All you need is love!

I need to say this......

Hello! So, its been quite awhile since I have last blogged here. It's not that it hasn't been on my mind to do, it's just that I have been busy. Ya know, like working, tending to my family and other stuff.......basically life.

The world is full of such downer info so I like to share positive or fun things here to help lighted up my little corner of the world. Unfortunately, this is not one of those kinds of posts.

My son had a situation yesterday that is gnawing at me still. I think this is a serious issue in the lives of our kids and it needs more attention. Bullying. I know it's out there. I know that schools have programs about it and ways to handle those situation. (Even as I type this out, I am having a difficult time keeping the tears from trickling out.) I know, kids will be kids. Everyone has said that. I have said that! But this was different.

I will not go into great detail about the specific situation as to keep it from "feeding the beast". Those who were there know what happened. I am doing my best to raise a mindful, compassionate, smart, fun loving boy and it is becoming increasingly more difficult. Here is my frustration......I am so sick and tired of making excuses for all of those out there who choose to act inappropriate, mean and spiteful! I will no longer apologize to my son for you.....I will leave it to you to carry that burden from now on!

With that, there was something good that came out of this. I was able to see, first hand, what a absolutely wonderful support system my son has. One by one they came to defend and comfort him. I could not ask for anything more. This "other family" completely had his back and for that I am grateful. My cup runeth over.

*If you know someone who is dealing with bullying or is the bully, please find some resources to help. I am not receiving anything for sharing this link....Well, maybe just a little peace of mind.
http://www.stopbullying.gov/kids/facts/

Catching the Rainbow

I just wanted to share this photo with ya'll. I am traveling for work this week and this is what I saw out my window during my flight.  Cool, right?

Hope the end of the week is a great one for you!!

Disney On Ice in Chicago DISCOUNT!!!

Disney On Ice in Chicago DISCOUNT!!! DOI celebrates 100 Years of Magic is coming to United Center in Chicago Sept. 11-15. It’s an annual tradition for my family right after school starts, and everyone, including me, always love the show! 

If you click on this link to purchase tickets www.ticketmaster.com/promo/5luhre - then click the performance you would like to attend, click on the “Got An Offer Code” link above the seating map, enter the code MOM2, click Apply, and save 20% on all weekend performances (Fri PM-Sun) or Save 40% on all weekday performances (Tuesday through Thursday and Fridays at 10:30 am). FREE PARKING ALSO!

ADS Sports Eyewear Deal!

This is a great deal for those of us who have kids who are involved in sports and need eyewear!

Got kids?  Got kids who play sports? Get ADS Sports Eyewear!

ADS Sports Eyewear is offering 15% off any Prescription Rec Specs order with a Free-Form digital lens. Free-Form digital lens surfacing technology provides the best possible vision with a significantly larger field of vision when compared to a standard prescription lens. The added peripheral vision of a free-form lens is crucial in enhancing a competitor’s performance. The free-form lenses are made of unbreakable polycarbonate or Trivex and can be clear, tinted, polarized, or even Transitions. ADS Sports Eyewear has also cut the price of the regular (non free-form) prescription lenses for select Rec Specs to only $39.00. These lenses are the same high quality, unbreakable lenses that they have put in their Rec Specs glasses for years. And there is no coupon code required to get this $39.00 price.

Those who take advantage of this sale will also receive a $50 gift certificate towards their next prescription purchase, or a $25 gift certificate toward a non-prescription order. Gift Certificates are usable on any of the top brands sold by ADS Sports Eyewear. To take advantage of this limited time offer use coupon code: ‘Back2School’

http://www.prweb.com/releases/2013/8/prweb11014766.htm

Not Just Another Mayhem Monday Link UP!

Here's a link up that you do not want to miss!  Head on over to Chi-Town Mommy Mayhem. TJ, Sara & Jen all offer different perspectives of their mommyhood lives. Head on over, take a look around and say hello.

Decorate it Forward this holiday season with Kmart Raffle!

Here is your chance to win a $15.00 gift card to Kmart to help decorate for the holidays!

