Discovering Hobbies

As the years go by, and my girls keep growing before my eyes...I can't help but wonder what hobbies I could aspire to do. I really don't have a lot of creativity, although I do enjoy writing. I am not sure that fictional stories would be something I would enjoy doing. 

I love to read, but to be honest I haven't picked up a good ADULT book in years. All I read these days are children's stories day in and day out. I really need to change that habit! So with that said, a book club wouldn't work.

I enjoy cooking and baking, and thought about taking a course in the future. But prices are steep and time is still hard to come by these days. Currently, I have been writing recipes for a few blogs on the World Wide Web and really have enjoyed myself with that. You can find some of my creations at Deal Searching Mama, Military Wives Saving and a few other places. 

I really enjoy photography as well (that pics above, and almost all the pics on this blog have been taken my me). I am not sure how much it would cost to take a photography course, but I would love to check it out, and see how much better my photos could get. 

I am really not that crafty of a person, and sports really aren't my thing ~ so those are out as well...hopefully I can find something to give me some ME time, and venture out into the world. 

Being a full time mommy is such a joy, but I think discovering more about myself and maybe even my talents will be quite an adventure to take as well. Until next time, take care...

Writing is my Outlet

I really miss writing...pouring my heart and soul into a handwritten letter to someone I care about, or typing out my thoughts here on my blog. Hands down to all those fellow writers, bloggers and of course, parents out there who are able to juggle it all and write daily about something fascinating in their corner of the world. 

What started out to be as a graduate project four years ago, which turned into a family diary, is now a mixture of reviews, pictures and ads that don't really blend that well together. I am not exactly sure what I want to do with this blog anymore...I love to write, and maybe I can get back into sharing tidbits of memories through messages and photos that I love to take. My goal is to take on this blog as a way to preserve the things I love the most...which is my family. 

My girls are growing up so fast...too fast in fact. I can't help but worry what life will be like when they are teenagers...I have already heard things that most parents wouldn't dream of wanting to hear ~ like "I hate you", "You are not my real mom", and lately "I am going to live with someone else". Who knew that being upset over a toy taken away, or a disciplinary issue could escalate to hurtful words like that. Granted, my oldest is 4 years old and maybe that is just her way of expressing that she is NOT happy when she doesn't get her way. 

Its funny to look back and recall all those funny moments of parenting...potty training, messy disasters and sleepless nights (which still seem to never go away). As a parent, I feel that my stress levels are always up and down like a roller coaster; and that is something that I am still learning to deal with. 

I don't want to be a "Debbie Downer", nor do I feel that complaining makes it any easier...so I would like to end on a positive note. I have so many wonderful things in my life that are going well, which include: a happy (for the most part) and healthy family, a home, food to eat, water to drink and enough money to get by each day. There are many many more things to be thankful for, but those are the ones that are worth mentioning at the moment. 

I hope you all have a wonderful week! Take care, and look for another upcoming post soon!

Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends Product Review

As many of you know, my family and I absolutely love Honey Bunches of Oats. And this past month, we were sent a box for FREE to try thanks to Purex Insiders. 

I just love the Mango-Coconut flavors...it makes you feel like you are on a tropical island retreat.

With 50 million smiles and counting Honey Bunches of Oats is introducing a new way to smile...Crispy mango flavored flakes combined with real coconut shavings and coconut flavored granola clusters in New Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends. 

Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends is packed with 10g of Whole Grain. And what's nice about this cereal, is that its only 120 calories. And 6g of sugar compared to Honey Nut Cheerios at 9g.  Includes 9 essential vitamins and minerals including 60% daily value of iron.  4 wholesome grains also Heart Healthy  0 grams of Trans Fat, 0.5 Saturated Fat, and 0mg Cholesterol!

Want to escape to the tropics? Enter to WIN $13,000 in prizes from Purex!!

If you would like to learn more about about Honey Bunches of Oats you can check out their Facebook page, where they offer coupons and more information on all their products! 

I received a free sample of Honey Bunches of Oats Tropical Blends for this post from Purex Insiders. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

Destin's 4th Birthday

I cannot believe Destin is 4 years old today! She has grown up so much, and amazes us everyday with how incredibly smart she is. 

As you can see in the pic above, I listed some of her "LOVES". Here is what it says...
Disney Princess, LEGOs, Sophia the First, Cheese Pizza, Drawing, Reading books, Going to Preschool, Her friends (her best friends are Karly, Calla, Liza, and Olivia), Playing dress up, Tea parties, Riding her bicycle and signing songs all the time. 

Her Favorites:
The color Blue, Strawberry Milk, Elephants, and Princess Rapunzel (formerly Snow White). 

Destin Dislikes:
Bees, Spicy stuff, Going to bed/sleeping (this has been getting worse)..

Some news for her...we are getting ready to sign up for T-ball this Spring/Summer and we just signed her up for Pre-K next Fall. Its hard to believe that next year, she will be in Kindergarten! Wow!!

I took her in for her 4 Year Check Up, and she was 3 ft 2.5 inches (she has grown 2 inches in 1 year); and weighs 34 lbs (gaining 4.5 lbs in a year). 

Tonight...for her birthday, we are having Pizza (her favorite) and surprising her with a Cinderella mini cake from Walmart. 

We are planning on having a birthday party for her at Paradise Park this weekend (a local indoor/outdoor play area) with close friends and family. Here is what her invites look like, which I got from And Everything Nice. Aren't they adorable?!

More pics to come...

Purex Baby Review + Giveaway

Purex never ceases to amaze me...they are always coming out with new and improved products, including the NEW and improved Purex Baby Detergent. 

Not only will your child's clothing smell fresh, and like a baby ~ but it will be very clean, and last for weeks at a time. I loved washing my girls' blankets and even stuffed animals with Purex Baby! 

Purex Baby detergent is hypoallergenic, dermatologist-tested and formulated to be extra gentle on your little one’s sensitive skin. Purex Baby detergent leaves your baby’s clothes smelling fresh and clean, and won’t harm the flame resistance of sleepwear.

I would highly recommend this product to anyone who is expecting, or has children already. It truly is remarkable how this laundry "helper" can provide you with what you need for your daily chores. 

I received a free sample of Purex plus Oxi for this post from Purex Insiders. My participation is voluntary and my opinions, as always, are my own.

I would like to giveaway TWO Purex Baby detergent coupons - good for 1 bottle of Purex Baby detergent (exp. 12/31/2014, max value $5.00) to TWO of my readers. To enter, simply fill out the Rafflecopter form below.

This giveaway will end Wednesday, February 27th and the winners will be announced Thursday, Feb 28th! Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway