Sunday, July 30, 2017
Two More Hours Two Rivers Summer Sampler Pack - 40 Count #Giveawa...
Maria's Space: Two Rivers Summer Sampler Pack - 40 Count #Giveawa...: OH MY GOSH...this was a fun pack of K-Cups. I love variety, it is after all the spice of life and the Two Rivers Summer Sampler Pack ha...
Saturday, July 29, 2017
Photos Found In Grandparents House
Not sure if I have talked about this at length or even if I talked about it in the blog world but I know I mentioned it on Facebook.
This year on my Handsome's 14th Birthday my Maternal Grandfather passed away. Grandpa was 98 and lived a very long time. He buried two children and lost a lot of friends and family along the way.
He was very good to my sisters and I growing up. Tractor rides, candy, money, trips to Toys R Us with a "get whatever you want" speech and always so sweet. I can still hear his voice in my head. "What? You're talking tooooo fast, slow down". He was the polar opposite of my other grandpa. I am so sad to say good-bye.
I hear he never woke yesterday. He had oxygen over his face when my uncle stopped by and was sleeping so my uncle went to my grandmother. (They were both in the same rehab home). The nurses went to my uncle who was helping grandma with lunch to tell him my grandfather had passed. He never woke and went quietly and peaceful. My uncle told grandma who said "already! So soon!"
I believe grandpa went way before lunch. This is going to sound strange but I was laying awake in bed yesterday at 5:00ish yesterday morning when I felt someone lean on my bed. There was a small hug and I thought it was my daughter coming to crawl into bed even though she hasn't in months. When I put my hand out no one was there. I was creeped out for a moment and pulled the sheet over my ear. Yup still scary even as an adult but going to bed last night that moment brought me peace. Maybe grandpa was saying goodbye. I will hold onto that thought until my last breath.
Grandma who is 99 is living in a home and doing well. I don't know that she truly knows where she is but she seemed okay when I went to see her. She seemed to know that she knew me but not sure she knew exactly who I was. She said, "I though you were coming earlier. Are you sleeping over?" We went to a private family area which is like a small balcony atrium and she said she and Artie have been coming here since before they were married. I think she was in Millbrook which is where they had their summer house. She mentioned that she never sees any animals. No deer or even a cat. We were on the 4th floor but she can only see trees and sky from the windows.
She asked if I was thirsty and told me to help myself to something in the refrigerator. There of course was none. She mentioned my cousin Jerry who she said was also supposed to come. Jerry is in a hospital with a brain tumor and they haven't talked in months. She asked who my friend was. It was my husband. It was so very sad for me to sit there not knowing what she could see or hear.
She was occupied with her hand which hurt her. She said maybe she was getting in fights at night. I think she slammed it on the hospital bed bars. God bless her. She seems happy. She asks about my grandfather and has to be reminded that he passed away. She says 'Oh yeah. Whose going to take care of me now?" UGH...my heart hurts when I think about it. Not because she was the perfect grandma and made me feel safe and warm. She wasn't and didn't. Not because she always had something nice to say. She didn't. I was so thankful to have her in my life. She is my family. Who else got cards, letters, phone calls and the occasional surprise check at 50 years old? She is old, alone and NOT in her home. She is a human being and I worry about her safety and hope she is being taken care of in the very best way. I told her I loved her before I left. I don't know if she heard me but I meant it with all my heart.
My uncle is selling their home since Grandma will not be leaving the rehab she is in. He told me to come over and collect anything I wanted. It was the strangest feeling to go through their things. At almost 51 I have never walked into their home and opened up their drawers or closets and now I was going to open every box, closet, search every drawer and cranny to make sure nothing of importance was left behind. My only focus was photos, movies and mementos.
Here are a few of them that I absolutely love (it is so strange to see pictures you have never seen before).
More pictures to come!
 |
| The last pic I took of my Grandfather |
 |
| Pulling out and staring at the door for the last time ever! |
This year on my Handsome's 14th Birthday my Maternal Grandfather passed away. Grandpa was 98 and lived a very long time. He buried two children and lost a lot of friends and family along the way.
