Whatever Wanda Book Review and Giveaway

Brynnleigh loves to do book reviews - she gets so excited every time we get a new one!  So the MINUTE Whatever Wanda arrived in the mail she had to get her hands on it!

About the book:
32 pages 

Whatever Wanda, is the third title in the Shine Bright Kids series! The Shine Bright Kids series provides children and their families with the tools to teach the importance of making good choices. The series explores such topics as: using good judgment, taking responsibility, having a positive attitude, and demonstrating perseverance.

Wanda is in serious need of an attitude adjustment! She doesn’t want to accompany her family to the Rubber Duck Days Festival, and once there, she won’t participate in any of the events or join in with her friends. Soon Wanda receives some helpful advice and learns that:

“Sometimes you have to believe something will be great before it actually is. Being positive is a choice that makes everything better, not to mention, a whole lot more fun!”

About the author:
Christy Ziglar, financial planner, mother of twins, and niece of legendary motivator and the world’s original optimist, Zig Ziglar, is bringing the same timeless wisdom and ageless advice to an entirely new, younger audience through her Shine Bright Kids picture book series. Christy, her husband, and their twins live in Atlanta, Georgia.

About the illustrator:
Paige Billin-Frye lives with her husband in Washington, D.C., where she gardens and grows food in her city yard. She has illustrated numerous children’s books and works in a studio over a neighborhood hardware store. Coincidentally, Paige has amassed a collection of rubber duckies of all sizes across the years.

You can find the other titles of the Shine Bright Kids series HERE.

Brynnleigh and I read this book right before bed and we both loved it.  It is super cute with great illustrations to keep little ones entertained.  There is a bit of repeat where it says "Whatever" and Brynnleigh loved "reading" that with me.  There is also a cute little star you have to find on each page. 

This is a great books for kids - it teaches you that your attitude can make or break an experience.  This is perfect for my house because Brynnleigh's older brother, Owen is at the age where not everything is fun...at least until he gets there.  It may hit home to some adults too, it's very easy to get wrapped up into all the negative vs. the positive.

Brynnleigh has been asking me to read this book to her over and over again - so it is definitely a hit in our house!

Now it's your turn to win a copy for yourself!  Pretty easy and simple - just comment below who you would like to win this book for, and if you follow me on FB (or just started) leave another comment that you are a follower!  This is open to US and Canada only.

"Disclosure (in accordance with the FTC’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”): Many thanks to Propeller Consulting, LLC for providing this prize for the giveaway. Choice of winners and opinions are 100% my own and NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I did receive a sample of the product in exchange for this review and post.

Only one entrant per mailing address, per giveaway.  If you have won a prize from our sponsor Propeller / FlyBy Promotions in the last 30 days, you are not eligible to win.  Or if you have won the same prize on another blog, you are not eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.”

WW: Eat Your Words Mama!

Those of you that know me know how much of a tomboy I really am and always was growing up.  I played every sport I could and even tried to talk my parents into letting me play others (ahem football and baseball).

I remember the days watching my brother playing football and basketball and the other parents asking me if I couldn't wait to be a cheerleader for my brother's teams....and yep I laughed at them...or ignored them.  I WAS NOT GOING TO BE A CHEERLEADER....I wanted to play football and basketball....not jump and yell for those playing why would anyone want to wear a skirt and cheer/scream for someone else???

In my eyes, cheering wasn't a sport...period the end.

As I got older and of course was still playing sports and making fun of cheerleaders who claimed they were doing a sport I swore up and down that none of my kids would EVER be cheerleaders and that I would let them play football and baseball even if they were a girl.

With that being said.....let me introduce you to my 4 year old Brynnleigh...

 

who ONLY wants to cheer.....and honestly does a pretty good job at it too.  At the ripe old age of 4 she is in her second season of cheer and her first season of competitive cheering....as in doing stunts!

 

So yep, this Mama is eating her words and will proudly support her little cheerleader in this SPORT that she has chosen!  (But with that being said - I DO still need to find someone to help me with her hair and makeup)



Wordless Wednesday - Ballet Pictures

Monday afternoon was Brynnleigh's ballet pictures.  Unfortunately I was unable to make it (work) but luckily my Mom texted me this picture of our sweet little girl.

