Sign the pledge

Take the pledge to stop texting while driving and you can be entered to win a mini laptop computer!  So why not help promote safe driving...who needs to be texting while they are driving anyways?!!!  So go take the pledge today...they are trying to get as many pledges as possible before the holidays!  You can take the pledge by clicking Here then if you blog about it you can find more info by going to Robyns Online World for an extra entry.

Oral Health products by Quantum

Do you need relief from sores in your mouth, or dry mouth?  Quantum Health can help!  They offer three products for dry mouth, cold sores and canker sores. 



Lip Clear Lysine+ Cold Sore Treatment is an all natural treatment that has clinically shown to cut the healing time of cold sores by 50%.  Cold sores can last for up to two weeks, are very contagious, and can be embarrassing and painful. 

While there is no cure, the best solution is to heal them quickly.  Cold sores treated with Lip Clean Lysine+ healed faster than with leading OTC or prescription brands costing three to five times more.

Lysine+ has a non-chemical flavor, goes on clear, can be worn under lipstick and doesn't burn on application.  It provides an immediate soothing relief of burning and itching.

The suggested retail price is $6.99 and is available at drug stores, supermarkets, and health food stores nationwide, and online at http://www.lipclear.com/

(I have not used this item, so can not give a review at this time)



OraMoist Dry Moth Patch is a patch specially developed to increase mouth moisture and works for hours to restore healthy oral environment.
Dry mouth can have a severe effect of oral health, causing tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath due to lack of oral moisture. 

OraMoist is a time released, muco-adhesive patch powered by edible natural ingrediants that adheres to the roof of the mouth or inside the cheek.  As the patch dissolves over two to four hours, it releases ingrediants that help increase saliva production alleviating parched, dry mouth. 

The suggested retail price is $9.99 and is available at Rite Aid, Albertson's LLC and Raley's and online at http://www.oramoist.com/

A couple weeks ago I had a cold that was leaving my mouth and throat very dry, so I decided to try this.  It worked pretty well.  It was easy to apply, by placing on the roof of my mouth.  I was able to eat and drink, and it stayed applied.  It did feel a little odd, having this on the roof of my mouth, but seeing it worked I would use it again.  It had a pleasant and refreshing flavor.  I put it on late in the afternoon, went to bed with it still not completely dissolved, but woke up with it dissolved.





Canker Cover is a unique oral patch clinically proven to treat most canker sores in 24 hours.  It provides pain relief and total protection from irritants for 8-12 hours.

Canker sores are painful blisters that form on the inside of the mouth, cheeks, and inner lips and tongue.  These can cause pain every time you eat, drink, or move your mouth. 

Canker cover is the only over the counter canker sore treatment shown in clinical studies to significantly speed treatment.  The pill shaped patch adheres to the sore and forms a gel patch that protects the sore, relieves the pain, and speeds treatment.



The suggested retail price is $9.99 and is available at drug stores, supermarkets, and health food stores, and online at http://www.cankercover.com/. 

My thoughts:  I used this having a canker sore on my lower inner lip.  It did relieve the pain from the canker sore and actually it was mostly healed the next day.  Unfortunatly it was kind of irritating to me, as the patch itself ended up rubbing against my teeth because of the position.  I was constantly rubbing my tongue on it because it felt ackward, this made it very gummy.  It kind of had a mediciney taste also.  I may use this again, if I have a canker sore in a different position or a more painful canker sore. 

I received all these as complimentary products to review/or provide information from Robin & Leedy Associates.  They have been generous enough to also offer these to one lucky reader.

You can enter to win one tube of Lysine+, one box of OraMoist, and one box of CankerCover here. To enter: Follow my blog and tell which of these products you most need.

Extra entries:
~subscribe to my blog
~follow me on twitter
~tweet this giveaway
~add me to your blogroll

Please leave a seperate comment for each entry and leave a valid email address.  This is open to US residents only.  The giveaway will end on Nov. 29 and the winner will be chosen by random.org

photohunt: music

Bella Sara giveaway

Last week I was lucky enough to review the new Bella Sara(Bellas Ball) trading cards.  These were really great.  Zach is still playing online and really enjoying the games and taking care of his horse. 