He was very good to my sisters and I growing up. Tractor rides, candy, money, trips to Toys R Us with a "get whatever you want" speech and always so sweet. I can still hear his voice in my head. "What? You're talking tooooo fast, slow down". He was the polar opposite of my other grandpa. I am so sad to say good-bye.
I hear he never woke yesterday. He had oxygen over his face when my uncle stopped by and was sleeping so my uncle went to my grandmother. (They were both in the same rehab home). The nurses went to my uncle who was helping grandma with lunch to tell him my grandfather had passed. He never woke and went quietly and peaceful. My uncle told grandma who said "already! So soon!"
I believe grandpa went way before lunch. This is going to sound strange but I was laying awake in bed yesterday at 5:00ish yesterday morning when I felt someone lean on my bed. There was a small hug and I thought it was my daughter coming to crawl into bed even though she hasn't in months. When I put my hand out no one was there. I was creeped out for a moment and pulled the sheet over my ear. Yup still scary even as an adult but going to bed last night that moment brought me peace. Maybe grandpa was saying goodbye. I will hold onto that thought until my last breath.
Grandma who is 99 is living in a home and doing well. I don't know that she truly knows where she is but she seemed okay when I went to see her. She seemed to know that she knew me but not sure she knew exactly who I was. She said, "I though you were coming earlier. Are you sleeping over?" We went to a private family area which is like a small balcony atrium and she said she and Artie have been coming here since before they were married. I think she was in Millbrook which is where they had their summer house. She mentioned that she never sees any animals. No deer or even a cat. We were on the 4th floor but she can only see trees and sky from the windows.
She asked if I was thirsty and told me to help myself to something in the refrigerator. There of course was none. She mentioned my cousin Jerry who she said was also supposed to come. Jerry is in a hospital with a brain tumor and they haven't talked in months. She asked who my friend was. It was my husband. It was so very sad for me to sit there not knowing what she could see or hear.
She was occupied with her hand which hurt her. She said maybe she was getting in fights at night. I think she slammed it on the hospital bed bars. God bless her. She seems happy. She asks about my grandfather and has to be reminded that he passed away. She says 'Oh yeah. Whose going to take care of me now?" UGH...my heart hurts when I think about it. Not because she was the perfect grandma and made me feel safe and warm. She wasn't and didn't. Not because she always had something nice to say. She didn't. I was so thankful to have her in my life. She is my family. Who else got cards, letters, phone calls and the occasional surprise check at 50 years old? She is old, alone and NOT in her home. She is a human being and I worry about her safety and hope she is being taken care of in the very best way. I told her I loved her before I left. I don't know if she heard me but I meant it with all my heart.
My uncle is selling their home since Grandma will not be leaving the rehab she is in. He told me to come over and collect anything I wanted. It was the strangest feeling to go through their things. At almost 51 I have never walked into their home and opened up their drawers or closets and now I was going to open every box, closet, search every drawer and cranny to make sure nothing of importance was left behind. My only focus was photos, movies and mementos.
Here are a few of them that I absolutely love (it is so strange to see pictures you have never seen before).
 |
| My Mommy! Maybe 10 years old? |
 |
| Me in the background and my sister in front of me. |
 |
| Me with my grandma haircut! UGH not sure why Mommy let her do it. |
 |
| My on the right and Gab on the left wearing similar but not the SAME PJs |
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| Me and my grandma. The clothes of the 70s. YUCK! |
More pictures to come!
Friday, July 28, 2017
The Best Part Of My Summer Involves Bubbles And A Face Mask
I am fortunate enough to be able to take the summer off. My job understands that I am a mother first and an employee second and thankfully my husband is supportive. As a child I spent my summers running around alone without a parent. Life was different. Three girls on bikes alone without an adult for more than 8 hours a day?! Who didn't grow up like that in the 70s? These days if I had to work through summer my kids would be in a locked house all day until I got home probably too tired to want to do anything with them.
This year the kids joined a spa and spend three days a week there. My son heads out to the cliff and jumps about 200 times in the 5 hours we are there.
My daughter and I head to the pools and spend our time underwater after my water aerobic class. This has been one of the best summers ever.
