A Visit to the Dentist

Due to C's oral issue it seems like we are always at the doctor or dentist. Lately we've spent a lot of time at the dentist  making sure everyone's teeth are healthy and getting C's mouth checked out at his 1 year past surgery mark. This would not be a big problem but due to C's surgery he is very nervous with anyone who wants in his mouth. This in turn makes B nervous and it makes for a long day. 

Because C's surgery was considered cosmetic dentistry it was a struggle to find someone to do it. First we had to get all sorts of tests done by therapists and written documents saying that his tongue was in face affecting his eating and speech because according to many doctors and dentists being tongue-tied does not cause any problems. We also had to file special paperwork with our insurance to show them that this was a needed procedure and that they should pay for it. All of this created a huge headache for something that, if you would have seen him before his surgery, would have been obvious that it was a problem.

Now that everything is said and done I am so glad that we saw things through and had the surgery as needed. It caused a lot of stress until it was over but now that it's been done for almost a year and C is beginning to do better and learn to talk it is so nice to know that he will catch up. 

I am participating in a blogger campaign by Cosmetic Dentist NYC and Bucks2Blog and was compensated. However, the views and opinions are my own.

Date Night: Book Pickup

This week for our date night E and I are going up to school to get our books. For us this involves about 40 minutes in the car together and a walk on campus. It is amazing what happens when you put us on campus with kids our own age without our kids. It's like a whole new life. It's so funny to see all the other people our age who's biggest worry is waking up for class on time trying to comprehend how we are their classmates, the same age, with three kids and a house. Anyway, going to school does allow us to get back in the "dating" atmosphere and time to just walk holding hands which sometimes is the best date we could ask for.

Is there someplace that makes you feel young and in love? Tell us about it!

Blogorama Bonanza: NanoStyle Spotlight

Are you looking for a unique gift for the woman in your life? If so make sure you check out NanoStyle! They have beautiful pendants for every personality. 

Thanks for sponsoring NanoStyle!

Blogorama Bonanza: Sockeye Media Review

About Sockeye Media:

Sockeye Media LLC was founded in 2001 by an educator and former PBS producer. With a passion for creating kids media that educates and enthralls, Sockeye has produced award-winning content for television, print, audio and the web.

My Thoughts:

Sockeye sent me an awesome package of goodies to review! I must say that I really like the idea as nursery rhymes are so much fun for kids. My only complaint is about the movie and that's because it seems very repetitive, but I guess that is how kids learn. The characters are very cute, B & C's favorite part is when the mouse climbs up the clock (they even tried to do it themselves). The CDs are my favorite because they have so many nursery rhymes, many of which I had forgotten about, and the boys love listening to them. The coloring book they sent is also way fun. We haven't used it yet as the boys aren't much for coloring but I know once they're a bit older they will love it. I think a gift from Sockeye would be great for any toddler or young child. Make sure you check them out today!

Adoptable Pet: Gia!

Did you know that there are 15,000 adoptable Chihuahuas listed on Petfinder.com? That is just one breed! Please consider adopting your next pet!

Today's adoptable pet is found in Sacramento, CA. She is a 9 week old Chi mix named Gia. Gia is currently in foster care and looking for a mommy, or daddy, to call her own. As a puppy she's going to best with someone who has time, attention, and knowledge about her training and care. Please contact the Sacramento Independent Animal Rescuers today to find out more about this adorable baby!

Blogorama Bonanza: Butt Paste Spotlight

Does your child have a rash that just won't go away? Have you checked out Butt Paste? It's for more than diaper rash, go check it out!

Thanks for sponsoring Butt Paste!

Blogorama Bonanza: Earth Mama Review

About Earth Mama:

Earth Mama Angel Baby's pregnancy, childbirth and baby products were, ahem, born of our sincere faith in the natural process of birthing babies. Supporting the pure process naturally with nature's gifts makes sense to us. We don't think of pregnancy as an illness, merely a phenomenal process that has many wonderful and sometimes difficult stages. We trust in the wise women who have historically exalted the glories and eased the common discomforts of pregnancy naturally.

My Thoughts:

Earth Mam sent me some Natural Nipple Butter and Booby Tubes to review. Since I am currently a full time nursing mom these were put to use almost the second they arrived and I must say I love both. Thankfully I do not usually suffer from chapped nipples however now that I'm beginning to pump so I'm ready for school they are often sore and the Natural Nipple Butter is helping with that problem. It doesn't take very much but the Natural Nipple Butter is very soothing even after having pumped several times in one day and it is helping me be able to continue my pumping routine and keep up my milk supply. Although I like the Nipple Butter the Booby Tubes are my favorite. When I first told E what these were he goes "they sent you what?" but these are so nice and comfortable I know they will get used regularly. It only takes a few seconds in the microwave to heat my Booby Tubes and the warmth had helped my clogged ducts withing just a handful of feedings. This has been so nice and besides, I love the cool/warm on my breasts.

If you're breastfeeding I highly recommend you check out all the great products over at Earth Mama!
And watch for a great giveaway during Blogorama Bonanza!

