Wordless Wednesday -- Happy Thanksgiving

- Posted using BlogPress from my iPhone

He Can't Be 11

Colin turned to me in the car a couple days ago and said "Hey, Mom!  In 5 years I'll be driving!!"  When I told Bo the story later, he furrowed his brow and said "No, he won't."  Then, his face changed as he realized that . . . yes, he will!  (Well, if he's like his father he will.  If he's like me, he won't drive until he's 21.  But that's another story.)

My sweet, intelligent, emotional, intense, considerate boy turns eleven today.  What to say on such a day?  I could tell about my pregnancy (brief though it was -- well, my knowledge of it anyway), or I could tell his birth story (a bit dramatic, but the end result was a red-headed bundle in my arms), or I could tell stories of his first few years (always a tale to remember!)

Instead, this year I think I'll talk about the young man he is just this moment.  I have fond memories of the past 11 years and I look forward to the future.  Right now, though, I want to cherish.  Because he will never be 11 years old again.

At 11, he loves to read.  He prefers fantasy usually, and he especially likes books that come in a series so he can continue reading about the characters book after book after book.  That doesn't stop him from reading other types of books, though.

He loves Pokemon cards, and recently has started with Redakai cards. He enjoys playing games on his Nintendo DSi, and lately he has been building animations with FlipNotes more than actually playing games on it.

He has no care for fashion, or his hair, or anything like that.  It never crosses his mind to brush his hair or plan his outfits.  He'll take care of these things when prompted, but he really has no interest.

He has strong likes and dislikes, and knows his own mind. He is particular about how he likes his food, but mac & cheese remains one of his favorites from when he was tiny.

He is a strong student, but I think he finds himself a bit bored this year.  I need to help him find something to be passionate about (beyond Pokemon).

He loves his family fiercely, and enjoys his friendships.  He likes to be around people and is never shy to share his opinions.

He has a strong sense of right and wrong.  He is extremely sentimental and believes in following family traditions.  In fact, the picture you see is our traditional birthday picture in this family -- when he was 4 he saw this cake at the store and wanted it desperately.  Now, every year, each kid has their picture taken by the inflatable cake.

I'm a bit in shock today that I'm the mother of an 11 year old. I always wanted children, and we went through a time when we weren't sure how our family was going to grow. He was a surprise, a blessing, a miracle -- and he continues to surprise me, bless me, and remind me of miracles each and every day.

Happy Birthday, #1 Son!

Shutterfly Holiday Cards

'Tis the season!  Have you started thinking about your Christmas photo cards yet?  We have a wonderful neighbor who sets up his living room with professional backdrops and takes pictures for the families in the neighborhood every October or so.  I love that he does this, and the pictures he took this year are adorable (as always!)

Shutterfly is my go-to photo processing website, and has been for over 10 years. I have never been disappointed with anything purchased from them.   I love the cards and photo books I've created there over the years, and I appreciate knowing that they offer free storage of my digital photographs with no strings attached.

This year, they have new holiday card designs and I've been trying to figure out which design to choose for our family card.   Last year, I sent out Christmas photo cards and then photo "thank you" greeting cards after the holidays!  I've chosen a multi-photo style the last few years, and will probably go that route again this year. 

Not only do I enjoy sending out photo cards, I especially love receiving them!  It's fun to see the kids grow over the years, and I like to see the different spin everyone puts on their cards.

If you order by November 16, 2011 and use the code CARD40 you can save 40% off your greeting cards at Shutterfly.  Don't delay!  That's an awesome savings! 

*Disclosure: I received free photo cards in exchange for posting about Shutterfly's holiday cards this season.  No additional compensation was provided.*

Wordless Wednesday -- Gift

Review: 1-800-Specs

I have worn glasses (or contacts) since I was 6 years old.  I can't see much of anything without corrective lenses, so there's never an option of leaving them behind.  As I've gotten older, I find myself needing bifocals in order to continue reading. 

My last pair of glasses was the least expensive I could buy at the local eyeglass place and I think they set me back about $300 because of the high prescription and the need for bifocals.  They also weren't very attractive.  Okay, I didn't like them at all.

I wear contacts most of the time, but I have a hard time reading with them.  I have planned for a while to replace my glasses with a nicer pair.

I was offered the opportunity to try out 1-800-Specs.com recently and jumped at the chance!  I found a copy of my last eye prescription  so that I could place my order. (I always ask for a copy so I can get the best prices on contacts and glasses.  Did you know that your eye doctor has to give you a copy if you ask?  Those prescriptions belong to you!)

There are lots of choices on their site, even when I narrowed it down to glasses that I could get progressive lenses.  I went back a few different times over a couple days to try and decide which pair I wanted to try. I finally narrowed it down to the pair you see above and entered my information.   I've ordered glasses online before, and knew that the hardest part was figuring out your PD (pupillary distance).  If you google it, there are plenty of sites that help you determine yours, or you can ask your eye doctor to measure it and tell you the number.  That number is never included with your prescription.

The ordering process was easy.  I entered my frame choice, my prescription and my shipping/billing information.  Two weeks later, the glasses were in my mailbox.  I took them out, tried them on, adjusted the nose piece, put them back on and was very happy!  They are so much cuter than my old pair, and I can see out of them perfectly.  I ordered progressive lenses and was a little worried about seeing -- but I didn't need to worry.