These trading cards would make great stocking stuffers this Christmas or for St. Nicks Day!  I could really see this being a great inexpensive way for your daughter to do gift exchange with her friends.  Besides the card packs, you can get other Bella Sara gifts also.  They have some really nice ones on sale right now at bellasara.com.  They have a great Bellas Jewelry Kit, and a pretty Bella Glitter and Glow in the Dark Puzzle, which would make great gifts this holiday season.   

Bella Sara has been really generous and one lucky reader can win 2 Bella's Ball trading card packs and one velvety miniature.  Wouldnt this be a great addition to your little girls...or even little boys stocking this year! 

To enter:  Follow my blog and go to bellasara.com shop and look around and come back and tell me what else you would like from there.

Extra entries:
~Follow me on twitter
~Subscribe to my blog
~Tweet this giveaway
~Blog about this giveaway

Please leave a seperate comment for each entry and leave your email.  The giveaway will end on Nov 22 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Fitness Friday: talking cereals again

ok so a couple weeks ago I did some reviews of some new cereals I had been trying.  The past week I have been reading a book called "Eat Your Way to Happiness" by Elizabeth Somer.  I have not finished the book, so I will not give a review yet...but have been trying to follow it some as it has lots of good info on diet/nutrition.  I have been trying to follow her 123 breakfast....and have found that the cereals I am eating are not as great as I thought.  I have been limitting them to one serving and adding other things for breakfast, as before I was just eating 2-3 servings cereal and nothing else.

Her thoughts on cereals are to check the nutrition panel on box and try to stick with cereals that are no more than 5g sugar and at least 5g fiber.  I have found there are not many cereals that fit into this category...and none of the ones I have in my cupboard do.  I found my favorite cereals, the Special K fruit and yogurt/cinnamon pecan are not so great at all.  I thought seeing they have the whole special K diet and all these would be great...and I love the flavors...but they each only have 1g of fiber per serving and 7-12 g sugar per serving.  The following cereals in my cupboard have the fiber, but have more sugar than suggested: Raisin Bran extra (7F13S), Frosted Mini Wheat(6F12S), Quaker Oatmeal Squares(5F13S), and Kashi Go Lean crunch almond(8F12S).

The Chia Goodness Cereal comes the closest to recommendations with 4g fiber and 4g sugar....so this is a good one to continue eating.  The others I will probably still keep eating, as most cereals that do fit into the recommendations I would end up adding sugar to anyways as they are very plain...these being: Plain shredded wheat(6F0S), grape nuts(7F4S) and Kashi flakes(6F4S).  One I am going to try that fits into the recommendations perfectly is Kashi heart to heart warm cinnamon oat(5F5S)...these look like a cheerios type cereal, which I was suprised at the nutritional content of cheerios.  Regular cheerios has 3g fiber and 1g sugar, while multigrain cheerios has the same in fiber and more sugar(6S)...I had always thought I was doing better by eating the multigrain cheerios...guess not.

One other surprising thing is oatmeal.  You definitely want to stick with the old fashioned oats vs instant...and just flavor it up with some fruits or cinnamon.  Instant oatmeal has only 3g fiber and anywhere between 12-16 g sugar for the flavored types...again if you are going to go with instant stick with the plain. 

So to sum it up....I am going to continue to eat a more well balanced breakfast...I am trying a fruit, protein, and fiber....today I had one serving raisin bran extra cereal w/ 1% milk(which I drank when I was done), one small orange, 1/2 slice wheat toast with peanut butter.  I think that is a pretty good breakfast to keep me energized and feeling full.  As for my Special K yumminess....looks like this will be very limited from now on! 

Now that we are home I think Kennedy has a cold!

She sounded like she was breathingly loudly last night...well this morning she is very stuffy and congested.  Glad I brought the nasal aspirator that hooks up to her suction home from the hospital...looks like we will need to be using it.  Hopefully it clears up quick and we dont need to go to the doctors. 

