Update

I realized that I hadn't written on my blog about my daughter's condition. She has leukemia. More speciafically she has acute lymphoblastic leukemia. One of the most treatable kinds. We just got to my grandma's house last night. We can't go home just yet b/c we had to have new flooring installed and some painting done. So after that is done we can go home.
Kayla is responding very well to the chemo and her leukemia cell counts are down which is a good thing. She is also eating a ton of food. She is on steriods which is another form of cancer killer and it is making her hungry all the time. She craves anything salty and will actually lick the salt off of crakcers. Her favorite snacks are olives, croutons, quesadillas and ranch dressing. They say to give her what she wants so that she can pack on the pounds. Apparently when her chemo gets a little more aggressive she will lose weight and not have much of an appetite.

We also found out that Jimmy has 2 tumors in his chest and we find out today if it is cancerous.
I promise I will update when I find out what he has.

I wont be on for a while

I am having major family health issues and I am not sure when I will have time to post.

Jig-a-loo

When I first got my jig-a-loo in the mail I wasn't quite sure what to do with it. Jig-A-Loo is a revolutionary new product that combines the power of a lubricant with the properties of a water-repellent.

It’s a dry silicone-based lubricant that, unlike any other lubricant, contains no oil, grease, wax, petroleum distillates or detergent, so it doesn't stain or stink. It stops squeaks, un-sticks just about anything, protects against rust, and is an exceptional water repellent.

With the 3+ feet of snow that we recently got we had a really hard time shoveling. We tried spraying baking spray on the shovel and after a few minutes it would start sticking again. We also tried crisco and rubbing a candle on the shovel still not working. Then my husband found the Jig-a-loo in the garage and tried it. He said it worked like a charm. The snow wasn't sticking anymore and it made shoveling a lot easier. Try it out for yourself.

I got an Award!

I received the Oh So Fabulous Award from Toni:



The rules are: I should tell you 5 things I’m absolutely addicted to, and of course pass it on to the 5 blogs :)

So here are my 5 addictions:
1. Tea. I was brought up in an English household and even had it in my bottle. I have to have it every morning.
2. Dexter. I am insanely obsessed with that serial killer.
3. Most reality TV. I know that 99.99% of it is scripted but I love it. Especially Big Brother!
4. Food. I love all food. I don't discriminate. :)
5. The internet. I go on multiple times a day.

So there you have it, my 5 fabulous addictions (can’t wait to hear about yours).

I am bestowing this fabulous award to:

1. An Ordinary Life
2. MommyMandy
3. Confessions of a Psychotic Housewife
4. The Queen B
5. Thrifty Jinxy

Wordless Wednesday

The whole clan together! My mom couldn't be happier.

Basket of Indulgence - Gift basket giveaway

New Chex Mix Bars combine crunchy Chex pieces, pretzels and peanuts with chewy and indulgent ingredients like caramel and chocolate. And if that’s not enough, they have less than 150 calories per bar and provide at least 8 grams of whole grain per serving (48 grams recommended daily)!



I have loved Chex Mix for a long time. I was super excited to try the new sweeter mixes and I love them just as much as the older varieties!

I have 3 gift baskets to give away!

Each Chex Mix Bars Basket of Indulgence comes with a box of tasty Turtle Chex Mix Bars, chocolate candles, caramel lotion and spa essentials like a loofah, hand massager, nail brush and spa towel.

To win: Just Tell me about the best present you ever received.

For an extra entry add my button.

Contest ends December 27.

Babylicious

I love baby blankets and bedding sets. I like all the matchy matchy things and all the different ways you can decorate a bed. Babylicious is the perfect site to find all that is bedding and blankets. Not just that but they also make burp cloths, bibs, towels and gifts.

I got to try out the Happy Yummy Blanket. IT is white with orange, green and blue dots. But the part that I love the most is the inside of the blanket is that it has fleece. It is a fabulous blanket and I think any mommy would be lucky to get it as a gift.

Protect a Bub - Giveaway

Have you ever been walking outside with your baby in the stroller and the sun gets right in their eyes? Protect a Bub eliminates that problem. They make stroller sunshades that are so cool!