I was given a $15 gift card as part of the Decorate it Forward this holiday season with Kmart from Smiley360.com  I decided to share it with my son and let him pick out a decoration for the house. He has been complaining for the past couple of years that we did not have a star at the top of our tree. We have always had "Angel Baby". Nothing fancy, lighted or sparkly....just a plain angel made of a cotton material with straw hair and a sweet face. My son wanted some bling so this year I finally gave in. I thought this would be a sweet memory of us shopping for our new tree topper. So many choices.............

But we finally decide on the one!

   

And we love it!

Check out these links to help with holiday decorating Kmart Online Christmas Shop, Decorate it Forward  and Shop Your Way Rewards.

Now here is the fun part.....Enter for your chance to win! Winner will be chosen tomorrow morning so don't delay. Good luck!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

T.G.I.B.F.?!?

Thank God It's Black Friday? Nope, I don't think so. Well, at least not for me.  In past years I was out there with the masses at 3AM trying to grab those amazing priced items. This year, I decided that there was no good reason for me to go. On a side note, the lack of  funds in our account also helped with that decision to stay all warm and snuggled in my bed. Either way it made me think.......How in the heck did the Holiday Season become so crazy? YIKES!  Am I sounding a little bitter here? I'm not you know, really! It's just that each year, I see so many gifts exchanged between people that bring only temporary happiness (please note that I did not say ALL gifts). I agree that it is so exciting to see their faces as they open their gifts, I just wish that excitement would last.  So,this year I am going to try a different approach with gifting  and as soon as I figure out what that is and I can set my sails for my "Getting through the holidays" destination.

No offense to anyone who did brave the elements today (because you should get a reward) but I just thought that it was not worth it........for me.

Gobble, Gobble!

I know that I am a day early but wanted to be sure to wish you all a very Happy & Safe Thanksgiving

Holiday! Enjoy your time with your families....Be safe is you are heading out for all of the Black Friday deals.

It's Been Awhile.....

Hi friends!  It has been awhile since I've posted here.  That crazy little thing called "LIFE" was getting to be a bit more than I could handle so I decided to take a break.  I'll get to some explanations in another post. Hope you all have been well.

A few months back a friend of mine posted a DIY Laundry Detergent recipe that she found and decided to try.  Her reviews were so great that I figured, what the heck, I would try it too. (Again, I am not claiming this as my own creation......I have seen this recipe posted on Pinterest as well.)  I made a comment about this DIY on Twitter the other day and some of you have asked for the recipe so here is my experience.

I was always surprised, and disappointed, by the costs of laundry detergents at the store so I purchased the items and followed instructions and began to tackle the laundry monster that had taken over. What happen you asked?  Excitement and wonder!! Clean, soft, great smelling clothes!  So happy with the outcome we continued to use it until we ran out.  Oh, and here is the best part.....The detergent last us 3 months!

Here is your list of items that you will need with the directions to follow.

For the added benefit of why you might want to try this for yourself I have listed how much the cost for the supplies from Walmart.

1 Bar of Fels-Naptha   .97 cents
1 Box Borax             $3.38
1 Box Washing Soda $3.24

Total $                   $7.59














OK, I feel like I have shared something wonderful with you all......now go........go create!
Until next time :)

George of the Jungle......Watch out for that tree!

Earlier this week there was a bit more chaos that I am used to. Little Man in Training was at his science camp getting all smart and had a run in with a tree.  Yep, you read that right, he ran into a tree! (See, it's on paper!) 

Apparently, the red light green light game is not one you want to lose.  This picture really doesn't show just how bad the bump of the head was. His hands, arms and legs were scraped up as well.  I tried not to panic and got him in to see his doctor.

Little Man In Training, Man In Charge, & I sat in the exam room waiting for the doctor. While chatting and looking around I happen to glance up and see this...............................>>>>

WHAT?!? Couldn't help but laugh and take a picture of course!  

After the exams and x-rays were completed, we hear that there is no permanent damage done. Thank goodness! After being emotionally jacked up for the past 2 days from this event I feel like I am back on track. So that means, I have some daily pictures to share with you!

Here is my Day 14 - Time.  This was my Grandpas watch.

Day 15 - Yellow.  These are the heels of my new Steve Madden shoes...Love them!

There it is......another week of pictures.  I have a super busy weekend starting up so I will see y'all back her Monday!
Happy Days :)

New June Picutres!

