A look back to #TheDayBabyWasBorn

December 5, 2006 started out like any other day, progressed like any other day, it really was like any other day – until about 8:45 that night, then it all changed. I was two days past my due date and was sure that my baby girl was as stubborn as her mama and was staying right where she was FOREVER… as it turns out, I have never been happier to be wrong!
I was on the phone with my Oma and was telling her good night. I brushed my teeth and was getting ready for bed when my water broke. At first I wasn’t sure what was going on. I always envisioned “water breaking” to be like a giant water balloon popping and a bunch of water and then it’s over – well it didn’t take too long for my husband and I to realize that is not how it happens at all. As soon as we agreed that my water broke, we called labor and delivery at the hospital (like they told us in the classes) and got our bag packed and went to the hospital.
It was right around 10:30 when I was admitted and it took forever for labor to progress – I mean forever! I got an epideral, which is something that I was unsure about until I felt the pain of strong contractions. My husband, mom, mother-in-law, and sister were all waiting for me to finally have the baby, it was comical.
At 12:12 pm on December 6, 2006 my first beautiful, precious baby was born. Emily Felicitas came into this world and seeing her for the first time, holding MY BABY for the first time…there is nothing better in this world!
There are many things I remember about that day. The weather was cold, it was snowing and we could see the snow flakes falling out of our hospital room. I remember the name of the nurse who helped deliver Emily and who, along with Zack, gave her her first bath. I remember the people who came to meet her in the hospital and the flowers that she received both in the hospital and at home. There is so much that I remember about that day. Sitting here thinking of it as I type this brings it all back, I wish I would have kept a pregnancy journal though, it would be fun to give to the girls later!

Tommee Tippee is a leading brand of infant and toddler feeding and other products. They now offer a great digital storybook called “The Day Baby Was Born” it looks like a great resource to track your pregnancy right up until the day your baby is born!
With The Day Baby Was Born, you can capture some or all of the following, depending on how much time you want to spend:
· Facebook Wall comments and well-wishes by friends and family through pregnancy and birth announcements
· Your pregnancy journal from each week of the journey to the birth day
· News, facts and information from the day your baby was born
· Your personal story and letter to baby to preserve forever the feelings from that day
· It’s is a simple way to create a beautiful record of the world at the moment your baby arrived
Start your own storybook today.

I wish this would have been around while I was pregnant!!
I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Tommee Tippee blogging contest for a chance to get a gift pack worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Make Diaper changing Fun & Easy with #SlipOnHuggies !!

When I first heard that Huggies came up with a slip-on diaper, I was curious. Now that I have seen them, I am ecstatic! Olivia just turned one last week, and she is a squirmy little lady when it comes to diaper changing. We never really had any problems with her being a little wiggle worm until she started becoming more mobile, then she didn’t want to stop for much of anything. Now that she is running – or at least her version of running – around there is no such thing as a nice, calm and still diaper change!

The biggest thing that we have going in our favor at diaper times is that we have had plenty of experience so we can change a diaper fairly quickly. The faster the better…as long as it’s on the correct way!

Another thing that we have done in the past is to take the baby somewhere quite, where there is not a lot going on. Minimizing the distractions makes the chances of our sweet baby turning into a squirmy go down at least a little. J Unfortunately, with big sisters around who want to be a part of everything, there is not always a place to go where distractions are few – at least in our house.

I cannot stand to use the strap on the baby changing stations in public restrooms – they are plain old nasty to me, so that is not one of my suggestions. In place of using the strap, I have found that keeping one hand on the baby’s tummy helps keep her in place and not moving. I am not sure if she stays still because my hand is holding her, or that she gets interested in playing with my fingers and forgets about moving – either way, mission accomplished!

Whatever method I use to making diaper changing easy, there will always be times when nothing is going to work. I am so glad that there is relief in sight with new Huggies Little Movers Slip-On Diapers! All you have to do is get the baby, wipe ‘em clean and slip on a new diaper. Sounds easy right – so easy that if your little ball of energy decides they are not going to hang out and stay still for a diaper change, you just have to catch them and slip the diaper on and they are off to play, explore, and have a good time! I know that this will make Olivia happier to get a new diaper.