Goddess is one of my favorite people to hang out with. We spend so much time together that usually either finish each other's sentences or say the exact same thing. It is weird but I love it. It happens at least 5 times a day and we laugh hysterically hugging each other trying not to laugh snort. She is 12 so I know my summer days with her won't always be like this. She will eventually NOT want to spend her days with me. She doesn't get to sleep as late as she would like which is why I don't go every day giving her 2 days to sleep in but I will miss our summers at the pool where my girl and I swam around each other, swam together, held each other (she loves holding me in the pool like a baby) and laughed until our cheeks hurt.
And finally me! I love being in water!
This year the kids joined a spa and spend three days a week there. My son heads out to the cliff and jumps about 200 times in the 5 hours we are there.
My daughter and I head to the pools and spend our time underwater after my water aerobic class. This has been one of the best summers ever.
Goddess is one of my favorite people to hang out with. We spend so much time together that usually either finish each other's sentences or say the exact same thing. It is weird but I love it. It happens at least 5 times a day and we laugh hysterically hugging each other trying not to laugh snort. She is 12 so I know my summer days with her won't always be like this. She will eventually NOT want to spend her days with me. She doesn't get to sleep as late as she would like which is why I don't go every day giving her 2 days to sleep in but I will miss our summers at the pool where my girl and I swam around each other, swam together, held each other (she loves holding me in the pool like a baby) and laughed until our cheeks hurt.
And finally me! I love being in water!
Thursday, July 27, 2017
Looking For A Summer Fun Toy For A Toddler? Look No Further!
From the Cat Machine Team is the perfect outdoor fun toy for 2+ years of age. I work in preschool with 2-3 year old who LOVE and fight over these trucks. They are the perfect toy for outdoor or indoor fun.
This pack comes with a Cat Tough Trucks 2 Pack - Dump Truck & Digger and sells for approximately $12.99. It is probably one of the best trucks I have seen for the preschool age.
There is a handle on the dump truck for easy carrying and the digger has two joints in the arm for loading and lifting.
What I love most about this beside the price is that back in the day when I was a kid the trucks were heavy and rusted in the rain if you left them outside. These are made from a durable plastic that won't rust or eventually cut you with a jagged edge. They are light and easy to carry and my preschool class LOVES them AND there are no batteries required.
My video review:
Tuesday, July 25, 2017
We Are Having A Swimmingly Good Time This Summer
This summer I decided instead of going on a long weekend vacation we should put our money into something that would last longer. I joined a spa. It cost way less than a vacation and we got it for 14 months and can go 7 days a week if we want.
The spa has three pools and we are loving life. It feels wrong to be enjoying myself while my husband works all day but we would be sitting home looking for things to do through the summer and he would still be working so may as well do it pool side. He has to work right?! It is not like we won the lottery or anything!
I finally have been able to use my waterproof for more than 1 picture.
Here is my Goddess and her friend in the pool.
Here they are in a friend's pool taking pics of each other. It is amazing how clear it is underwater.
Goddess recorded the fish tank under the water which I had not seen yet. I wish she would have taken her time so I could see what was going on but maybe next time I would head down.
To order this camera head over to Amazon. Way cheaper than a GoPro and it comes with a ton of accessories.
This is not an Ad. Just sharing a camera I got back in August of last year.
The spa has three pools and we are loving life. It feels wrong to be enjoying myself while my husband works all day but we would be sitting home looking for things to do through the summer and he would still be working so may as well do it pool side. He has to work right?! It is not like we won the lottery or anything!
I finally have been able to use my waterproof for more than 1 picture.
Here is my Goddess and her friend in the pool.
Here they are in a friend's pool taking pics of each other. It is amazing how clear it is underwater.
Goddess recorded the fish tank under the water which I had not seen yet. I wish she would have taken her time so I could see what was going on but maybe next time I would head down.
To order this camera head over to Amazon. Way cheaper than a GoPro and it comes with a ton of accessories.
This is not an Ad. Just sharing a camera I got back in August of last year.
Sunday, July 23, 2017
Our Boss Baby Family Movie Night
Disclaimer: I received a complimentary movie kit to talk about this movie.
If you are living in a cave or perhaps still have your pacifier you may not have heard of Boss Baby The Movie.
