Wordless Wednesday - HELP, I'm stuck!

Natalie is in the stage where climbing is fun - on everything. She was climbing up the chairs, onto the table, to get at the candy corn, so we started pushing the chairs in all the way, all the time. This is what we get now:

If you have a Wordless Wednesday post, leave me a link, and I will check it out!

Children's Hardcover Books - Pretty Please Press - ***Review and Giveaway***

I was sent a set of four children's hardcover books from Pretty Please Press to review with my family.
This is a collection of books that are designed for reading aloud, and are fun to read. Each of the four books teaches a different concept through the characters and the story.

Bella Basset Ballerina by Laura Aimee Garn (founder of Pretty Please Press), Illustrated by Valerie Sokolova
This is a great story of a Basset hound who aspires to be a ballerina. Bella, the Basset, hears from many people that she is not going to be a ballerina - she is too short, low to the ground, etc - and that there are paths that each dog is supposed to take. Because Bella was willing to work hard and make some sacrifices, she was able to defy all odds in this heartwarming story, giving the reader encouragement to follow their dreams. A great book to teach perseverance!


The Scritchy Little Twitchell Sisters by Laura Aimee Garn, Illustrated by Erik Brooks
This is a story of two sisters who cannot get along to save their lives! It gets so bad that the parents literally divide the house in half and label everything with one of the sisters' names. One day, Mr and Mrs Twitchell take the girls to "Travelstead's Variety Show" and when Emmeline was picked to assist the magician, Lavinia immediately caused a scene and the girls began throwing water, eggs, and anything within reach at each other. The magician saw how the crowd reacted to the girls' "performance" and they sign a contract and go on tour doing what they do best - fighting with each other. After a while, the girls realize that they love each other and want to have a sister to play with rather than fighting all the time. The character building theme in this book is conflict resolution, and as my daughter Emily says - being nice to your sister.

Kick Block Punch written and illustrated by Jacquie Hann
This was actually a really good book, and my girls enjoyed it - wasn't so sure at first since it is about karate. Through this book, Sam (a beginning karate student) learns that it takes practice, discipline, and respect to advance in karate. Sam showed up the first day, kicked one of his friends and punched another and then asked for his black belt. His instructor tells/shows him that only through practice, will he be able to get what he wants - a black belt. I was impressed with this book because Sam went from a rambunctious kid who hits/kicks his friends and brother when he firsts starts karate, to a respectful boy who learns that he is not trying to hurt other people but discipline himself (through practice) to attain his next belt. There is also a glossary of karate terms at the end of the story, and a great statement: "YOU NEVER USE KARATE TO START A FIGHT!" Kick, Block, Punch has a few character building themes that I can see, but the one that is developed through the additional resources on the website is setting goals.


Pynx written and illustrated by Jeffrey Greene
From the Pretty Please Press website:

In a distant galaxy, on a very colorful planet, a brilliant purple Pynx settles into her new home in the jungle. But her noisy arrival upsets the other fanciful creatures who are already living there quite happily. When the Pynx expands her family with dozens of new babies, her neighbors are very upset. The very vocal Pynx has had this problem before, but this time, with a little luck, she finds a real home. This is a story about being tolerant, learning to appreciate differences, and about finding ways to communicate.

The creatures on this far away planet learn to appreciate the new, loud Pynx when she saves the colony from Shovelsnouts. It is a good book, totally fictional, imagination inspiring, and tolerance teaching. The character building theme of this book is tolerance.


Each of the books also has wonderful FREE downloadable tools from the Pretty Please Press website to accompany the book:
■Download Free Vocabulary Building Cards
■Download Free Concept Building Cards
■Download Free Character Building Lesson Plan

My thoughts:I think that this would be a great set of books for a homeschooling family to use, or for extra reinforcement of any child's vocabulary, reading ability, concept and character building skills. For now, we mainly just enjoy reading the stories and we talk about each of the character building themes - a little. I plan to utilize all of the extras as my children get to an age where it is more appropriate.

