One lucky person will win a Freschetta Proud to Support Pink pack which includes a coupon for a free Freschetta pizza and TWO pairs of Proud to Support Pink earphones (one for you and a friend!)

To enter:
 tell me who in the fight inspires you or what you have learned from the Proud to Support Pink site!

Enter by October 25th!







I am a member of the Freschetta Fresch Connection and received product to review and to giveaway.  The opinions and experiences are my own. 

Be the one

I've posted here and there about a friend whose child  is battling Leukemia is going to kick Leukemia's ass. When they found out that she failed to reach remission, they were understandably devastated and she has became an amazing voice for Childhood Cancer. O will now need a bone marrow transplant so continue to keep her in your prayers.

Did you know?
- that federal funding for childhood cancer research is on the decline
-that the National Cancer Institute (NCI), faced with budget cuts, has decreased grants and that those dedicated to children's cancer research are being hit especially hard.
-that all children's cancers combined only receive 3% of NCI's annual budget
-that cancer is the leading cause of death among adolescents in the united states
-that for every 6 dollars spent on AIDS research and every 1 dollar spent on breast cancer research, only 30 cents will be spent on research for children with cancer
-On the average, 1 in every 4 elementary school has a child with cancer. The average high school has two students who are a current or former cancer patient. In the U.S., about 46 children and adolescents are diagnosed with cancer every weekday

There are ways you can help:
Donate to Light the Night
Walk for Light the Night
St. Louis's event was two weeks ago and I always participate (in honor of a co worker's son.) I actually work with two mother's who went through this battle and both are very active in raising money for childhood cancer.

Be the one for a child! Sign up to donate bone marrow. You have no idea what an act like this could mean for someone. Most of the time, parents are not a match. One out of 560 people that sign up, a match is found as there are so many factors that go into play but sometimes a match does not come soon enough!

Donate your cord blood. I donated mine and this could save a child's life. Ask your OB how to do this and it's really simple as filling out a questionnaire and signing up.

Read this post. She has more ideas on how to help whether it is five minutes out of your day that could make a difference or a simple phone call or email.

Follow her journey and pray for that beautiful little smile!  Her momma is doing an amazing job raising awareness and the love in her posts is so evidently beautiful as they both are.

As a mom

As a mom, I am practically a superhero and have magical powers. I just do it without wearing a cape.


 I can decipher Toddler gibberish.

I can change a diaper on a wiggly, squirmy, 30 pound toddler in less than 15 seconds flat.

I know that 'I do it' may not be the quickest way to do something but will save sanity.

I can do 10 things at one time with a toddler hanging onto my legs without skipping a beat.

I can stop boo-boo's before they happen and make even the ouchiest of boo-boo's go away through a magical kiss.

I can cry at the simplest of things.

Today, as I was leaving for work, I watched my son color with the sitter before I walked out the door. Something inside of me burst with happiness and I felt a love so strong, it was hard not to turn around and scoop him up into my arms. Then, never let go. He sat there and colored so confidently and with sheer accomplishment, I wondered where this child came from and how he grew up so fast. It might have something to do with the fact that my child will be turning two in less than three weeks but he looked so grown up. I suddenly felt like time was slipping away and that before I knew it, he would be shipping off to college. It was a fleeting moment because I had to remind myself that it's just a perfect example of why I must truly soak in every moment, even those full of whiny words and temper tantrums.

Two years into the trenches of motherhood and I have learned a lot-about myself and about the world. The world is so much scarier when you are a mom. There is so much bad that you want to protect your child from but there is so much warmth.

Happiness.
Joy.
Peace.
Laughter.
Love.

The world is full of beauty and a child's eye can illuminate it.

Being a mom, especially one to a very determined and spirited toddler with a unique personality is not easy but it's makes for a very interesting life. I find the humor in the days that end in tears and make sure (even on those days when life gets is so hectic and the house looks like a tornado hit) that I never take for granted the gift of motherhood I have been given.

It is that, a gift. I can never say thank you enough or write a 'thank you' note that would encumber the gratitude and joy that is worthy of this amazing gift. I can at least try by soaking in every tiny moment...even those that I wish to pass. I know it won't be easy all the time but it's the least I can do.

A month before 2? {23 months}

Dear Brady, 

Can this really be the last month before you turn TWO? My heart looks at you and feels like you were just born but yet I feel like you have been in my life forever. I thought that you turning one was hard but oh, baby, two is harder. I look at you and I no longer see a baby but a boy, a boy who I'm ever so proud of. 