Educational Toys from Growing Tree Toys

As a new member of the Growing Tree Toys blog sponsorship program we received a fun, educational toy.  We got to choose between some of their many great choices.  I let Zach look through a few toys and he chose the Transparent marble run.  This toy is for ages 4 and up, seeing it consists of small marbles. 

Build a wacky, weird, wonderful maze for marbles to travel and traverse with the Transparent Marble Run from Quercetti Toys! The Transparent Marble Run is a 44-piece set that includes transparent, colored tubes for building exciting maze creations. With this marble run set, kids can simply create any unique marble run, place one of the colorful marbles up top, and watch the journey begin! Race marbles or make complicated mazes – anything is possible with Transparent Marble Run! Can be used with the Marble Run Vortex Set.

Both of my children have used an item similar to this one during their therapy sessions.  They are great, and am not surprised this is what Zach chose.  Both of my children always loved playing with the one at the clinic.  What I like about the marble run from Growing Tree Toys(vs the one we used in therapy) is that one it is transparent. This gives the added ability to see the marble the whole time and where it is going.  Secondly I like that it has moveable bases.  You can set it up with 4 different sections, so you can change the shape of the marble run, or you can set it up as two different runs.  The one we used in therapy just had two stable sections so it just went right to left.  This one you could set up in a u shape, V shape, Z shape and so forth.  There is so many fun ways you can set up the marble maze.  It really gets the children thinking creatively.  As a therapeutic tool it is a great for promoting fine motor skills. 

If you are looking for some different Christmas gift ideas, this would be a great one.  I think the parents have as much fun playing with this as the kids.  Zach loved it.  He really liked that you could put several marbles in the top and then just push the button to let them down one after the other.  He had a lot of fun and played with it for a long time.

If you are looking for some great Christmas ideas, go check out http://www.growingtreetoys.com/ They have a great selection of fun learning toys, games and puzzles.  You can check out their "Deal of the Day"....which features one toy that day at a great deal, until it is sold out! 

Thank you Growing Tree Toys for the complimentary toy to review.

"Kick Block Punch" ~ Pretty Please Press giveaway

Written and illustrated by Jacquie Hann

About the book:
Sam arrives at his first karate class all ready to receive his black belt. To his surprise, he has a lot to learn about karate, and there are many other belts to earn before he attains the rank of black belt. With the help of his patient instructor, he learns how to work hard toward his goal and to master this new skill. This story shows that patience and practice are important when we are approaching a new challenge.
 
About the author:
Jacquie Hann, author and illustrator of Kick Block Punch, has written and illustrated many children's books, including the critically acclaimed That Man Is Talking To His Toes and Up Day Down Day (a Junior Literary Guild Selection). She teaches children's book illustration and writing at The New School, holds private workshops, and has lectured extensively throughout the country on the subject of writing and illustrating children's books. She is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin. Jacquie is a third degree black belt in tae kwon do, and teaches karate to children. She has a son, Adam, and a daughter, Maya, and lives in New York City with her husband. Everyone in her family has attained the rank of black belt. You can visit Jacquie's website at http://www.jacquiehann.com/.
 
My review:
This book, while teaching a little about karate, is a great story to teach children about working hard.  It is about being responsible and taking things more serious.  In the beginning the character, Sam, isnt responsible and ends up hurting others and himself.  As he follows his role models guidance, he works harder and becomes a responsible child.  He realizes that his responsibility and hard work lead to those he cares about being proud of him.   
 
You can find some great  flashcards and lesson plans to download for this book at http://www.prettypleasepress.com/
 
Pretty Please press is now offering a 20% discount off the list price for books purchased through their site and also have a "buy 3 get 1 free" deal until Dec. 31! 

One reader can win not only Kick Block Punch, but also Pynx (which I will review at a later time).  These would make great Christmas gifts for your son, grandson, friend or classroom. 

To enter:  Tell me who these would be for.