Buy it These books are for sale directly from Pretty Please Press at a 20% discount on the cover price. They also have a great offer - buy 3 books and get 1 FREE!
Win it!
The wonderful people at Pretty Please Press is offering one reader a chance to win a set of all four of these books!!
Be sure to leave an email address if one is not visible in your blogger profile!
**Mandatory Entry: To enter, go to the Pretty Please Press website and tell me one of the tips they give for parents; or if you are an educator, a tip they have for educators.
**Extra Entries (mandatory entry must be done first) Please leave a seperate comment for each thing you do (each is worth one entry unless noted):
*Follow my blog publicly through google friend connect (left sidebar)
*Follow through Face Book's Networked blogs (left sidebar)
*Follow me on twitter and tweet about this giveaway using this tweet or your own: Win a set of 4 kids hardcover books (ARV $63.80) from Pretty Please Press @tinymansmom #Giveaway closes 11/27 http://bit.ly/7ddTc
*Sign up for the mailing list on the Pretty Please Press website and come back telling me you did
*Subscribe to email updates, leave the email address you subscribed (2 extra entries)
*Enter to win a Little Music Lovers CD (before 11/13) and comment telling me you did
*Blog about this giveaway and link it here or email 4 people and CC tinymansmom (at) sbcglobal (dot) net (5 extra entries)
*Comment on any non-giveaway post and tell me the title of that post (1 entry each, up to 2 extra entries)

This giveaway is open to legal US residents, age 18+. Giveaway will close at 12 NOON PST on 11/27/2009 and winner will be chosen using random.org then notified via email and will have 48 hours to get back with me or another winner will be selected.
I was sent a copy of each of these books for review purposes, all opinions are my own.

Wood Toy Boxes!!! LOVE IT!!

We looked forever for a toybox for Emily, we never found one that we liked, I mean really liked, that was a reasonable price. Now with two kids, the toys have grown and I am searching again. Thanks to Sheblogs.org, I found a family owned business, Wood Creations, Inc. that produces handcrafted wooden toy boxes, blanket and hope chests! Thier retail site is www.woodtoybox.com and they have amazing hand crafted wooden toyboxes that are personalized by lazer engraving, and can have beautiful wooden boarders. They look nice, are heavy and durable - heirloom quality toy boxes! They also have a selection of "Hand Painted" and manufactured toyboxes that are great and affordable too! And I am also loving the Levels of Discovery Collection - I could see my girls rocking their babies with these products! These collections are not just toyboxes,but also have chairs and some have tables that match! So if you are looking for a toybox or maybe to make a play room or re-do a child's bedroom this holiday season, check out www.woodtoybox.com, Bob and Julie Beck have been kind enough to provide us with a promotion code to save you an extra 15% off your purchases at www.woodtoybox.com, coupon code is valid through December 31, 2009! The coupon code is "toybox4u"Oh, did I mention that the toyboxes SHIP FREE?!?!?!


SheBlogs is having a contest where you have the chance to win 1 of 3 toy boxes, to enter blog about www.woodtoyboxes.com and mention the personalized, laser engraving. For more information read the post here.

Thankful Thursday ... "Trials"

My brethren, count it ll joy when you fall into various trials, knowing that the testing of your faith produces patience. But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing. James 1:2-4 NKJV



This week's Thankful Thursday topic is trials.

I have been through many trials in my life. I was not always thankful at the time. Trials are part of God's way of molding us. It was not until I learned that last part that I was able to be thankful for trials.
One of the biggest reasons that I am thankful for trials in my life is pointed out in the verse at the begining of this post (James 1:2-4) an outcome of trials is patience. I know I could use a bit more patience some days - I'm not asking for more trials though, lol! The only perfect and complete thing about me, that is lacking nothing, is Jesus. I know that me, myself, need to be molded, refined to be more like Him and less like me; and if going through trials is the way that is to be accomplished - so be it.
I am thankful that my God counts me valuable, worthy enough to refine! Praise the Lord!
I am thankful that I am able to help some people go through their tough times because the Lord has taken me through it already. And I am also thankful that God has allowed others to experience similar trials to those I am facing and will face, so that they may help me through it! God is good!
I am thankful that I will never face any trial, no matter how small, big, life changing that it might be, alone. Christ is with me, He will never leave me nor forsake me. Praise the Lord!



I would appreciate any comments you'd care to give! If you have a Thankful Thursday post, please leave a link and I will come check it out. Have a great day, and God bless you!

Chocolate: A Love Story - Cook Book Review

Chocolate is something that most of us enjoy! I certainly do. In Chocolate: A Love Story, Max Brenner takes chocolate beyond anything I have ever imagined! There are recipies that feature choclate everywhere from morning variations (Bohemian French toast chocolate sandwiches), Choclate Therapy (Intimate scones), Choclate Cream Cake Options, Pies, Concentrated Chocolate, and more...much, much more!