We received a package for our Family Night! This was the some stellar packaging. I was in love. From the Boss Baby briefcase, to the Top Secret Mission Notebooks with pens, Magnifying glasses and two Funko Pop Boss Baby Figurines we were hooked.
Boss Baby is about a briefcase toting baby on a BabyCorp secret mission to make sure that babies will never be second to puppies.
When this coffee drinking, spicy tuna loving, suit wearing, briefcase carrying baby arrives at 7 year old Tim Templeton's house as his new baby brother, Tim quickly suspects there is more to this baby than just a dirty diaper.
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| It only took four years but Goddess ate her Boss Baby Sushi with chop sticks. Well the last three pieces anyway. |
This movie is hysterical. Boss Baby explains how babies are created and it is not what you think. The babies are delivered to families and will mature into adults if they are ticklish BUT if not they are sent to the corporate part of BabyCorp to work. Since PuppyCo has a new campaign to make sure every family wants a puppy corporate babies are assigned to some families who work for PuppyCo. Mr. Templeton works for PuppyCo.
Boss Baby and Alec Baldwin as Boss Baby is perfect. His dry, smart aleck delivery is perfect. I cannot picture another in this role as he takes over the house and pushes Tim out. The slapping of mom's hand! LOL!!!! He is after all the boss.
It was hard watching Tim being tossed aside for the new baby. I kept saying awww poor Tim!
We loved the baby play date where Tim overhears and records Boss Baby and his playmates Jimbo, Stacy and The Triplets reporting back to find out what they have learned. When Tim gets in trouble for the chaos in the backyard, (where were these parents not watching all these babies?) Boss Baby visits his room to explain what is going on by handing him a pacifier and telling him, "Suck on it until you find the answers you are looking for." Tim and Boss Baby are then transported to BabyCorp so Tim can see for himself.
We love how the boys finally come together as true brothers. First because they need to work together and then because they love each other.
I loved how the movie balanced out Tim's perception of how things were going on versus how things were in reality such as the fight scene with the babies in the backyard and Tim being sent to his room and Wizzie being chained to the wall.
There is a lot of potty humor which most families find funny. I love the explanation of where babies come from which is the opening credits of the movie. Conveyor belts, pacifiers, diapers, powder all taken care of by machines.
Basically our mission was a success. We loved Boss Baby and have seen it now three times and it never gets old. A perfect movie for the whole family.
AND...of course since Cookies are For Closers...we ended our night with chocolate chip cookies.
We highly recommend Boss Baby. If you see it or have seen it please comment below telling us your favorite parts of the movie. I doubt I could come up with one favorite scene. BTW...Boss Baby 2 is scheduled for March 26, 2021. Hmmm...I wonder what that will be about?
Thursday, July 20, 2017
Our Summer Of Reading - Books For The Reluctant Readers
My husband and I love to read. My kids were never readers and it literally broke my heart how much they thought of it as a chore. I prayed for the day I would see them reading just to read not because they had homework or mom was making them get that hour of reading in. It could have back fired but fortunately it didn't! This year they have read their little eyes out thanks to a plethora of perfect books for the reluctant reader.
What I Learned Up To This Point:
1. Don't give up. Yes, kids doing things they are being forced to do but if you give gentle nudges they will eventually become comfortable being in unplugged and learn to enjoy a good book.
2. Make sure you find books THEY like. Think about what their passions are and research until you find those books. My son really has a hard time understanding what he is really reading. He is a great reader and can read the newspaper since the age of 5 but don't ask him to explain what he reads. His disability means he is very literal so he finds it hard to dig in and really understand what a book or even a word may be about.
3. Read with them. The past three summers I found books that all three of us will like. We read it as a family, taking turns with paragraphs. It was one of my favorite time of the summer and we were really able to discuss the book in detail helping them understand, go over vocabulary, discuss personalities and outcomes and spend time together.
4. Provide an incentive. This year my kids started asking about spending money. They are 12 and 14 and wanted to be able to buy what they want by saving their own money. I don't believe in paying for chores because those are things you need to do in this house. Laundry, taking out the garbage, dusting, moping, putting away groceries and more are MUSTS. So I figured I would pay them to read. For every book over 100 pages they get $5.00, 200 pages they get $10.00 and 300 pages $25.00. They also need to write me at least 3 paragraphs about the book. It is a win/win. I get to see what they are reading, they get to practice their writing and they read without me saying, have you read today?