You started sleeping in your BIG boy bed. I have beens so proud of you and love how proud you are of yourself. You crawl into that bed like you accomplished something big and that you know what a big step this is. You have done well with it, better than mommy ever gave you credit for but you surprised me, son. Then, last night, mommy heard a big THUMP. I ran to your room, expecting to hear you cry and found you sound asleep on the floor. I scooped you up, put you back in your bed and giggled to myself as most times you wake up to the slightest noise.

We said good-bye to summer and welcomed fall. The weather has been amazing lately

We soaked up every last minute outside in the hot weather and are so loving the cool breezes.
We discovered a pear tree in the common ground behind our house. You call them apples and LOVE to help mommy pick some from the tree. You know to be careful and not touch the ones that dropped to the ground as they are full of bees!

 I laugh so hard at some of the things you do and say. One of your new words is MEATBALL. I chuckled when I heard you say it. You finally call Grandma Michele something and it sounds like you are saying, dumb, but we know you are trying to say, Grandma. You've also started calling every horse or animal resembling a horse, 'Annie,' since you know that Nana has a donkey named Annie.

I have to watch what I say around you. The other day, you had a rare treat of a few M&M's and you pointed to them and said, "Nana.'' I asked you if Nana gives those to you and I said, "oh, sneaky Nana'' and you repeated, 'sneaky Nana!' Oh boy.

You crack me up as you call all kids, even kids that look like they are almost teenagers, babies. You get so excited when you see another kid, mommy and daddy are looking into schools you can go to.

I feel like you have offically hit the curious and terrible twos. Mommy stayed home with you the other day from work and I had though you had FINALLY fell asleep (molars are not fun, you will not remember them but THIS momma will never forget!) and heard a giggle. I walked in to find the entire room covered in baby power that you had somehow found in a drawer tucked away. You offically love to throw yourself on the floor too! Mommy loves that trick!

Then, you can be so sweet. You love to help mommy out around the house. You put the kitchen towels away for me even without me asking. You pick them up and run to put them into the drawer. You love to sweep, swiffer and wash the windows. You're a big help with the laundry too.

Your favorite thing at the park has always been the swing but recently, the slide is in the running. You make sure you tell other kids on the playground if they are doing something 'wrong' by saying, "NO, baby!"

You're favorite toys are still things that go! Cars, trucks, trains...if they have wheels, you love them! You do the cutest noise when you 'fly' your airplanes. Grandpa gave you a trunk full of odd toys he's saved up over the years when you were in mommy's belly and we found them the other day. You picked out all the matchbox cars and always carry one in your hand. One night, you slept with one in each hand!

You are a very dramatic child. You get SO very excited over everything. I hear, 'oooh, wow, and woooah' all the time. I love that about you and I think that is one thing you get from me.

You're interested in the potty and love to wear your big boy undies but haven't quite made it farther than that but it's okay, mommy is in no rush. The other day, you decided you wanted to wear them outside. So, you picked pears in your underwear.

Speaking of pears, you love to eat. You love fruit, veggies, fruit pouches and still love that milk. I wonder if we need our own cow sometimes.

Your hair has finally grown back from mommy's hack job she did and I have to say, that while it's wild and crazy, I love it. You wake up in the morning with the biggest, curlies mohawk and while you despertly need a haircut, I'm keeping it for a bit. You're hair is stil speckled between blond and brown and you're eyes go back and forth between blue and green. I cant decide what way they will go!

Brady, one of the things I love about you most is your big personality. Last week, you decided you wanted to take 'baby puma' and 'baby' on a walk. I though you would get tired of caring them but you didn't. You crack me up on a daily basis and I sometimes do not know what to expect next. Sometimes you are so sweet and run up to everyone in the house to give them a BIG hug. A few weeks ago, you took a bite of deodorant. See what I mean, buddy?

I still can't believe that this time next month, you'll be two. I keep saying that each age is so much fun but it's because you make life that great. I love you, bubs. I can't wait to celebrate your birthday next month!

Day of Play

Our school district hosted a Transportation Fair this weekend and to say it was a hit it a BIG understatement. Every morning, he watches the "Oool Bus' drive by. Saturday, he not only got to TOUCH the school bus but go inside! I think I heard him say, 'Ooooh' and "wow' repeated at least a hundred times. 