Features:

* protects against 98%+ of the sun's rays
* lightweight, breathable fabric keeps child comfortable
* easily attaches to any car seat
* no canopy required
* adjustable side flaps provide additional protection
* Pediatrician Recommended

I highly recommend purchasing this sun shade from Protect a Bub. They work very well and protect against harmful UVB rays. What more could you ask for?

Mention code protectyourbub to receive a 10% discount on any order from protectabub.com.

Would you like to win a Sunshade from Protect a Bub?

Just leave me a comment telling me about a cool present that you are giving to someone else.

For any extra entry add my button.

Contest ends December 26.

Jonathan's Wild Cherry Spoons - Giveaway

I cook and bake a lot and I have learned which utensils are better for the different types of cooking and baking. I love to use wooden utensils especially when I am making pastas or sauces. Jonathan's Spoons are perfect for any type of baking or cooking that you would want to do.

Inspired by the simplistic beauty of the American Arts & Crafts Movement, Jonathan’s Wild Cherry Spoons offer a awe-inspiring variety of wooden utensils for cooking and serving.

I received the lazy spoon and I am in love with the design. It has a notch in the handle so that you can rest it on the side of the pot. I was so happy that I didn't have to set the spoon on the counter.

Besides the aesthetic appeal, Jonathan’s Wild Cherry Spoons are a fabulous choice for families who want to buy handmade or work to eliminate plastics in their home. These are beautiful pieces that will last a lifetime!

I am so in love with all of his designs that I want to collect them all. My other favorites are:

The Spouted Ladle, it is perfect for pouring pancake batter, cupcake batter or just about anything that you could want to pour. I could see myself using this spoon a lot!









The Medium Spatula is also one that I really want! The design is simple yet very functional. I would love to eventually have a whole set made of wood and throw out all my old plastic ones.



Would you like to win a Lazy Spoon of your own?

Just go to Jonathan's Spoons and tell me about another spoon that you think is cool.

For an added entry add my button and tell me in a separate comment.

Contest ends December 26.

R.I.P Bettie Page

The legendary and 'notorious' Bettie Page has passed away.

The iconic pinup died at a Los Angeles hospital, where she had been on life support since she had a heart attack on December 2nd, according to her agent, Mark Roesler.

She was 85 years old.

Trebimbi - Giveaway

I really wish that I had had the Trebimbi Club Set when my kids were learning how to use utensils. I just love the design of the utensils, plate and egg cup. Their designs are made so that kids have fun eating. The bright, plastic cutlery connects to each other, as well as to the bowl, mug and eggcup as well.
I tried the Trebimbi Club Set on my niece who is turning 1 on Dec. 22 and she had a blast. She is still learning how to feed herself so it was fun to see her maneuver the fork and spoon into her mouth. She did have a lot of fun with the colors and different things to eat with.
For 10% off your order enter discount code - mgctre


Would you like to win a Trebimbi cutlery set?

Just leave me a comment telling me about your child's favorite and least favorite food.

For an extra entry add my button

Contest ends December 24.

Wordless Wednesday

Minnie Mouse's Christmas Tree at Disneyland

Pediped

When your little one is learning how to walk, shoes can be very constricting. Pediped makes shoes that are the next best thing to bare feet. According to the American Podiatric Medical Association, "Allowing the youngster to go barefoot or to wear just socks helps the foot to grow normally and to develop its musculature and strength as well as the grasping action of the toes." Doctors also recommend that children first learning how to walk go barefoot or wear soft flexible shoes. Walking around barefoot is not always practical, as little feet need protection from rough surfaces and dirty floors. Soft-soled shoes provide the health benefits of being barefoot with the added protection of soles.

Pediped footwear is designed with comfort, quality and stlye:
Comfort: Pediped footwear is made with premium, non toxic, ECO grade leather throughout. Foam insoles and cushions provide a comfortable fit, along with padded heels to absorb shock.
Quality: unsurpassed quality and craftsmanship have earned pediped footwear a loyal following. Premium grade leather, distinctive styling and remarkable attention to detail have resulted in truly exceptional shoes.
Style: With over 45 fashion forward styles to choose from pediped is sure to compliment any look. Designs include all occasion Mary Janes, patent holiday shoes, traditional penny loafers, breezy sandals and ultra cool athletic shoes.
Kayla got a pair of Pedipeds and they are her favorite to wear. Anytime we go somewhere or even when she had to go to school those are the shoes that she wants to wear.