Why is it that she looks so much older than 3?

Oh and my sweet Mom...well she let B wear a bit of blush and lip gloss for the picture....now she's addicted...so it's official...my 3 year old now wears more makeup than I do!

Her recital is 5/17 - so I'm warning you now of a possible picture overload!

Wordless Wednesday - SHARKS!

Two weekends ago we were in the Outer Banks and took the kids over to the North Carolina Aquarium....

It got a little dicey and scary....they have some big sharks there...

 

 

 

Luckily we were able to all walk away safely!

 



 

 

Wordless Wednesday - Us - Fall 2013

Pictures of "us" don't happen very often....and pictures of 'us" where we are all smiling and looking in the same direction (notice I'm not even saying looking in the right direction) NEVER happen....so imagine my surprise to look through my camera card and find this..

 

Now of course I wish I had taken a little extra time and worked on my hair, and put on a little bit of makeup...but oh well!  So to the nice man who walked by us talking, and asked us if he could take a picture of us with my camera - thank you from the bottom of my (our) heart(s).

This was taken at Carter Mountain Orchard in Charlottesville, VA (about 45 minutes from us).  This was our second year going and we had a ton of fun.  I promise a detailed post with all of our pictures soon (I know...I have 30483094 posts that I have promised you...I will sit down soon and play catch up).

I have two giveaways that are live right now, make sure you go enter them HERE (ends 10/25) and HERE (ends 10/28).

Wordless Wednesday - Three can be Rough!

Brynnleigh turned 3 on Friday....and we spent all weekend celebrating her special day!!

And after a weekend full of celebrating, Brynnleigh has found out that...

Three can....

be rough....very rough.

Yep...that's a big ol' goose egg at the top left of her head.  Her first day of being three at preschool and she decided to pick a fight with the concrete - guess who won? 

Luckily she's still funky and feisty and her head is going down.  We may have to invest in some protective gear if being three stays this way!

Rufus and Ryan Go to Church - Book Review & Giveaway!

This is such a cute book!!  Rufus and Ryan Go to Church is a great board book for kids age 2-5.  It helps explain in a fun kid tone what happens in Church. 

In my opinion, church can be a scary for little kids.  It' a large room filled with a lot of people (hopefully) and can be intimidating to little ones.

I knew this would be great for Brynnleigh (3) as our original church had to close down almost 2 years ago.  We have been trying a few different churches to see where we fit and I can sense her fear as we walk into the doors.  She's not afraid of church, she just does not know what to expect.

The illustrations in this book are fun and inviting.  B loved just flipping through and looking at the pictures herself.

We will continue to read this book weekly (at the least) as we search for our new church family to help ease the transition for B and help her feel more comfortable.  I might even need to go find her own Rufus!!

 

Here are the facts:

 

Rufus and Ryan Go To Church!

In Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!, four-year-old Ryan explains to his stuffed monkey, Rufus, what is happening as they attend church on Sunday morning. He lets Rufus know when it’s time to sing and to pray and to be quiet. Author Kathleen Bostrom brings a delightfully light touch to the text as she provides an introduction to an experience that most children are exposed to long before they understand why. And children everywhere will relate to the idea of explaining their surroundings to their favorite companions as they go about their daily activities.

This is just one of the first titles in a new series of inspirational books for preschoolers.

About the Rufus and Ryan

Rufus and Ryan is a new series of books for preschoolers, featuring Ryan, an energetic little boy, and his stuffed monkey Rufus. Basic Christian and church concepts serve as the foundation of the series, with an additional focus on character traits and development. The text is presented in young Ryan’s voice as he teaches Rufus about the concepts he is learning himself. Each story is about 150 words, using age-appropriate vocabulary and themes.

Also available now, Rufus and Ryan Say Their Prayers

About the Author

Kathleen Long Bostrom is a published children’s author in both the Christian and trade markets. She has a Master’s in Christian Education and a Doctorate of Ministry in Preaching, and she has worked in children’s ministry for many years. Kathy and her husband, Greg, have three grown children and live in Illinois.

About the Illustrator

Rebecca Thornburgh began illustrating children’s books full-time in 1996 and today has almost 100 books to her name. Rebecca’s vibrant watercolors have been showcased in previous Ideals titles, including the new edition of The Story of Christmas. She lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two daughters.