 Um, talk about getting choked up watching your toddler walk down the aisle on a school bus.

 He climbed in the seat, patted it and asked me to sit next to him. Then, my heart exploded. He sat there like he rides the bus all the time. He loved every second. I thought I would have to drag him off kicking and screaming but when he found out there were OTHER things with wheels, he was eager to get a move on.

 The electric company had a big truck and gave out fun headbands (that actually freeze to keep you cool but it was so perfect out, we certainly didn't need it that day!) He reminded me of the Karate Kid. I had to promptly take it off so I would stop laughing because all I could think of was, "wax on, wax off.''

 He got to play on the big kids playground and they had SAND....

 and a fun slide.

 Somehow we had to make a second round to all the trucks and he climbed into the drivers seat. I had a mini panic attack thinking of him driving one day. Mommy is not too sure of that idea ever.

 He walked around in a daze of wonder and excitement. Then, the firetruck and ambulance had to leave for an emergency and I have never seen the kid sit so still.

 The tires were bigger than he was and just touching them was so exciting!

Then, he sat up like this and there was an emotion inside of me that I could not define. I could picture my baby boy as a school aged kid, riding the bus with his friends. In a month, he'll be two and before I know it, he'll be old enough to ride a bus like this.

 So, we took seize of the day. Spent our waking hours outside and a trip to our favorite park.

 He pointed at all the horses and called them, "Annie!'' Nana has horses and a Donkey named 'Annie' so every horse he sees bears the name 'Annie,' well, except for the giant horse (Daddy!) and the miniature horses who were all named, baby!

I often wonder where time went and how my baby grew up so fast. I watched his eyes light up as he went down the slide and back down again and again. Days like this I wish I could bottle up. 

                                     

Worldwide Day of Play

As a child, I remember running around outside catching lightning bugs and coming inside when the sun went down. I feel like my parents who you know, 'walked ten miles to school barefoot,' when I say things like that but in reality, it's true. Sadly, many kids would rather sit inside and watch TV or play video games.

I remember the fun we had and the memories we made. The simple smell of summer brings back those memories of those carefree summers. I always said I wanted my children to have those memories. Luckily, my own child would prefer to live outdoors so we spend a lot of time running around. My mom said to me the other day, "I can't believe you're letting him play in the dirt!' but why not? It's just dirt and he was having the time of his life. Dirt can be washed off but memories last forever even after the bubble bath has washed away the grime and his clothes have been washed.

As you can see, he likes to get dirty. His favorite thing to do is to just run around in the backyard or go on walks. Nothing makes him happier than that. It's the first thing he asks for in the morning and we practically have to drag him inside at the end of the night. It does nothing but make me happy though to see him enjoy the outdoors like that.

Growing up, we did spend a lot of time outside playing as my parents would take us floating and to places in 'nature' all the time. Actually, my grandfather started an organization that helps clean Missouri's streams and rivers. We grew up around the water and spent a lot of time playing in it, catching frogs and chasing fish. Those are nice memories to carry with you. Luckily, we have a tradition we can carry on with our grandchildren just as my grandpa did with us.

It has always been important to my family to spend time outside and as adults, we still do. With today's obesity rates continuing to rise in children, I can instill this into our lives and hope that my children will do the same with theirs, even in the fast paced world full of technology at our fingertips. I hope Brady's love of the outdoors will never fade and I will do what I can for it to remain that way. Last summer, we started biking and it is something we still do as much as we can. We take nightly walks, trips to parks and zoo's and alway are on the lookout for something new!

The importance of play is so important to the development of a child but did you know how important physical activity is when it comes to academics? Studies have shown that active kids do better in school!

On September 24th, Clorox2 and Nickelodeon are teaming up for Worldwide Day of Play to turn off the TV and play outside! Clorox 2® is a proud sponsor of Nickelodeon's 8th Annual Worldwide Day of Play and encouraging kids to get off the couch and get dirty!

Want to take part in the Worldwide Day of Play? Join the fun and sign the pledge here: http://clorox2play2day.com

By entering the pledge, you have a chance to win a family vacation but also find activities for your family to do! There are some great tips and you can learn how important playing outside really is!

Follow along with Clorox on facebook and twitter to learn more!

We signed up and will be spending the day outside. I hope you'll join us!

  I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Clorox2® blogging program, for a gift card worth $40. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”