Blogorama Bonanza: GoGreen Pocket Diapers Spotlight

If you've been thinking about cloth diapering but have been afraid of the price you need to check out GoGreen Pocket Diapers. They have awesome diapers at an even better price!

Thanks for sponsoring GoGreen!

Calling Cards & Gift Tags Review

About Amy Adele:

Since I was a child, I have been hand-drawing birthday and Christmas cards and never took my art very seriously. However, in 2004 our friends and family encouraged my husband and me to turn my doodles into a business of selling cards.
I remember lying in bed one night laughing with my husband about the idea. Would people really want to buy my artwork? I haven’t studied art my whole life and I don’t have an art degree. I was just a mom to two sweet girls who loved to draw.
After much prayer my husband and I believed God wanted us to pursue this project. We spent the following 18 months planning and organizing this online business and on November 15, 2005, amyadele.com was launched.
In less than a month my husband and I were up late every night folding cards and packaging orders. We quickly realized we could not run this business by ourselves. We had to hire help fast! Since that time, we have been fortunate that each individual that has joined our team is a dedicated and tireless professional that respects and cares about our customers.
Because we do have such a great staff, I am able to work from home and be with my children. My husband has come on board to run it full-time and we also added one more little kiddo to our family - our son, who was born two months premature. You can look back at our blogs and follow his journey to date. I am still involved on a daily basis, but our amazing staff manages our printing and production from our offices nearby.
I never imagined God would lead us on this adventure. However, I am thankful my art has been a part of so many lives. We are excited about our site redesign, launched spring 2011, and look forward to what’s in store for the coming years.
May God bless you as you follow Him and find His adventure for your life.
Love,
Amy

My Thoughts:

I have fallen in love with Amy Adele! I love the cute themes of her personalized calling cards. I was sent some adorable Happy Daisy Row cards with my blog and shop's information on them to review. I loved how super easy they were to customize! The only thing I didn't like was that you can only fit a certain number of rows on each card, if you could change this it would be awesome! Other than that the service was fast and my cards are just as cute as they are in the picture. Thanks so much Amy Adele!

 I received one or more of the products mentioned above for free using Tomoson.com. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I use personally and believe will be good for my readers.

Ride The Dappled Mare - By Joan Elizabeth Moody Baker

About Ride The Dappled Mare:

The Mason-Dixon Line clearly delineated the geographical territory between the North and South; but people and their lives are not so easily categorized. In this Civil War novel, the reader meets a Southern judge who has never owned a slave; an Englishman who joins the Confederate Army; a free-spirited Southern belle who often chafes under her social restraints; and Episcopalian rector who is not what he seems; and a free black family who choose to stay with their employers. They joys, delights, heartbreaks, and trials of life are magnified during times of trouble; and all these are here in Ride The Dappled Mare.

My Thoughts:

For me reading Ride the Dappled Mare was not at all what I expected, it was however a great book. There were a few times that I felt like transitions between characters were a little awkward but other than that it was great. I loved the story line and although I do not believe the history was completely accurate, it was realistic and somewhat educating. Although this is a romance it is appropriate for young readers and I would recommend anyone who likes a good historical romance adds it to their collection.

I received a complimentary copy of Ride The Dappled Mare as a member of the Dorrance Publishing Book Review Team.  Visit dorrancebookstore.com to learn how you can become a member of the Book Review Team.

Wordless Wednesday - Nap Time

Blogorama Bonanza: Yakitoko Review

About Yakitoko:

Yakitoko is a clothing brand started in 2011 by Frange Abaraka while attending the University of Maryland, College Park.

The meaning of Yakitoko came from Lingala, a dialect from Central Africa. The word helms on the idea of the literal translation of "Something Beautiful". I know you thought it was Japanese, got ya!!

The idea first came to me in January, 2010, when I discovered a 'Threadless' clothing community, where artists come to submit their designs for a chance to get printed on a t-shirt and earn $2500. At 'Threadless' I learned a lot in terms of designing; it's not only a competitive website, the artists are kind enough to give suggestions and offer help on ideas circulated. That helped me hone in my skills. After spending some time circulating my ideas and receiving positive feedback, I decided it was time to share my talent with the world.

At Yakitoko, the motto is "dress for fun". We strive to offer fun, artistic, and quality design.

Frange Abaraka

My Thoughts:

Yakitoko sent us this Jet Engine Victim Tee to review. I must say that I'm not overly fond of the picture, most people just look at you like what in the world is that. The shirt however is high quality and has washed well. The color is actually brighter than in the photo which is awesome! The size is also very standard so ordering is easy. Although this particular shirt isn't something I would normally wear I do love the zebra shirt above. Either way for the right person Yakitoko has some awesome shirts and are helping to sponsor an awesome giveaway during Blogorama Bonanza so stay tuned.

Zoobies Review

About Zoobies:

Zoobies, LLC was created by two young brothers who shared a common desire to invent something that was fun, innovative and functional. Coming from a large family of nine children, they saw the need to consolidate what one could bring on long road trips and family excursions; something to make life easier for mom.