 

Rufus and Ryan Go to Church!

Written by: Kathleen Long Bostrom

Illustrated by: Rebecca Thornburgh

Publisher: Ideals Books

Board book

$7.99

Available at IdealsBooks.com

 

Brynnleigh's review....well she gives Rufus and Ryan Go to Church a big thumbs up!!

 

 

Want this book for yourself?  You can purchase it HERE or enter to win one below using Rafflecopter!

 

 

Make sure to follow them on Facebook too!!

 





a Rafflecopter giveaway

Wordless Wednesday - Brynnleigh the Model

Owen likes to steal our camera and take pictures....and while I should not allow him to touch my super nice Cannon camera, I think it is good for him to explore his artistic side.  So, I allow him to touch it, use it, whatever, as long as the strap is around his neck.

Sunday night he was taking pictures of Brynnleigh....and who knew that a 2 year old would strike a pose, or two?  She was eating it up....every single second!

A bunch of these are blurry, but to be the work of a 6 year old and a 2 year old, I think they are pretty darn good.  I mean shoot....97% of my pictures turn out blurry myself!

This one, O claims he was getting a picture of her hair bow...I love her eyes in this one

Oh, and you can never forget the "hold your foot" pose!

So if anyone is looking for a 2 year old (soon to be 3 - as in this Friday...ahhhh) model or a 6 year old photographer - I have some good ones for you! ; )

THE LITTLE MERMAID Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy Giveaway

This movie is the first thing on Brynnleigh's birthday wish list!!  She is in love with Ariel and has not even seen the movie yet. Brynnleigh's birthday is 10/4, and The Little Mermaid will be available to purchase starting 10/1/13 - pretty good coincidence if you ask me!

The Little Mermaid is actually one of my favorite Disney movies too.  I love everything about it, especially the music.

Straight from the Press Release:

This fall, The Walt Disney Studios invites families everywhere to rediscover the film that gave voice to a whole generation as “The Little Mermaid” splashes its way into homes for the first time ever on Blu-ray™ for a limited time only.  One of the most celebrated animated musical films of all time and

two-time Academy Award®-winner (Best Original Score and Best Original Song “Under the Sea,” 1989) “The Little Mermaid” tells the magical tale of the mermaid princess Ariel and her lovable underwater friends, Sebastian and Flounder. Now, viewers can experience Ariel’s adventures like never before with sparkling high definition picture and sound, then explore the making of this modern family classic with all-new bonus treasures.

 

Finally releasing from the Disney vault, “The Little Mermaid” makes it eagerly awaited debut on Diamond Edition Blu-ray 3D™, Blu-ray, Digital Copy and HD and SD Digital formats October 1, 2013. Creating the ultimate at-home viewing experience, Disney’s Blu-ray Combo Pack (Blu-ray + DVD+ Digital Copy) contains digitally restored picture and sound, a digital copy of the film, and a variety of never-before-seen bonus features, including the music video for Grammy®-nominated superstar Carly Rae Jepsen’s recording of the film’s beloved song, “Part of Your World.”

 

Bonus Features Include:

• “Part of Your World” Music Video” Performed by Carly Rae Jepsen
• @DISNEYANIMATION
• Disney Intermission (Crab-E-OKE Sing-Along)
• Deleted Character – Harold The Merman
• Under the Scene-The Art of Live-Action Reference
• Part of Her World: Jodi Benson’s Voyage to New Fantasyland
• Howard’s Lecture
• Classic DVD Bonus Features Include:

  Treasure’s Untold: The Making of the Little Mermaid, Storm Warning: The Little Mermaid Special Effects Unit, The Little Mermaid: The Story Behind The Story, Under The Sea Early Presentation Reel, Original Theatrical Trailer, Deleted Scenes with Introductions, Disney Song Selection, Audio Commentary with Ron Clements, John Musker and Alan Menken, “Kiss The Girl” Music Video Performed By Ashley Tisdale, The Little Match Girl With Intro, DisneyPedia: Life Under the Sea, Under The Sea Adventure: A Virtual Ride Inspired By Disney Imagineers . 

 

 I cannot wait to share this movie with Brynnleigh (and Owen)...I know they will love it just as much as I did!!