So, I didn't exactly follow the assignment on the Day 12 photo as you see below.  I reversed it - Just because I love this photo of little man.

Day 12 - From a low angle

Day 13 - Art - Little man made this picture in school this year.  Not bad for a 6 year old! 

Photo A Day Challenge Catch Up

I received a message from my "Anonymous" viewer that I am lagging behind on posting my daily pictures.  Thank you "Anonymous" for keeping me on track here ;)  I do take my pictures each day but might not post them right away.  I usually take a break from posting on the weekends for family duties. But, today is Monday so here we go.......

Day 8 - Six o' Clock

Day 9 - My View Today

Day 10 - Best Bit of the Weekend (Shameless Plug Coming....)

Man In Charge and I headed out to House of Blues to see our friend's band play. If you get a chance, check them out...

https://www.facebook.com/Analog.Digital.Disorder

Day 11 - Door

This is little mans's door and as you can see there is NO Paparazzi allowed!  

LOL :)

Day 7..........

Day 7 - Drink - This is one of the most wonderful things in my days...My coffee.

<3

Happy Hump Day!!

This is definitely the slowest week in history....I cannot believe that it is only Wednesday.  Anywho.....Back to the task at hand - June Photo A Day Challenge.
Here are my last few days:

Day 2 - Empty - It was a jello-pocalypse at 1 a.m.  :(

Day 3- On My Plate - He was on my plate later - YUM!

Day 4 - Close Up

Day 5 - Sign

http://www.daniellelaporte.com/the-fire-starter-sessions-danielle-laporte/

Sign 6 - Hat

Happy June 1st!

It is an exciting day in our home today - Last day of Kindergarten for little man!

What a difference 10 months makes. 

These are my Morning photos for the Fat Mum Slim June Photo A Day Challenge.  What a morning it was :)

It's almost June! (WHAT?!?!)

So here I sit just a few days away from the month of June.  June, I said!  Can you believe it?  I am having a bit of difficulty wrapping my little head around this fact.  I think I am just in denial of time passing so quickly. At the end of this week my little man will officially be a first grader, while my nephew is graduating from high school.  The craziest part of it all is that I am another month closer to turning 4......4.......(this is rough)......40. I am not ready for these milestones, especially that last one!  However, I do realize that, ready or not, these things are happening. 

With that, I will welcome June 2012 with open arms and all the fun and craziness it will bring.  To help keep me entertained I have decided to participate in the June Photo A Day Challenge by Fat Mum Slim.  If you have visited here before you might remember that I have participated in past months.  It is a fun little project......you should try it too! If you do, please me a comment of where I can find you so I can see your pictures.

Happy Days :)  

http://www.fatmumslim.com.au/2012/05/photo-day-june-challenge-list.html?showComment=1338302556753#c6438947290843352677

From Chaos Comes Happiness: Everything's Coming Up . . . GIVE AWAY!!!!

So I have this awesome friend Leanne who does some beautiful crafting.  Here comes the best part.....She is having a giveaway!! (YEAH!)

Click on the link below to check out her blog and enter the giveaway!

http://www.fromchaoscomeshappiness.com/

From Chaos Comes Happiness: Everything's Coming Up . . . GIVE AWAY!!!!:

I'l like to wish you good luck but I can't since I want to win ;)
(Just kidding!)

Happy Friday!

HAPPY FRIDAY!

That is all :)

We LOVE Nutella!

Ok, so it is my understanding that some of you out there may have not yet tried Nutella.  Really!?!  What are you waiting for?  Don't get me wrong....I do enjoy peanut butter but this Nutella stuff is amazeballs!  


As a ModernMom insider, I was lucky enough to get a free sample of Nutella from ModernMom.com to share with my family.  My son cannot get enough of it!  It's so yummiful on waffles for breakfast or with bananas on bread for a lunchtime sandwich.  I have also heard that it is great for baking with.


Anyway,  if you have yet to try Nutella or already love it you can enter to win a case (fifteen (15)  13 oz. jars). Just click on this link http://www.modernmom.com/contests/nutella to see what other insiders had to say and enter to win your very own supply!


Disclaimer:  As a ModernMom Insider, I received a sample of Nutella® through ModernMom to review. My response is entirely my opinions and has not been edited. I received no compensation for this review.