And as an added bonus, the little guys and gals who have already figured out how to take their diapers off will have to learn something new before their little bottom gets out of the new diapers!!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Huggies blogging program, for a gift card worth $35. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Ten Time Savings Tips including the #StarbucksApp

As a mother of three small children, four years old and under, I know that every second counts in a day. There are many days that seem to fly without half of what needs to get done being done. I am sure that I am not the only one who wishes there were a few more hours in the day, but since that is completely out of our control, I would like to offer ten time saving tips to make your busy life as a mom a bit easier!

1. Get organized and then stay organized. There is nothing worse than being in hurry and not knowing where everything is that you need. The one thing that I am absolutely horrible with is my key ring. I have been trying, and doing pretty well, to always put my keys on the key rack. Seriously, organization makes a huge difference when it comes to saving time.
2. Keep healthy snacks easily accessible. One thing that I have started doing is buying a large bag of carrots and peeling them and cutting them into carrot sticks and keeping them in a container of water in the fridge to keep them fresh. This saves a lot of time when you or your kids want a little snack – and it promotes healthy eating habits as well.
3. Pick out your outfit for tomorrow tonight! Picking out an outfit to wear and getting it all together for yourself and children is time consuming. Doing it the night before saves that time in the morning.
4. Set your coffee pot the night before and put it on a timer. Not only will this help save a little time in the morning, you will have hot fresh coffee when you wake up! Nice!!
5. When you are going out to go shopping or whatever, have a tentative itinerary. Of course, allow for more or less times at places, but knowing what you want to do and accomplish in a given time sets a pace and saves time.
6. Multitask!! While you are getting the kids breakfast ready and sitting them down at the table do the dishes from making breakfast, while you are talking on the phone pick up the toys, etc. Women are amazing multitaskers!!
7. Cook a little extra when you are making dinner and have enough for leftovers or enough meat to make another, different meal. Cooking once for a few days is a definite way to save time, and money – you are less likely to go out to eat if you have it at home!
8. When you are going grocery shopping, make your list ahead of time and get whatever coupons you will be using together with your lists. This saves tons of time and makes check out a breeze! I still bring the rest of my coupons with me too, just in case I deviate from my list!
9. Schedule playtime, especially during busy days. Kids need time to unwind and be kids! When you give them the play time they are less likely to have melt downs while they are doing your stuff with you.
10. Most of the grocery stores that I shop at have loyalty cards, I find that it saves time to use my phone number as opposed to having to dig around and find the card that goes with the store. On the other side, make sure you use the same phone number or it takes more time!

Starbucks has made it easy and fast for you when you go get your favorite drink. Here is some information on how to save time using your smart phone at Starbucks:
Starbucks for Android™ and the Starbucks Card Mobile App for BlackBerry®, iPhone® or iPod® Touch have five core features:

• Pay with your phone: Enjoy the fastest, more convenient way to pay at nearly 9,000 Starbucks locations. Just download the app, enter your Starbucks Card number, scan and go.
• Manage your card account: Access your Starbucks Card balance directly from your phone.
• Reload your card balance: Use your smartphone to reload your Starbucks Card using any major credit card.
• Check your My Starbucks Rewards status: Find out how close you are to earning your next free drink.
• Find nearby Starbucks stores: Save time by finding a Starbucks store near you.

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Starbucks blogging program, for a gift card worth $30. For more information on how you can participate, click here

Mmm, Pasta! A recipe and my "Pasta Personality" #Carrabbas

In my house, we love pasta. Almost any kind of pasta is welcomed by my family. Lately, because it is has been so warm outside, we have enjoyed pasta salad. It is delicious, nutritious, and importantly it is so simple to make! This pasta salad is also a great dish to take to potlucks! I hope that if you try this pasta salad, your family enjoys it as much as mine does!!

Italian-Style Pasta Salad

Ronzoni Garden Delight Rotini - 12 ounce box

2 carrots - julienned

1-2 rib(s) of celery sliced - thin

1/2 can of baby corn - cut into pieces

1/2 cucumber - cut into slices, then cut in half

1/2 pound of cherry tomatoes - cut in half

Your choice of Italian Dressing - to taste

Cook the pasta to el dente, add vegetables and mix. Add dressing (as much or little as you like) and toss to coat. You could top with some fresh grated Parmesan cheese too!

My husband seems to think it would be even better with a little red/purple onion in it...that may be the case, but I can't stand raw onions so I will probably never make it that way!!