To find out more about the new release of The Little Mermaid please check out the Website.

 

Enter to win your very own LITTLE MERMAID Diamond Edition 2-Disc Blu-ray+DVD Combo Pack with Digital Copy using the Rafflecopter form below: (US & CAN only - you must be 18+ to enter!)

 

 

 

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclaimer:I received a copy of The Little Mermaid Diamond Edition set in exchange for this post.  All opinions are my own.

Wordless Wednesday - Back to Preschool!!

Brynnleigh started preschool again today.  This morning was 100 1,000,000 times better than last year's first day of school morning!  Last year she would not let me take any pictures of her.  This year she held her sign up and was proud!

Last year she screamed bloody murder when my parents dropped her off - this year she told me she wasn't going to cry.

I am a little concerned with her class this year, none of her friends from last year are in her class (most of them went to 3 days - we kept B at 2 days since she has swimming and dance as well).  She is still in the 2 year old class due to her birthday.  Last year they had the classes broken up, younger 2's and older 2's - this year it's just a 2 year old class.  We shall see how this works.  Since her birthday is in October, she won't start school for another 3 years (this year plus 2 others).  I'd rather her repeat some things now than when she's older and very bored, but I am concerned that she may be a bit more advanced.

She already knows her colors, can sing her ABC's, can count to 20, is potty trained, and talks in complete sentences like she's 30!  Honestly half of the time I do forget that she is only 2.

B was super excited when Owen came out to take some pictures with her.  At first O didn't want to hold the sign since he was not in preschool - but when I told him that everyone would know that he was just holding the sign for her, he was all about it!  I love his face in these pics!

 

He was so excited to help her get ready!!

 



 

Of course I had to take a few more in the house - just like her brother did - with her school bag of course.  (This is her bag from last year - she gets to decorate her bag for this year today!)

And yes, she picked out her hair bows all by herself!! ; )  And to get her to smile we say " ICE CREAM"

This next one is the only picture that actually shows her timidness, and that maybe she is just a bit nervous about her first day.

This picture below was taken just outside her school, she looks so excited and a bit nervous.

And 26.7 second after this - she started screaming bloody murder again!  She actually walked into the classroom, then ran back out and attached herself to Missy (my mom).  Mom was able to pry her off and get her into the classroom - hopefully this doesn't go on for 3 weeks like it did last year!

How did I end up with one child who can't wait to get to school, and another that wants nothing to do with it? ; )

Brynnleigh - you will learn so much in school, and once you get used to your new friends and teachers you will want to go every day to see your friends.  You have matured SOOO much this summer and are starting to blossom into such a little social butterfly.  We cannot wait to see what you learn in school this year!!

Wordless Wednesday - Swimming Graduate x 2

A few weeks ago I posted O with his swimming certificate.....well B graduated too, just a week later.  She ended up getting sick and missed 3 of the 8 classes so we had to reschedule.

The good thing with us waiting - is she got her original instructor back (she was on vacation the second week).  B was in love with her instructor Erin.

Funny thing - O & B graduated at the same level....so my 2 year old knows how to swim like my 6 year old!  Actually O had moved onto the next level and B just passed level 4...but still! ; )

Kiddie Car Wash

As stated in my post yesterday we made a Kiddie Car wash using PVC pipe for our BOAT Bash this past weekend. 

When I first showed Troy the pictures on Pinterest he thought I was crazy....then after I explained to him that it was just PVC pipe I think he jumped on board - either that or it was when he got to Lowe's and realized that it really wasn't super uber expensive.

I used the directions from HERE, but changed it a bit.  They had a swivel door to say on and off, well I knew we didn't need it, nor would use it, so I adjusted that one cut, so I had two 5' pieces.  We also went on our own with where to drill the holes for the water.

Troy and Owen worked hard to measure all the cuts and make sure the cuts stayed on point.

Then it was time to put all the pieces together - it did recommend using PVC paste - but we did not, I wanted to be able to take it apart for storage.

 



Next, we had to decorate it of course!!  We just used pool noodles and dollar store sponges, I figured the decorations would not last long, so I did not want to put a lot of money into it.

Then, we had to test it of course.....

O was out with a friend, so we let B test it out....she loved it!

 

 

This is a project that the whole family worked on and I think that is why I love it so much!