My Thoughts:

My boys love their new Zoobie! I had a hard time getting a picture with good color so the top picture is most accurate. C especially loves the "d-dater" and is so proud of himself when he says what it is. Both the animal and the blanket are amazingly soft! As you can see the blanket is a great size, big enough to cover but not so big it overtakes everything. It was a bit difficult to fold the blanket back up to put inside the animal but only because I had too many helpers. It certainly is a mom's job but is not bad if you can do it without help. Other than that the only problem we have had is that there are not three of them in my house. I guess someone is going to have to write a letter to Santa!

Toddler Tuesday: Farmer Brown Birthday

It's almost birthday time again at the Kerr house so I'm looking at fun party themes. I found this farm party today that I just had to share. Make sure you check out the cake (at the very bottom). What do you think I should do for C's birthday?

Blogorama Bonanza: Barkley Spotlight

Everyone needs a good book to read with their favorite child! Make sure you add Barkley to your bookshelf today!

Thanks for sponsoring!

Blogorama Bonanza - Cardio in a Box Spotlight

If you're looking for a great gift for your employees look no further than Cardio in a Box. Give your gift these holidays knowing that it will better your office environment.

Thanks for sponsoring!

Mom Shop Monday: Kerrific Online - The Store

About Kerrific Online:

If you're reading this you probably know a little bit about our family. The five of us work hard to make it through school, work and our everyday lives as a family. Our shop is how I (A) contribute to our family finances and make it possible for both E and I to be full time students. My local business is going fairly well but I'm having a much harder time getting my shop to be productive. The deal I would like to make with you today is that anyone who makes a purchase between now and September 30th will receive 15% back in a refund when they leave me feedback prior to October 31st. I'm adding items almost everyday as I find them in all these moving boxes so make sure you check out all the great things we have to offer!

You can find our shop through the tab above. 

Thanks everyone!

Blogorama Bonanza: Yakitoko Spotlight

If you like to "dress for fun" then you need to check out the new clothing line at Yakitoko and watch for a great giveaway here at Kerrific.

Thanks for sponsoring Yakitoko!

Sunday Project: Back to School

I think my kids are a little too young for this project right now but it looks like so much fun!

Go check it out at We Are That Family!

Blogorama Bonanza: H. K. Gilbert Review

About H. K. Gilbert:

H.K. GILBERT has always dreamed of writing children’s books. This children’s book was inspired by her beautiful daughter. Watching her daughter’s face filled with excitement as they read bedtime stories together inspired her to not only write books for children but to share the importance of parent and child interaction. Parents taking an extra five to ten minutes a day to sit down with their children and read to them will not only teach them valuable skills but will create a strong bond. Gilbert had the amazing opportunity to also volunteer for organizations such as Project R.E.A.D., which tutors adults who have never had the opportunity to learn to read. Volunteers attend workshops that teach them to help adult non-readers learn the basic skills they need to function in day-to-day activities. It’s a very rewarding program and is supported by numerous volunteers. Gilbert has also been involved in her community through organizations such as youth basketball, The Hillman House—a foundation that helps children with Cystic Fibrosis and houses their families during treatments—and helping raise money for Muscular Dystrophy. Within all these experiences, the common thread is that Gilbert is involved with activities that always give back! It’s her hope that she will inspire someone to be a volunteer in his or her community and for a parent to spend quality time by reading to their children. There is nothing more precious than our children, for they are the future of our world.

About The Case of the Purple Diamonds:


Hi there! My name is Barkley. I’m a secret service dog for the president of the United States, and I’m reporting for duty. Every day, I help guard the White House, which is located in Washington DC. My job is to help keep America’s first family safe and to make sure things run smoothly!
The White House is a pretty busy place; each and every day, a lot of people visit it. I try to run a tight ship around here and keep track of what’s going on. It’s a hard job, but someone’s got to do it! I’m glad you’re here today because I have a lot of sniffing around to do! Come on, let’s go inside!

The White House in Washington DC, is not an ordinary house. It has 132 rooms, 35 bathrooms, 147 windows, and three elevators. In this picture book for children, Barkley, a secret service dog, provides a fun-filled tour through the White House. Barkley shows young readers the State Dining Room that seats 130 guests. He tours the Blue Room that is oval and is decorated with gold furniture. He views the Red Room where all of the furniture is red and he takes young readers to the Oval Office that is famous for its fireside chats.
Filled with coloring and drawing activities, Reporting for Duty not only helps children learn important historical information, it provides a fun reading experience with Barkley the dog as your guide.

My Thoughts:

I enjoyed reading The Case of the Purple Diamonds. It was a simple read for me (took me about 40 minutes) which means it would be great for that child that is just beginning to read chapter books. B & C also have enjoyed looking at the pictures in this book which I firmly believe is the first step in learning to enjoy reading. One of my favorite things about this book is that it reminded me of many of the books my dad used to read to us just before bed. With six kids the books he would read would very by difficulty and genre but it was always so much fun! I would encourage parents add this book to their collection as it is a great read that you will enjoy sharing with your children and grandchildren!