Extra entries:
~follow my blog
~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
~subscribe to my blog
~blog about this giveaway
~enter any of my other giveaways, and leave a comment for each one entered. 

This giveaway is open to US residents only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  Please leave your email so I can contact the winner.  The giveaway will end on Nov. 22 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Thank you to Pretty Please Press for the complimentary books for review and giveaway!

Onionhead Feeling Pack for Children

Receiving the Onionhead's Feeling Pack for Children couldnt have came at a better time in our home.  My son Zach, who is autistic, has recently started to express some of his emotions with words.  With in the last couple months we have heard him say "it makes me mad" , "I sad",and "I scared".  His communication has been coming along really nicely lately, but we were surprised to hear him expressing emotions.  He really learns these things through visual cues.  We have used social stories and picture/word cards with him over the last couple years to help him with everyday things. 

Onionhead "peeling feelings....teaching us what to do with what we feel". 

The Feeling Pack for Children is a special combination of two products by Onionhead.  SAVE $2.00!!! (A $29.76 value if purchased separately) This special package includes both the Onionhead® A-Z Deck of 52 Feeling Cards for Children PLUS Onionhead® Children’s A-Z Dictionary of 52 Emotions.

The deck of cards includes 52 emotions, 26 light emotions and their 26 opposite heavy emotions, with 5 fun and creative exercises. The dictionary of 52 emotions makes it simple for children to know what to do with what they feel as Onionhead® teaches life’s lessons by sharing his own funny, difficult and meaningful experiences.

All products made and printed in the U.S.A. on 100% recycled paper with non toxic ink.

In the book, A-Z Dictionary of 52 Emotions and Their Stories the characters are heads shaped like an onion, and are full of facial expressions to show the many emotions.  In this book the feelings are presented alphabetically...there is an emotion that starts with A and then that page also has the opposite emotion presented.  For example: K is for Kind (light feeling) and the opposite(the heavy feeling) would be Mean.  In the book each letter/emotion has 2 pages.  On the left page you have the pictures of the onionhead expressing the light feeling and the heavy feeling. Then on the right page it has the letter in the top corner, with the word that corresponds, which would be the light feeling.  Then it gives the description of that feeling and also the heavy feeling/opposite with its description.  It then tells a cute story teaching about these emotions. 

The book is great to teach the children about the emotions, their meaning, their opposites and what someone feeling these emotions might look like.  The card deck, 52 feeling cards with 5 Games, is a great item to go along with the book.  They give you 5 different games that you can play using these cards to help learn these emotions.  The cards would be a great way to teach the emotions, and also for a child like my son, to be able to look through those to express his emotions.  With these cards Onionhead is helping teach the children their 4 step program: 1. name it...name the emotion, 2. claim it..."I feel" 3.  Tame it...look for a solution to the problem/how they are feeling 4.  Aim it...conflict resolution, communicate  The games are great ways to learn the emotions, communcate their feelings, and work through their feelings.

Onionhead has a great line of products...I think their A-Z magnet set would be a great item to go along with these.  For us we have done a lot of picture symbols on magnets hanging on our fridge...this way Zach can can go up to it and bring us one he wants or needs...for example "eat", "bathroom", "go outside" etc.  He has finally been able to communicate these wants/needs, but the emotion magnets would be great.  If he is feeling scared, and cant find the words to express it, he could bring us the magnet. 

Zach has liked looking through the pictures and making faces to try to show these emotions.  It is really funny and cute to see. I am hoping to incorporate the cards more into ways of helping him overcome an emotion...like when he is mad show him the happy card and talk about ways that he can be happy instead of being mad.

I can really see these being very beneficial to any children learning emotions, not just those with social delays.  They would be great for parents to help teach their kids how to communicate and work through those heavy feelings.  They are also fun...who doesnt like a fun game of charades and making funny faces!

Thank you Onionhead and Momfluence for the complimentary feeling pack!

Going home!

yeah we are going home...Kennedys MRI didnt show any changes so that is great!  We are going to see how the up in her seizure meds effects her tremors before discussing botox.  We will see all her docs in 1-2 months! 

