2011 NSA Conference Video

This video was shown at the closing ceremony at the National Stuttering Conference last week.  The gentleman who put it together is very talented, and it is a great video showcasing the fun of the conference.  Nate is shown in a couple different spots, but most noticeable around 4:15.  He was embarrassed when he saw the video, but I love his enthusiasm.



If you're a person who stutters, I can't recommend attending a conference enough. What an amazing way to connect with others who stutter, in an extremely supportive and educational environment.  The conference is in Tampa, FL next year!

Review: Bob Books Reading Magic App (iPad and iPod Touch)

Bob Books was one of the tools I used to help my boys learn to read. I remember thinking they were ridiculously simple, but then realizing that was what made them amazing.  Both boys quickly mastered the small words and short sentences, which gave them almost-instant satisfaction and a confidence boost.

I fully expected to make them available for Lydia, and already have a few sets on the shelves ready for her. When I was contacted about the Reading Magic app they recently released, I was excited to try it out!  There is an app available for the iPod Touch and iPhone, as well as one for the iPad.  We tried both out, and the video shows Lydia using our iPad and the Reading Magic app.



As you can see, she enjoys it!  I was surprised at how quickly she picked it up.  I really liked the fact that you can change the settings so that when they are matching the letters to the word, you can choose from actual letters, or the phonic sounds.  Since she is so comfortable with her letters, we set it for phonics.

She thinks the change from black and white to color is interesting, and laughs at how the characters jiggle on the screen.  I like that they kept the same simple line drawings and backgrounds -- but added the color as tasks are completed in the app.


This gets a 5 star, thumbs-up score!

I'm really excited that I can share a code with one of my readers so they can try it out. Let me know if you want to try the app on the iPad or the iPhone or iPod Touch.  They are 2 different downloads, but the app works almost exactly the same on each platform.

To enter the giveaway, click HERE to jump to the giveaway form.  Before you click, take note of the giveaway name and mandatory question so you can fill in the blanks on the form.  Also, be sure that you have an iPad, iPod Touch or iPhone to install the app. (Link to my giveaway rules can be found to the right)

Giveaway Name: Reading Magic
Mandatory Question: On which device will you install Reading Magic?

This giveaway will end on January 7, 2011.  Good Luck!!

*Disclosure: I received 2 codes to download the Reading Magic app for the iPod Touch and the iPad.  I also will receive a code to give to one of my readers.  No additional compensation was provided.  All opinions and thoughts are my own and Lydia's.*

Interview with Michael Chiarello!!

I was excited about the opportunity to interview Michael Chiarello!  My work schedule didn't mesh with a live video chat, but he was kind enough to answer my questions and send me the video.  As I mentioned before, he is one of my favorite chefs and I have been reading his latest cookbook, Bottega, over the last couple weeks.

I asked him a few questions about holiday cooking, and love his ideas about roasted brussel sprouts and also pumpkin brulee.  The simplified turkey cutlet is something I plan to try as well! I hope you enjoy the interview!



*Disclosure: The interview was arranged by Progresso. I received no compensation or product in exchange for posting.*

Review: Mother Goose iPad App (and Giveaway!)

Lydia (3yo) takes over Bo's iPad whenever she has the chance.  I recently added another app for her, which means that Bo uses it even less.

This video is of her playing with the Mother Goose Reader by My Own Kid Books, LLC.  As you can see, she has no problem navigating through the app and choosing different nursery rhymes. She is adept at touching various areas of the screen to find out what hidden things may appear (sounds, pictures, etc.) and delights in listening to the rhymes being read.



Do you have a preschooler who loves nursery rhymes?  I have TWO codes to give away for this great iPad app.  Winners must have an iPad to use the code.

Giveaway will end August 5, 2010.  Review my giveaway rules here.  Fill out the giveaway form by clicking here.  (Entries left in the comments will not count! Please use the form for giveaway entries and the comments for comments.  thanks!)


Giveaway Name: Mother Goose
Mandatory Question: What is your favorite nursery rhyme?

*Disclosure: I received a code to try this app at no cost to me.  No  other compensation was provided.  All content is my own.*

Football 2009

Here's a video of part of the boys' game from last week. They have had a great time this season, and have worked with awesome coaches. We are fortunate that we have many options for sports leagues (that aren't crazy money) with great volunteer coaches. This is the 2nd year the boys have played flag football, and I know we'll be back next year.

In the video, you'll see Nate take the flag off a member of the opposing team, and do a little hop of excitement when he goes near the coach (after handing back the flag to his opponent.) Then, you'll see the kids line up -- Colin has the long sleeved orange top on under his team shirt.