If you need glasses, I would check out 1-800-Specs and look at all the frames they offer!  I was very happy with how easy it was to use their site and how quickly my glasses arrived. The quality is better than my last pair of glasses purchased locally, are so much cuter, and cost more than 2/3 less!  Since 3 out of 5 of us currently wear glasses, I know I'll be ordering again!  It's much easier on our budget than local choices.


*Disclosure: In exchange for my honest review, I received a pair of prescription eyeglasses from 1-800-specs.com.  No additional compensation was provided.*

Wordless Wednesday - Halloween Hijinx

Review: Hexbugs

We were lucky enough to host a HEXBUGS party, thanks to HEXBUG and Mommy Parties.  I shared the kids' review video last week, and we shared the goodies with friends on Halloween.

I put together some fun goody bags that included Halloween soda, Halloween Pez containers, chocolate lollipops, and of course the new, limited edition, Hexbug Nano Glow-in-the-Dark Micro-Robotic Creatures.  I heard shouts of "All right!" when the boys saw the HEXBUGS in their bags of treats!

In addition to the little bugs -- which you can see the youngest of the crowd had a great time racing around on a tray -- we also had Nano Glow in the Dark Habitat / Race Tracks.  These tracks glowed in the dark really well ( but  didn't photograph well for me) and the kids had a great time watching their bugs whizz around the tracks.  I think this set of bugs is even faster than the last ones we had!

While most of the adults find them a bit creepy, the kids all squeal in delight about the HEXBUGS.  They are definitely a fun toy, and one that all the kids we shared them with agreed are FUN!

You can find them at major retailers, including Target, Radio Shack and Amazon.
*Disclosure: I received an awesome Halloween Party Pack, full of awesome toys, thanks to Mommy Parties and HEXBUGS. No additional compensation was provided.  All opinions are my own.*

NaNoWriMo for Youth! (Local Event in Chandler AZ)

About a month ago, my sister asked me if I was going to participate in NaNoWriMo (National Novel Writing Month) this year.  I said I wasn't sure, and then she asked if I knew there was a youth program as well.  I wasn't aware of that, so I looked into it (well, okay, she sent me the link and I clicked and started reading.)

The website has tons of great information, including an 126 page workbook that is free to download.  It also has writing prompts, and kids can create accounts to keep track of their word counts online and connect with other writers.

I thought it would be fun for Colin, and maybe Nate.  The more I thought about it, I thought it would be fun to get a group of kids together to work on novels in November.  Colin worked at Gangplank this summer on a journalism camp, so I contacted the director and asked if she had anything planned.  She replied that she didn't, but she'd be happy to provide the space if I would help get the word out and organize it. Of course, I said I would.

Our kick-off event is this Saturday, and we plan to meet again mid-way and then at the end to have a celebration.  I have no idea how many kids will show up, but I'm hoping for at least 10 (and shooting for at least 30).  I shared the information with Colin and Nate's teachers, as well as online, and now here on my blog. 

The event is all about writing.  The kids will set word count goals, and if they meet their goal by the end of the month, they have the opportunity to have their books published.  Adults are expected to write 50,000 words in November, but the youth will set goals between 1,000 and 20,000 probably. 

I'm hoping to find a few sponsors to provide prizes, but I'm holding off searching very hard until I have an idea of how many kids are participating.   I think it will be a great learning experience and I'm excited to read the stories that come out of this project.

Are you participating in NaNoWriMo this year?  What about your kids?  If you're local with young ones, contact me directly for more information about our Saturday event! 

Cereal & Justice League Giveaway!

Do your kids love cereal AND comic books?  Then I have some wonderful news for you!  In select General Mills cereals, you will find one of four collectable DC Super Hero comic books inside, as well as a fun hero mask on the back! 

Participating cereals include Cinnamon Toast Crunch (17 oz.), Lucky Charms (16 oz.), Honey Nut Cheerios (17 oz.), Trix (14.8 oz.), Golden Grahams (16 oz.), Reese’s Puffs(18 oz.) and Cocoa Puffs (16.5 oz.).  You will find them at most grocery stores.

I have a set of comics, plus a box of cereal AND a Green Lantern figurine to give away to one of my readers!  My sons were so excited when this box arrived and all 3 of my kids pored over the comic books immediately.

If you want a chance to win this great giveaway, CLICK HERE to pop over to my Giveaway Form (comments left on this post WILL NOT be included in the drawing).  Once there, use this information to fill in the blanks:

GIVEAWAY NAME: Justice League
MANDATORY QUESTION: Who is your favorite superhero?

I will draw the winner next Friday, November 25, 2011.  Good Luck!!


*Disclosure: Product, information, and giveaway have been provided by General Mills and DC ENTERTAINMENT through MyBlogSpark.*

Review: Zombie Hexbugs for Halloween

Thanks to HEXBUGS and MommyParties, we got an awesome box full of creepy hexbugs to share with some of the boys' friends!  They are getting together on Halloween, but I wanted to share this video in case you were looking for a fun gift for kids this Halloween.

The Zombie HEXBUGS glow in the dark and are a limited edition.  They are packaged in coffin-shaped boxes and they are perfect for Halloween.  They also have glow in the dark HEXBUGS from the Nano Galileo collection and even glow in the dark habitat sets.

I'll be sharing more pictures in a few days, but here is the video review the 3 kids put together!




*Disclosure: We received a package full of HEXBUGS to share with our local friends in exchange for providing a review on this blog.  No additional compensation was provided.*