Chocolate: A Love Story is a vibrant new cookbook that includes 65 original recipes narrated in the quirky, captivating voice of Max Brenner, the restaurant's visionary founder and "bald man." Bold original illustrations inspired by Art Deco poster graphics, full-color photographs, easy-to-follow, delicious recipes, and a serving of Max's unique vision for spreading "chocolate culture" around the world make this book a must for every chocolate lover.

We have not yet actually tried any of the recipies yet, but are planning to make Wannabe French Hot Chocolate in the next few nights and will be sure to take a picture and let you all know how it comes out!
You can read more about Max Brenner here and you can buy the book on Amazon here.

Thank you to the Hachette Book Group for sending me this book to review. The opionions expressed are mine.

GoGo Trouser Socks - Review

My feet are always cold, and often get numb. My circulation to my hands and feet is not the best, it seems like no matter how warm it may be outside, my hands and feet are cold. When I heard that GOGO made socks, tights, and pantyhose that are specifically designed to increase circulation, I was excited - sure it helped that they are also made to prevent varicose and spider veins!!

Some info from the GoGo site:

The synergy of GOGO, with high-end microfiber yarns and Lycra not only give you natural energy, it makes you feel fabulous! The product fits scientifically to aid in the prevention of varicose and spider veins. The addition of Lycra yarns provide a slimming effect and increase the durability of GOGO, so it lasts longer.

WEAR GOGO:

Flying - The natural science of GOGO will just help out to keep that nasty swelling down and as a bonus, you'll be able to slip your shoes back on when the plane lands.

Sitting - If you sit for extended periods of time you will be more alert if you keep your blood moving and not sitting idly in veins. You'll feel better too!

Standing - On your feet all day? We do not want you to encourage those nasty varicose and spider veins. We do want you to feel like you could still go out and dance all night.

Running - This is a great workout. You're running, GOGO is working with your body to give you more energy. Pure running bliss.

At the Gym - It goes without saying - when you are working out, GOGO is working with you! You can actually feel the soft yarns massaging your legs as you go!

On a Date - Read above and repeat. I highly recommend the thigh-high stockings.

My experience with GoGo was great! (Well my second experience was, I tried to put the socks on while my foot was still very swollen and sore - not a good idea!) I was sent a pair of Cocoa ribbed trouser socks and a pair of Navy diamond trouser socks to try. I love them. They are comfortable, kept my feet warm, and I didn't get the tingling in my feet at all while I was wearing them. Like with any pantyhose and most knee- and thigh-high socks, they were a little tight at the top, but not uncomfortable. These socks actually remind me of the thermal socks that I have for skiing. GoGo socks are well made, after being washed (hand-wash only) several times, they are still in like-new condition.
I wear them often because of keeping my feet warm and from going numb, they are slim and are comfortable weather I am wearing slippers, tennis shoes, or pumps! I would recommend these socks to anyone who may have trouble with legs/feet feeling tired, going numb, varicose or spider veins, or anyone who just likes nice socks! They also have a maternity line - you have got to love a company that caters to ALL women! And did I mention that they are made in the USA - another bonus!

I was provided with 2 pairs of GoGo trouser socks to write this review, but the opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Breakfast at our house

This is a common occurance at our table - Emily likes to help Natalie, and Natalie likes Emily to feed her. Most of the time when Natalie wont eat something, if Emily gives it to her (bites) she will eat it!


That was tiring, now we need a sip of milk!



If you have a Wordless Wednesday post, please leave a link so I can check it out...I haven't quite got the McLinky figured out yet! :)

Not too shabby - all things considered!

A few hours after Emily cut her hair, I took a picture on my phone and sent it to Zack. I was not sure what his reaction would be, and I wasn't really sure that I wanted to know. When he called, he said "I guess we are gonna have to shave her head." My thoughts - "UH...NO!" We talked about the possibilities that may be, but I will not have a daughter with a shaved head, if there is another choice. Emily cut it pretty bad, there was at least one chuck that is about 1/4 of an inch long. (Click link if you haven't seen her handiwork!) The lady at Great Clips, was wonderful with her, and did a pretty good job all things considered...