Would you like to win a pair of pedipeds?

Just go to their website and tell me 2 stlyes and in what size that you would like to win. (you are picking 2 in case the first style is not available)

For a second entry add my button
Contest ends December 23.

Holidays at Disneyland

To help kick of the holiday season at Disneyland, Disney invited 50 mommy bloggers, and their families, to attend a weekend of fun at the Disneyland Hotel and Disney Parks in Anaheim.
I had been excited for weeks but I didn't tell Kayla because I knew that she would ask non stop about when we were going to go.

We waited until Jimmy got home from work so that he could tell her. She seemed excited to go but I don't think that she fully grasped the magic that is Disneyland. We told her that Disneyland is where all the princesses live along with Mickey, Goofy, Minnie and a whole lot more. It only took us an hour and a half to get there. So it wasn't too bad.

We got ready in out motel and then off to the Grand Californian Hotel for some meet and greet with other blogger along with a presentation.
The hors d'oeuvres were sooo good! I chased the guy that had the pizza. It had zucchini on it! They had a face painting station for the kids as well as video games.

The mommy bloggers were called into a separate area while the kids and other adults ate dinner. We saw a slide show about the different foods and treats that could be found around the park. ( I was starving so they all looked incredible!)
Then we got a how-to lesson from the Executive Pastry Chef Jean Marc on how to make a gingerbread house. He made it look easy and it smelled amazing.
We then got a presentation about Photo Pass. Which is really really cool. There are photographers around the park that will take your picture and all that you need to get your picture is a card. You go onto the photo pass website and you can order prints or get your images on a cup, an ornament or even make your own calender!

So after the presentation we got to eat dinner. I had noodles with tomatoes and melted cheese on top. yum!

Then we had escorts that walked us from the hotel to a special viewing area to see the fireworks show. Our escorts was amazing. I asked him every single question that popped into my head and he answered every one. Did you know that the whole park is decorated in one night? It takes 25,000 people to do it. (just something that I learned form Chris)
We still had a little time before the fireworks so we made out way over to Pirates of the Caribbean. It was just as great as I remembered and I was very excited to see Jack Sparrow in there. I hadn't seen it since they changed it.

The fireworks show was amazing. The set the fireworks to music which made it that mush better. Plus the castle changed from purple to pink to blue. It was truly magical.

After the fireworks we were escorted over to It's a Small World. We got fast passes which I am very glad for because that line was very long. Kayla was absolutely mesmorized by it. They sing Jingle Bells and that made her day since that is a song that she is learning in her kindergarten class. The whole ride is decked out in all that is Christmas. They really go all out when they decorate.

So after Small World we decided that we were very tired (it was about 11 Pm) so we made our way back over the Grand Californian to get our car.



The next day was just a whirlwind of rides, food and magical times. I love Disneyland and I was beyond impressed with the decor and how nice everybody was. They were happy to hold our balloon while we were on a ride and they madew our expierience perfect. So if you haven't been to Disneyland during the holidays then I highly reccommend that you go. It is a memory that you will hold with you for the rest of your life. I know I will.

Me4Kidz - Natural and Organic

I love my MediBag buddy so much and I was very excited when Me4Kidz asked me to review another product. It is called the Diaper Bag Buddy and it is fabulous! This kit contains everything that you could need while on the go. And the best part? They are all Natural and Organic!

Each kit includes:
(1) Organic Diaper Rash Cream
(2) Natural Aloe Vera Gel Packs
(1) Organic Face & Body Moisturizer
(5) Latex Free Junior Bandages
(1) One Time Use Thermometer
(1) Organic Shampoo & Body Wash
(3) Natural Tush Wipes
(1) Reusable % 100% Recycled, Lead Free Carrying Case

This pack really is a great idea. I can't tell you how many times I have been out and didn't have what I needed. This is a great gift for baby showers or anytime.

Would you like to win a Diaper Bag Buddy of your own?

To enter just leave me a message with a funny story about a time that the Diaper Buddy would have come in handy.

Contest Ends December 17.