Carrabba's is an Italian restaurant that makes every pasta dish by hand! There are more than 230 Carrabba's restaurants nationwide, you can find the one nearest you here. Right now, on the Carrabba's Facebook page, you can take the Pasta Personality Quiz to see which of Carraba's Signature Pasta meals best fits your personality.
So I found the Pasta Personality Quiz that is on Carrabba's Facebook page a little silly and fun! My results...well, my pasta personality is Spaghetti! (I do like spaghetti by the way!)

You’re genuine and well loved, like Carrabba’s Spaghetti and Meatballs. Your warm and comforting personality makes you everybody’s best friend. So go for our equally popular hand-prepared meatballs over perfectly cooked imported spaghetti.

Here are some of the Carrabba's specials right now, they all sound divine! These specials are all good through July 2011!

Featured Signature Pasta Meal:

Pasto Rambo – Named for the chef who created it, it’s made with shrimp tossed with imported Italian linguine, spinach, mushrooms, and tomatoes sautéed in our basil lemon butter sauce. Lobster is available instead of shrimp for an additional cost.


Other Limited Time Offers:
Parmesan-crusted Chicken – Topped with fresh arugula and grape tomatoes tossed in a hand-prepared lemon vinaigrette, served with choice of side. Substitution of wood-grilled chicken also available. Pairs well with Estancia Pinot Grigio.
Prosciutto-Wrapped Pork Tenderloin – Three pork tenderloin medallions wrapped with prosciutto, wood-grilled and topped with an apple and fig infused port wine sauce, served with the vegetable of the day. Pairs well with Coppola Pinot Noir.
Limoncello Bread Pudding – Back by popular demand! Brioche bread pudding made with fresh Madagascar vanilla beans and a rich custard, served hot out of the oven. Topped with Blue Bell vanilla ice cream and drizzled with Carrabba’s homemade Caravella Limoncello liqueur sauce.

Do you and your family have a favorite pasta dish? If so, feel free to share it here, or link to your own post with a recipe!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Carrabba’s blogging program, for a gift card worth $50. For more information on how you can participate, click here

A Great #FamilyClassics Recipe using Coca-Cola

Food is something that most families associate with traditions. When you think Thanksgiving you probably think of all your family around the table eating turkey, maybe some sweet potatoes, and green bean casserole. If I said corned beef and cabbage, I bet you would think Saint Patrick’s Day.

I like making new traditions with my family! My husband and all three of my daughters are serious ice cream lovers. Ok, who am I kidding, I really like ice cream too! Another of my husbands absolute favorite things is an ice cold Coca-Cola. Me, I prefer Diet Coke. Then there are the girls, they pretty much like any kind of coke they can get their hands on - they are 4 and 2 after all, no the baby does NOT get soda!!

Can you think of anything better, more classic, than a float?? I sure can't. It is only natural that with the love of Coke and the love of ice cream in my house that floats are treasured! Most people automatically think of a root beer float when you say "float," but let me tell you Coke (or for me Diet Coke) can make a darn good float! I prefer a Diet Coke float to any other.

Honestly, this is the first time that I have thought of a Diet Coke Float in years, but now that I am thinking about it you can bet that I will be making sure we have vanilla ice cream tomorrow! Thanks to this writing prompt, I am going to start a new tradition with the kids. I am thinking that every year when it starts getting warm, we will have a picnic out in the grass and after lunch we will make Coca-Cola floats and enjoy the amazing outdoors. Not only will that make for a fun little tradition, we can have time to sit and talk about how old things become new each spring and how the plants start to sprout and grow. Sounds like a perfect tie into talking and teaching the kids about Easter and the Resurrection!

What a wonderful tradition that will be!!

You know, Coke is good for so much more than the obvious…drinking! I was looking at a list of recipes that is provided on The Coca-Cola Company’s website. I would love to make the Sautéed Salmon with Sweet and Sour Sauce! There are some seriously delicious sounding recipes on there, be sure to check it out some time.

Do you have any family traditions or recipes featuring Coca-Cola? Or even some special memory? Please, share it with me!

Disclosure: “I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Coca-Cola® blogging program. If I am one of the first 100 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 gift card. For more information on the program, click here."