My son so far has made $75.00 since school ended the end of June. My daughter because she reads slower and harder books hasn't made anything but if she finishes this book she will get $25.00.
The Books They Love and 1 I Loved This Summer:
A BABYSITTER'S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING (Ad) by Joe Ballarini by far my absolute favorite. READ THIS BOOK.
My son loves Football so I did some research and this reluctant reader sped his way through NFL Players Tiki and Ronde Barber's Books.
The football players crafted the perfect story for boys who love Football but not reading. The books are quick, entertaining, provide a good message and take the boys through middle school and into high school as football players on their schools team. It is about perseverance, teamwork, never giving up and being the best person you can be. My son loves them and so far has read.
Red Zone
My son's review:
Tiki and Ronde and the team are ready for the playoffs. They have 3 or 4 games until they make the State Championship. The guys are nervous that chicken pox will affect the team as it has been going around the school. The twins end up contracting chicken pox which side lines Tiki for a game. Fortunately both brothers play the State Championship and if they win this will be their second win!
This book was great because the boys played proud and they never gave up.
Kids will love this book because Tiki and Ronde make reading interesting, fun, and entertaining. I have been reading this series nonstop. I love Football and as the twin's mom says, "Play proud and never give up".
Go Long
My son's review:
The boys enter their second year of Junior High ready for their second season playing for football team, Hidden Valley Eagles.
When their beloved coach needs to leave school the team is reluctant to accept the new coach, Sam Wheeler. Tiki, knowing Mr. Wheeler because he had him as a science teacher the prior year is ready to give him a chance. Coach Wheeler would do video sessions with the team which enabled them to see how other teams played which eventually helped them win and gain team acceptance.
I think kids would like this book because it teaches them that you can still win even if you have a few loses.
Wildcard
My son's review:
I loved this book.
Wild Card is about the Tiki and Ronde Barber having 5 games remaining in their second year of Junior High.
The team is having trouble after their kicker (Adam) ends up on probation for bad grades.
The Twins help Adam bring up his grades and get back on the team.
The book is great. I loved how the team showed determination to do great without their star kicker (Adam). This is their chance to make it to the playoffs and they will do whatever they can to prove they are the champions.
Wild Card will make you want to read the whole series.
He just handed me the reviews on Jump Shot, Extra Innings, By My Brother's Side, Game Day and Goal Line but I am too lazy to retype right now. We have a ton more to order.
I love that she has found books she likes and they have really helped her. Since reading them, her reading score has skyrocketed.
SO, the moral of this story. Get books your kids NOT you like. They will read. It happened for me.
What I Learned Up To This Point:
1. Don't give up. Yes, kids doing things they are being forced to do but if you give gentle nudges they will eventually become comfortable being in unplugged and learn to enjoy a good book.
2. Make sure you find books THEY like. Think about what their passions are and research until you find those books. My son really has a hard time understanding what he is really reading. He is a great reader and can read the newspaper since the age of 5 but don't ask him to explain what he reads. His disability means he is very literal so he finds it hard to dig in and really understand what a book or even a word may be about.
3. Read with them. The past three summers I found books that all three of us will like. We read it as a family, taking turns with paragraphs. It was one of my favorite time of the summer and we were really able to discuss the book in detail helping them understand, go over vocabulary, discuss personalities and outcomes and spend time together.
4. Provide an incentive. This year my kids started asking about spending money. They are 12 and 14 and wanted to be able to buy what they want by saving their own money. I don't believe in paying for chores because those are things you need to do in this house. Laundry, taking out the garbage, dusting, moping, putting away groceries and more are MUSTS. So I figured I would pay them to read. For every book over 100 pages they get $5.00, 200 pages they get $10.00 and 300 pages $25.00. They also need to write me at least 3 paragraphs about the book. It is a win/win. I get to see what they are reading, they get to practice their writing and they read without me saying, have you read today?
My son so far has made $75.00 since school ended the end of June. My daughter because she reads slower and harder books hasn't made anything but if she finishes this book she will get $25.00.