So, we are definately not going to put her hair in some beautiful curls, or a bun with strands curled on the side for the Disney on Ice Princess Classics this weekend, but we will survive!!!
What do you think? Just remember, it will grow back!

I want to CRY!

I was doing the dishes, something that has to be done. It didn't take me a crazy amount of time, just long enough to do the dishes. Usually Natalie (1 year old) will be playing with some toys relatively close to me so that I can see her and she can see me, and Emily watches Dora while playing with toys in the living room. Why should today be any different??? Really, why? For the life of me, I cannot come up with a good reason why this would happen...




Yes, that is right, my little Princess Emily (almost 3 years old) butchered her hair. Her beautiful hair, reduced to...well, you saw the pictures.
I heard Natalie cry and I went to see what was going on. Natalie had my eye liner (my favorite color - bronze) and was coloring herself and the book shelf that I had brought in from the garage. After taking it away from her and picking her up, I wondered how she got into my bathroom - child locks on the doors. Well I looked at my bedroom and the door was ajar, I opened it and SCREAMED. Emily was sitting on my floor with scisors and hair all around her, and she went for another chunck of hair as I was reaching for the scissors. *tear* Maybe it is because she watched her daddy get a hansome haircut yesterday...

Praise the Lord that she didn't get hold of Natalie.

So, have your little ones ever cut their own hair? Or did you as a child?

Little Music Lovers ***Review & Giveaway***

What do Bach, Beethoven, Mozart, and lullabies have in common? They are the themes of Little Music Lovers Cd's.
My children LOVE music! They dance and sing and have a great time with music, and are actually getting "smarter" while they listen to Little Music Lovers!
Dr. Diane Bales, a University of Georgia professor says:

"Music seems to prime our brain for certain kinds of thinking. The classical music pathways in our brain are similar to the pathways we use for spatial reasoning - the ability to understand the relationships between objects, such as the pieces in a puzzle. When we listen to classical music, the spatial pathways are 'turned on' and ready to be used."

Classical music is unique in this effect because of the complexity of it, so listening to country or rock music is not going to have the same effect, it will however help build other music-related pathways in the brain and have positive effects on mood.


Here are some ideas on how you can nurture your child's love of music from the time they are born:
*Play music for your baby
*Sing to your baby
*Sing with your child

Our experience with the sampler CD that we were sent was nice. We had the music playing in the background while we did the stuff we do - play, make and eat snack, play, read, lunch... I noticed that Natalie (1 YO) seemed to be more aware of the music playing than Emily (2 YO). Natalie would track down the source of the music and would stare at it for a minute and then start to do her little baby dance! Emily didn't really seem to notice it, until I turned it off, then she asked where her music was. For me, the classical music was calming, yet stimulating - like while I was making lunch I was surrounded by beautiful music rather than silence. I can't say we are smarter because of it, but it definitely lifted our moods!

The nice people at Little Music Lovers want to offer one of my readers a CD of their own. (US addresses ONLY, please) Go check out the Little Music Lovers website and look over the Cd's available in the smart music series, and come back and tell me which one you would want to win. From the Little Music Lovers website, you can also purchase these Cd's from iTunes and Amazon, and they are available at Barnes and Nobel and Borders.

****Win One of the Little Music Lovers Cd's****

Mandatory Entry:
Go to the Little Music Lovers website and come back and tell me which of the four Cd's you would want to win

Extra Entries: (Mandatory Entry must be completed first for any of the extra entries to count)
~Tell me a way that you nurture your child/grandchild/niece/nephew's love of music
~Follow my blog publicly through Google Friend Connect
~Follow my blog via Facebook Networked Blogs
~Subscribe to email updates & activate your subscription (top right sidebar)
~Follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway (can be done daily, leave a new comment with link to tweet) You can use this tweet, or make your own: Win a little music lovers cd for your child, or someone on your Christmas list! http://bit.ly/4vpXGb @tinymansmom
~Blog about this giveaway and link it back here (6 extra entries)

Good luck to all who enter! Contest will close Friday, November 13 at 12 NOON, PST. Winner will be chosen by random.org's random integer generator. Please make sure to either leave an email address or have one visible in your blogger profile. I will contact the winner by email and they will have 48 hours to respond, or another winner will be chosen. US addresses only, please. I was provided with a sampler CD to write this review, and the opinions are mine and were not influenced by the sponsor.