I'm a Lucky Lady!! #RedBoxLuck

If I had to tell you right now - off the top of my head - why I am a lucky person, I am sure that I could come up with at least ten reasons...
1. I have an absolutely amazing husband who supports me mentally, emotionally, and physically!
2. My children are phenomenal - they are loving, kind, smart, sweet, and silly!
3. My family has found a church that we love and where we learn a lot!
4. I am able to stay home with my children - I feel it is the most rewarding "job" ever!
5. I have pretty good grades, which will give me a good shot at getting into the nursing program, maybe even next year!
6. My family is healthy!
7. I have wonderful relationships with family, even those far away! I am lucky enough to be able to talk, pretty much daily, to my Oma and my dad. And we get to Skype with Oma and Papa -- I love Skype, what an amazing program!!
8. The weather is getting warmer, yay!
9. Every so often my husband, our daughters, and myself forget about everything else and just hang out and enjoy each other.

I could go on...but I am going to stop there for a minute. That last one is part of what this post is about!!
One of Emily's favorite family nights is "Family Movie Night." Most of the time, when we want to watch a movie we will rent it from Redbox, seriously you can't beat a movie for a dollar!! And now through March 17 (which happens to be my big brother's birthday -- Happy Birthday Brent!!) Redbox has a "Lucky to have friends like you" promotion going on where every time a movie is rented through your special code, you will receive a free movie too!!! In case any of you wanted to rent a movie and get my family a free movie, click here!!

So, I realize that I told you that I could come up with at least ten reasons, but then only listed nine...so here comes number ten. I am a lucky woman to have friends and people like you who come to my blog and read what I have to say. Thanks guys and gals! I have found some great blogs and learned so many things from some of the blogs I read, I get to enjoy a laugh with others, know from others that I am not alone in different stages of marriage and parenting, and through even more blogs I get to connect with other Christian women and share encouragement and insight. So, I guess that I am also luck to have one day stumbled across a blog. I think that I might have been one of the last people to discover blogs, but I am glad I did!!

Thank you for taking the time to read this, now go to your closest Redbox and get yourself a movie and have your very own Family Movie Night!!! But before you go, tell me what makes you lucky?!!?

“I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and redbox blogging program, for a $25 Walmart gift card from redbox. For more information on how you can participate, click here.”

Have a Better Year in 2011 With Simple Changes

Sometime it feels like if only EVERYTHING would change life would be better, but most of the time it is just simple, little things that need to change. i believe that by making simple changes, and staying consistent with them, life can get remarkably better! Yes, there are also times when big changes need to be made, but for the most part those BIG changes can be broken into simple, small steps.
One of the most important of the changes that I am making to have a better, healthier 2011 is being better hydrated. By drinking the recommended amounts of water each day, I feel better and have more energy, have healthier skin and hair, and don't want to eat as much! I have also started drinking more juices and less soda. I prefer juices that are 100% juice with no added sugar -- I find that they are sweet enough on their own!! By paying attention to the juices that I am drinking, I am also being more aware of my vitamin intake. For instance, orange, apple, and grape juice are some of the juices that we drink a lot of that each contain 120% daily value of Vitamin C! This is one of my simple changes.
Another change that will undoubtedly lead to a better 2011 is to make sure that you are getting enough sleep. Remember when you were a child and your mom and dad used to make you go to bed at 8:30 so that you'd get plenty of sleep? Well, now we do not need quite so much sleep, but getting eight hours a night makes a difference. I know that for some of us, maybe because of a baby, toddler, or some other reason, it is almost impossible to get eight hours of sleep every night. If that is the case for you, I bet you will begin noticing that you feel better even if you can even increase the amount of sleep that you get by 30 minutes!
A simple way to feel better, have more energy, and maybe even lose a few pounds is to add exercise to your daily routine. It may be as simple as walking to the mailbox or around the block, or it might be a gym membership or Wii fit. =) I enjoy walking when the weather permits, the fresh air tends to give my attitude a boost too!
One of the most important things, for me, is to try and smile and find something good out of every situation. When you are looking for good, you find a lot more of it than when you allow the negative aspects of any given situation to demand all of your attention. One of the ways that I like to do this is by reading the Bible and praying! All of us will go through trying times in 2011, it's life, but when we (look for and) find the positive in our situations, it will seem better!
I hope that some of the simple changes that I am making to have a better 2011 work for you as well. I would love to hear some of your ideas or more suggestions of simple changes for a better year too! Please comment and share your thoughts!!

I wrote this blog post while participating in the SocialMoms and Simply Orange® blogging program. If I am one of the first 65 blogs received by SocialsMoms, I will receive a $25 Target gift card and a gift pack that includes a Simply Orange® cooler bag and logoed fleece