KaBOOM! Imagination Playground

 Kids should have time to play -- at home and at school. We know that creative play can make kids happy and healthy, but some kids aren't getting enough of it. That's why the makers of Children's Claritin are teaming up with the national nonprofit KaBOOM! to help bring innovative play spaces to schools in need. As a member of the Children's Claritin Mom Crew, we want you to be among the first to hear about this exciting program.

 Children's Claritin and KaBOOM! are helping bring play to kids in need by offering 12 national schools the chance to win Imagination Playground™ equipment. These mobile play sets are comprised of oversized foam blocks that can be assembled inside or outside, giving children of all abilities the opportunity to foster creativity and critical-thinking skills.

 Your vote can make a difference! Join Children's Claritin, the #1 pediatrician-recommended non-drowsy allergy brand, and KaBOOM! to help select 4 schools to receive Imagination Playground™ equipment. You can visit http://Facebook.com/Claritin between 8/1-10/31 to cast your vote for one of twelve finalist schools. The four schools with the most votes will win Imagination Playground™ equipment for their students.

 
Help bring these schools to the finish line!
1.    Chicago, IL – Hanson Park Elementary

2.    Cincinnati, OH – Pleasant Ridge Montessori School

3.    Joplin, MO - McKinley Elementary

4.    North Salem, NY – Westchester Exceptional Children’s School

5.    Union Town, PA – Menallen Elementary School

6.    Washington, DC – Sela Public Charter School

7.    New Orleans, LA – Audubon Charter School

8.    Spartanburg, SC – Spartanburg Charter School

9.    Willis, TX – Parmley Elementary Annex

10.  Vail, AZ – Sycamore Enrichment Center

11.  Santa Cruz, CA – Live Oak Elementary

12.  Spokane Valley, WA – St. John Vianney

Most of our Summer

Most of our summer was spent in the hospital or at doctor appointments for Ryan. It started June 29th, when Ryan had started saying his tummy was bothering him. I didn't think much of it, I just thought it was a stomach bug. The whole weekend he still had the pain, but no vomiting or bathroom problems so now I'm starting to wonder what it could be. Monday comes and the pain is getting worse and he's starting to walk funny and not wanting to play in the water outside. "It had been HOT outside the last couple weeks" By that evening I started to wonder if it was his appendix, even though he really didn't have any of the symptoms other then the pain in his lower tummy. I called our on call doctor and told her everything that was going on and she said it was just a bug going around, but I still had a hard time buying that. I told my husband what I thought it could be and he said no for the same reasoning as the doctor. "no symptoms" Well first thing Tuesday morning with no sleep because by this time Ryan is in so much pain I get him in to the doctors. The Doctor knew right away it was his appendix by the way he was walking, but we still had to go to the lab which took them 6 tries to find a vein and then to the imaging lab to confirm what it was. So they sent us to the hospital to have his appendix removed. Ryan and I spent many hours there till they finally got him in to surgery. He was in so much pain he was out of it! They to could not get a vein so after 3 nurses with 3 turns each, then the panda team which tried 4 times there was no luck. They looked and tried everywhere, my poor baby was so bruised up but not even fazed by any of it. So they were trying to figure out what to do being none of them has ever had that problem, they called someone to ask what to do and next thing I know 3 more people come to try and finally by the third try they find it. So this everyday surgery "Ryan was the 7th appendix's removal that day alone" that should take less then an hour takes close to four hours. "Still not sure why" I do know that he did have trouble once he got to recovery with the IV falling out, his breathing was way to slow and his heart rate was acting up as well. he finally wakes up the next day with some drama, but nothing we couldn't handle other then having to stay an extra couple days. "We were suppose to be staying at the beach for a week, which didn't get to happen"

This will be continued

First Day Of School

Yes I know it's been three weeks since school has started but I still want to post my babies first day of school pictures.

This is Ryan's last year of elementary school:(

5th Grade

This is Alyssa's last year of middle school:(

Alyssa-8th Grade/ Josephs-7th Grade

I kinda forgot to take there picture before school. Alyssa had her hair down and looked adorable and I think Joe was wearing something different but at least I will get to see the difference in there faces at the end of the school year.

 

 

Rev Up Your Road Trip Facebook Sweepstakes

Summer is road trip time, but before you pack the trunk, it's probably a good idea to check your owner's manual for maintenance recommendations. It might be time for an oil change. 

If it's time, remember that motor oil matters. You want to be sure that you or your oil change location pours the American Petroleum Institute (API) licensed oil recommended for your car or truck.