Kennedys in MRI now

well I am just waiting for Kennedy to come back from MRI...shes been there quite a while, so I would think she should be back soon.  Then we have to wait for results...hopefully nothing new shows up!  I am not sure if we will get out of here today now or not.  Physical medicine didnt get to see her yet, and with the sedation from MRI they might not get a clear look at her neck muscles condition...so we might have to wait to see them.  I guess I have to wait to see what the doctors say.  Maybe we can do it as outpatient appointment. 

The FLOH Club (giveaway)

Here’s the story, of a lovely lady…who is now bringing together something very new and exciting, and very different from The Brady Bunch. Florence Henderson is launching THE FLOH CLUB, a telephone-based technical support service aimed to empower older adults.

“Its like roadside assistance, but for your computer,” said Florence Henderson.

The inspiration and face of THE FLOH CLUB is “America's Favorite Mom,” Florence Henderson, best-known as the matriarch, Carol Brady, on the classic hit TV series “The Brady Bunch,” which originally ran from 1969-74 and still airs in syndication in 122 countries worldwide, while never having been off the air in the U.S. Acknowledged as one of the top leading spokespersons in the U.S., Florence has been a celebrity spokeswoman for numerous products. In fact, THE WALL STREET JOURNAL, based on consumer appeal, rated her #5 out of the 10 top television endorsers. So, it was no surprise when she was approached as a spokeswoman to help viewers get ready for the Analog-to-Digital TV Conversion in 2009.

Just in time for holiday gift giving to parents, grandparents and friends, THE FLOH CLUB, www.flohclub.com, enables members to stay connected with family and friends and tackle technology that they may find a bit overwhelming on their own. It offers affordable subscription plans and the comfort of North American-based experts available by phone to support them. THE FLOH CLUB is powered by Support.com, a leading provider of technology support services.
For young people, computers are fun and entertaining, a central and important part of their everyday lives. But for older adults, who didn’t grow up with computers, they can be intimidating and frustrating. And older adults often hesitate to ask for help because they don’t want to be a bother.

“I know how overwhelming technology can be. Only recently have I learned to share photos, video conference and send emails,” Henderson said. “I’m genuinely excited to help make technology easier for people like me through THE FLOH CLUB,” she added.
With THE FLOH CLUB, technology experts can guide members through the process of setting up, configuring and using hardware, and deal with a broad range of different software issues. Experts can either direct members or can safely and securely take control of the members’ computers remotely. Available seven days a week between 8 a.m. and 2 a.m. Eastern Standard Time, the service offers a broad range of services including:
 Stay Connected –Understand how to use video conferencing, instant messenger, and the power of social networks to connect with your kids and grandkids
 Education – Learn how to get the most from your PC, from simple tasks like email to making purchases online safely


 PC Support – Issues such as slow/poor system performance, networking, error messages, virus/spyware removal, security and data backup
 Support for Connected Devices – Includes wireless networks, printers, video conferencing and other peripherals
 Setup and Training for New Devices – Printers, digital cameras, MP3 players and other peripherals



On THE FLOH CLUB website, select adult focused products are also for sale including:

• Digital picture keychain – 1.1 inch picture frame allows you to bring over 100 photos with you anywhere you take your keys. 8MB memory - $29.99
• Digital picture frames – 2.4 inch bright screen fits easily in purses or pockets and carries over 300 pictures to brag about. Also offers clock and calendar functions. 16 MB memory - $69.99

THE FLOH CLUB offers multiple options with satisfaction guaranteed: annual subscription ($250/year), three-month subscription ($75/month), one-time empowerment service ($50 flat, covering e-mail, video conferencing, digital photography, Facebook, etc.). Additional FLOH CLUB products include tune-up and protect which includes anti-virus ($60 flat). Covering one computer per subscription, each plan also includes a monthly newsletter from Florence Henderson discussing technology for older adults.