The Books They Love and 1 I Loved This Summer:
A BABYSITTER'S GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING (Ad) by Joe Ballarini by far my absolute favorite. READ THIS BOOK.
It’s not every day you
learn that monsters are real…
Packed with black-and-white
illustrations and insider secrets from the world of monster hunting, A BABYSITTER’S
GUIDE TO MONSTER HUNTING is
full of tricks, treats, and terrifying twists!
Kelly gets sucked into a babysitting job for her mom's boss. She would much rather go to a party but when Jacob the 4 year old little boy in her care gets sucked under his bed by some smelly monsters, Luckily Jacob had mention to call his other babysitter who shows up and with a baby strapped to her. Kelly learns there is a whole lot she didn't know about babysitting and that their is a secret society of sitters who protect the world from these nasty underground Toadies and more. Monster's do exist but when a babysitter is on the job, their is nothing they won't do to get their kid back!
I love reading this out loud. It is so fun and my daughter and I took turns and did voices. It is a fun book with lots of humor. It is entertaining and fast paced. Think Buffy the Vampire Slayer without the vamps. I felt like I was watching a movie as I read it so I am so happy to hear that this is going to be a movie one day.
My son loves Football so I did some research and this reluctant reader sped his way through NFL Players Tiki and Ronde Barber's Books.
The football players crafted the perfect story for boys who love Football but not reading. The books are quick, entertaining, provide a good message and take the boys through middle school and into high school as football players on their schools team. It is about perseverance, teamwork, never giving up and being the best person you can be. My son loves them and so far has read.
Red Zone
Tiki and Ronde and the team are ready for the playoffs. They have 3 or 4 games until they make the State Championship. The guys are nervous that chicken pox will affect the team as it has been going around the school. The twins end up contracting chicken pox which side lines Tiki for a game. Fortunately both brothers play the State Championship and if they win this will be their second win!
This book was great because the boys played proud and they never gave up.
Kids will love this book because Tiki and Ronde make reading interesting, fun, and entertaining. I have been reading this series nonstop. I love Football and as the twin's mom says, "Play proud and never give up".
Go Long
My son's review:
The boys enter their second year of Junior High ready for their second season playing for football team, Hidden Valley Eagles.
When their beloved coach needs to leave school the team is reluctant to accept the new coach, Sam Wheeler. Tiki, knowing Mr. Wheeler because he had him as a science teacher the prior year is ready to give him a chance. Coach Wheeler would do video sessions with the team which enabled them to see how other teams played which eventually helped them win and gain team acceptance.
I think kids would like this book because it teaches them that you can still win even if you have a few loses.
Wildcard
My son's review:
I loved this book.
Wild Card is about the Tiki and Ronde Barber having 5 games remaining in their second year of Junior High.
The team is having trouble after their kicker (Adam) ends up on probation for bad grades.
The Twins help Adam bring up his grades and get back on the team.
The book is great. I loved how the team showed determination to do great without their star kicker (Adam). This is their chance to make it to the playoffs and they will do whatever they can to prove they are the champions.
Wild Card will make you want to read the whole series.
He just handed me the reviews on Jump Shot, Extra Innings, By My Brother's Side, Game Day and Goal Line but I am too lazy to retype right now. We have a ton more to order.
My daughter LOVES a series of books called Warrior Cats. She has read the first series and is onto the next. She reads and talks to me about them. I have no interest but these are the first books she has loved on her own.
I love that she has found books she likes and they have really helped her. Since reading them, her reading score has skyrocketed.
SO, the moral of this story. Get books your kids NOT you like. They will read. It happened for me.
Sunday, July 16, 2017
Art Like A Boss Baby
This Friday my daughter decided to draw Boss Baby Templeton in her sketch book. It took her 1 hour to sketch and color. My son printed out a copy of Templeton and colored for 1 minute. I think they both look pretty good but MAN oh Man can she draw like a BOSS or what?! It looks exactly like the print out! I wish I had half her talent.
She didn't want me to get her face (as if) so I snapped the head thrown back artist formally known as Goddess with her amazing original sketch of dah dah dah Boss Baby!