• If you're buying this oil yourself, look for the API Starburst or Donut on the label.
• If an oil change location is installing the oil for you, make sure you know what that shop is actually pouring into your car. A good deal on an oil change is only good when the oil's API licensed and meets the recommendations for your car or truck's engine.

This recommendation is coming from Motor Oil Matters, or MOM for short, a new program offered by the API.

• MOM's goal is to make sure cars and trucks get the oil they need.
• MOM does this by reminding car and truck owners about the benefits of pouring quality motor oils and calling on the carpet those who are pouring lower quality oils.

When the time comes to get your oil changed, be sure to bring MOM's oil change checklist found on the MotorOilMatters.org website. This simple checklist will help ensure that you get the oil recommended for your car or truck.

And now through July 10th, MOM is providing a chance to help you on your way with the "Rev Up Your Road Trip Sweepstakes" on Facebook!

• Enter for a chance to be one of 25 lucky winners to win a $100 Visa gift card for your summer road trip needs. 
• It's easy to enter: just drive over to the Motor Oil Matters Facebook page, give the thumbs up by clicking "Like", and head to the "Rev Up Your Road Trip" tab. Ready, set, GO!

Don't forget: When the oil life monitor or the mileage on your car says it's time for an oil change, it's time. Also remember that car and truck manufacturers recommend specific oil viscosities and performance levels. Check your owner's manual for this information before you have the oil changed.

Check out the MOM website to see if your favorite oil change location's MOM-licensed! If it isn't, show them your copy of the checklist and ask them to sign up.

Be sure to also check out the @motoroilmatters Twitter page for the most recent updates and news while you prep for your summer road trip! And Happy Cruising!

                         "Disclosure- this information was provided by Motor Oil Matters"

Make your July 4th BBQ Extraordinary!

Looking to take your 4th of Julycelebration from ordinary to extraordinary? Make Suddenly Salad® your specialty!

By using quick and easy stir-ins, Suddenly Salad can be whatever you make it: a simple side dish, star of the backyard BBQ, or a crowd-pleasing main course.

 With seven delicious flavors, there’s a Suddenly Salad mix for everyone and for any occasion. Simply follow the instructions on the box, or visit SuddenlySalad.com for delicious recipes.

Try the  Red, White & Blueberry Pasta Salad recipe for your 4th of July BBQ.

I sadly didn't even know they had seven different kinds! I have tried three of them and I loved them! I'm not saying  any of you should try this but I can eat a box by myself! One of the things I love about this product is that I can take them to potlucks and know everyone is gonna love it. "Yes this is my go to dish family and friends"

“Disclosure: The information has been provided by General Mills through MyBlogSpark.”

2012-2013 First & Last day of school

This year has flew by! I can't believe it's summer break already. Our kids had a good school year over all, of course with some teen  friend drama here and there, but I think I finally got Alyssa to see what her so called friends have been doing. It has been breaking my heart having her come home the last couple weeks so upset because of these kids who treat each other so bad. Alyssa had her first boyfriend this year , went on her first date, had her first b-day, Christmas and valentines with a boyfriend but she realized shes not ready for that just yet. Let's see how 8th grade will be;) Joe has made some new friends in middle school that haven't been the best influence but we stopped that real quick now we are just trying to keep tabs on his social life being he tends to go along with what might be going on at the time. As for Ryan he had a good year not much to report on his year.

 

First day of 7th grade

Last day of 7th grade

                                                       First day of 6th grade

Last Day of 6th grade

                                                          First day of 4th grade

Last day of 4th grade

Our new home Room 1

So I have been slow at updating the progress of our new home, but I will start to post pictures soon.

 Our pantry and cupboards were so nasty I don't know how anyone even put food or dishes in them! It took me two weeks, a lot of bleach and finally two coats of paint in them before I finally put stuff in them and was able to eat here.

As for the room with the massive amount of wallpaper-

We spent 3 days off and on trying to get it off and tried many different things that people told us to try or we found online and that stuff was stuck! So my husband read somewhere that we should sand it down smooth, put a couple coats of oil based primer "which is sticky and hard to get off your skin" and then he re-textured the whole room. Yes it cost a bit more but we would still be pulling little peaces off today if we hadn't spent the extra money. The process took a few days. Here a picture of the wall after all that was done but before we put the final colors on it-

It's kinda hard to see but you can notice the wall paper under all of the stuff that was done. 

He chose to go with Oregon Duck colors!

We also replaced the nasty carpet with wood floor.

The pictures are not that good but you get the idea and we also replaced the bottom wall boarder with a new white boarder, but I didn't take a picture of it.