More information about THE FLOH CLUB can be found on the website, www.flohclub.com. After the official launch in October, potential members will be able to purchase the service online for themselves or as gifts for others, read Frequently Asked Questions, and read a technology blog written by Henderson with technology partner Max Drucker. The website will evolve into a resource for tech issues, articles by experts, weekly tips and video tutorials by Florence Henderson, and branded and recommended products.


One lucky reader can win a three month complimentary membership, valued at $75. (It does not expire, but the three months must be used consecutively once the winner signs up on the site.)

To enter: Tell me who you think would benefit from this.

Extra entries:
~follow my blog
~subscribe to my blog
~follow me on twitter
~tweet this giveaway



Please leave a seperate comment for each entry. Please leave a valid email so I can contact the winner. The giveaway will end on Nov. 22 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

Monday Mommy Madness!

So Kennedy is still in the hospital.  We are waiting today for them to do an MRI.  They have upped her seizure meds.  The type of movements she has do not show up on the EEG but they are pretty sure they are a type of partial seizure called EPC.  One of the meds she is on is the best for this type, so that is what they have increased.  She is doing better.  The movements are still there, but are weaker and she is much less stiff.  They are talking about possibly doing botox to help the stiffness and possibly the tremor(although it will not stop the misfiring in the brain).  This should make her more comfortable.  They are trying to get the physical medicine doctor to come down and see her today to make suggestions.  They want to do the MRI to make sure there has been no changes, before they go ahead with the different treatment and send her home.  She has had issues of stroke like episodes and damage in the past, so they want to make sure with new/increased activity that there is no new damage that they need to figure out.  So we are hoping for a stable MRI and that we should be home tonight.

I have had my laptop with me, which has been nice.  At times when Kennedy cant see the tv because her head has been turned to much I have been able to pull up a "watch now" movie from netflix and put the laptop in front of her.  I have also been able to keep up with my blog and have pulled the winners for a few contests this morning.

Winners!!!

Prehistin-  congratulations Sher!

Certain Dri- congratulations Miranda!

Anti-Monkey butt powder-  Congratulations kcatlin!

100 brochures from uprinting.com- congratulations Heather!

I will be emailing all of you in just a moment.  If you didnt win...keep coming back, there are many more giveaways going on now and will be posting a few more this week!  Thanks for all the followers! 

The Gate House by Nelson DeMille (giveaway)

#1 New York Times bestselling author Nelson DeMille delivers the long-awaited follow-up to his classic novel The Gold Coast.


When John Sutter's aristocratic wife killed her mafia don lover, John left America and set out in his sailboat on a three-year journey around the world, eventually settling in London. Now, ten years later, he has come home to the Gold Coast, that stretch of land on the North Shore of Long Island that once held the greatest concentration of wealth and power in America, to attend the imminent funeral of an old family servant. Taking up temporary residence in the gatehouse of Stanhope Hall, John finds himself living only a quarter of a mile from Susan who has also returned to Long Island. But Susan isn't the only person from John's past who has reemerged: Though Frank Bellarosa, infamous Mafia don and Susan's ex-lover, is long dead, his son, Anthony, is alive and well, and intent on two missions: Drawing John back into the violent world of the Bellarosa family, and exacting revenge on his father's murderer--Susan Sutter. At the same time, John and Susan's mutual attraction resurfaces and old passions begin to reignite, and John finds himself pulled deeper into a familiar web of seduction and betrayal. In THE GATE HOUSE, acclaimed author Nelson Demille brings us back to that fabled spot on the North Shore -- a place where past, present, and future collides with often unexpected results.


Thanks to Hatchette Books 5 of my readers can win a copy of this book!

To enter:  Follow my blog and tell me why you would like to win this.

Extra entries:
~subscribe to my blog
~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
~grab my badge
~add me to your blogroll

This giveaway is open to US and Canada residents only and can not be mailed to PO boxes.  Please leave a seperate comment for entry.  Please leave your email.  This giveaway will end on Nov. 22 and the winners will be chosen by random.org.

November is American Diabetes Month

November is American Diabetes Month®—a time to shine a spotlight on a serious disease that leads to potentially life-threatening complications such as heart disease, stroke, kidney disease, blindness, and amputation.

Visit StopDiabetes.com starting Nov 2 to find out ways to join the Stop Diabetes movement.

Share your Story and NurtiSystem will donate $5 for every story shared, up to $100,000.

Storytime Sunday: Chris Dreams Big

If you followed professional basketball during any of Chris Dudley's 16 seasons in the NBA, you'll remember him as one of the best rebounders and shot blockers in the league.  What you may not know was Chris was the first Type 1 diabetic to play professional basketball.  He is sending his message of perseverance and pasion directly to kids in his new children's book, Chris Dreams Big, co-authored with his wife, Chris Love-Dudley.  By raising awareness of diabetes, he also shows kids with challenges that anything is possible!  Dream Big!

Following Chris Dudleys retirement from the NBA, he founded the Chris Dudley Foundation, in which he is dedicated to educating and empowering kids with diabetes to live active and successful lives.  In recognition of his significant contributions both to the league and through his foundation, Chris received the NBA's J.Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award in 1996 and the USA Today Most Caring Athlete Award in 1997. 

About the book:
Chris loved being a kid and dreaming of one day playing professional basketball!  Life was good, but one day Chris realized he was facing the biggest challenge of his life, being diagnosed with diabetes.  Chris Dreams Big is the triumphant story of a boy who overcomes adversity.  He learns he is not the only person facing challenges, and that many others have lived out their dreams by facing those challenges.

My Review:
This is a great book for children with special needs, medical conditions, or even just your everyday sports loving child.  I loved how he wrote about overcoming his struggle and how he grew up to be big and strong.  I loved how he showed this in the book with the pages of his hand size and feet size, that was a really cute touch.  This was a great way to get the children involved.  My kids liked comparing their hands and feet size to his.  This is a great book with a great message!

You can buy the book at amazon and chrisdudley.org.


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Cheating Death by Sunja Gupta, MD (review)

I enjoyed reading Cheating Death: The Doctors and Medical Miracles that are Saving Lives Against All Odds.  The many stories from the doctors and patients are retold by Sanjay Gupta, MD, chief medical correspondent at CNN and The New York Times.  I first became interested in this after watching part of his special on CNN.  Although there were so many stories within this one book, that made it difficult to read more than a couple chapters at a time, I enjoyed reading them all. 

The book was written with a lot of medical information, but also shared so many personal(from the patient or doctors perspectives)inspiring stories.  I like how he started with a specific person's story, and while talking about many other issues/people through out the book, was able to keep the readers wondering what was happening with that first person. That really gave it an entertainment factor vs. medical book.   He touched on so many interesting topics of people "cheating death".  I like how although he talks about many newer areas of medicine that are helping people survive.  He also discusses how the medical community is not sure why in many circumstances these peole have done so well, while others have not survived.  Although he does talk about what could contribute medically, the difference in people themself,  or the difference in peoples will to live, I like that he does not discourage prayer and the belief in miracles and how they may possibly contibute to their survival.  I liked how he discussed stories of "beyond death" and  the controversy of medical community vs spiritual community. 

As far as the new medical advances, it has left me wondering more and wanting to check out more.  I feel like I might question more techniques/treatments used for certain illnesses.  I also would like to check out more about the use of just chest compressions.  I have been trained in CPR, but it has been a few years since I was formally trained, and am curious now if they are going more with CCR instead.  The book has pretty much left me wanting to study more on some of these topics. 

I am sure some in the medical community are going to debate this book and the techniques in it...as this is pretty much what this book is about, telling how the medical community doesnt agree on techniques and the processes that physicians and researchers have to go through to get techniques/treatments approved to be used.  As a lay person, I found the book entertaining, inspiring, and informational.

*disclosure:  I received a complimentary copy of this book from Hatchette books for review.

Custom Thank You cards from UPrinting.com giveaway

Holidays are just around the corner, ‘tis the season to be merry and giving custom thank you cards is the perfect gift to express your warm thoughts to your loved ones.  One lucky reader will be jingling all the way with a pack of 50 Custom Thank You Cards with envelopes, all for free! UPrinting cards are made from high-quality paper and cardstock and will surely bring holiday cheer to your friends and family.

Would you like to make them extra special?  UPrinting offers custom envelope printing.  Find a 10% discount by connecting with UPrinting through Yelp


Prize Offered: (50 ct.) 7 x 5" (folded to 3.5 x 5") Custom Thank You Cards with plain envelopes



Shipping: Free UPS Ground within United States

Eligibility: Limited to US Residents due to shipping costs.

Prize code will be awarded on November 20, 2009 by email from UPrinting.
 
 
To enter:  Tell us how you would design your thank you cards.
 
Extra entries:
follow @uprinting on twitter
follow @colleen_mouse on twitter
tweet this giveaway
follow my blog
 
Please leave a seperate comment for each entry and leave your email address.  This giveaway ends on Nov. 15 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.
 
disclosure:  I will be receiving 50 complimentary thank you cards from UPrinting.com

Kennedy's admitted again

The last couple days Kennedys arm tremor was a little stronger, then yesterday that and her neck tremor were really strong.  The doctor wanted to admit her.  We had to go through the ER which took forever.  Got there at 5:30 and finally got to epilepsy floor at 1:30!  I think even if Kennedys tremors dont show up on EEG they are going to try to get better control of them.  They are already saying they are probably EPC epilepsia partialis continuous.  Right now she is hooked up and being monitored.  They tried a different med last night and she was good sleeping, but woke up and the arm started again.  So guess we just wait and see for now.

Little Bunny Stories ~ TheStoryHome.com

The Story Home is a great site to find books that your child can listen to on the computer.  They have a cute "Little Bunny Stories" series.  You can also find many fairytales from Brothers Grimm and Beatrix potter, and many holiday stories.  I think many children will enjoy listening to the stories. 

Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary

Loved it!  The Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary is in Green Bay WI.  Although many people go across the street to Bay Beach park for fun during the summer.  You can enjoy the Bay Beach Wildlife Sanctuary all year.  It is a great outting for going for a hike, short of long, and visitting all the nature and wildlife they have.  We really enjoyed it last October on a gorgeous almost summer like day!  We saw more animals there than at the zoo in Green Bay.  The kids really enjoyed feeding the deer and geese. 

"The Well Behaved Child-Discipline that Really Works" review

As I started reading "The Well Behaved Child" by John Rosemond I quickly found myself taking notes.  His principles are very "matter of fact".  In the book psychologist John Rosemond shares seven fundamentals to effective discipline, seven discipline tools, seven top behavior problems and seven tales of the strange and unexpected.  Of course having a child with autism I was interested in finding some ways to deal with his behioral issues.  I do feel my child has the abilities to understand the techniques used.  I have been afraid to do certain things, because lets admit it ...they are difficult and take a lot of time and effort!  That is exactly this book...Rosemond says things may get worse before they get better.  To me it is pretty much mostly a matter of follow through and sticking with the discipline.  I think that is one of Rosemonds main points, be firm and dont give in.

Through the book he gives many principles to go by and give many examples of these principles to make them easily understandable.  These are helpful real life circumstances so you can "see" how they work.  He then gives you the 7 essential tools.  These are very discriptive and give again many examples to help you use these.  Having the 7 different tools is nice, as some may work for you and other may not.  He also says that it is good to have these different tools, as when you use one type for so long it may become less effective over time...then you can switch to a different type.

I liked how he included the seven top problems and gave examples of these problems, and ways to deal with them.  One of them I was hoping he would give more info on was "refusing to use the potty".  This was a shorter section, but the area I needed help with he later discussed in the seven tales of strange and unexpected.  I will most likely start one of his techniques this weekend to see if we can get this behavior solved!

I thought this was a great book.  It gave concrete techniques and examples.  I think these are ones that can help a lot, but the parents need to be willing to be strict and follow through.  No giving up!

disclosure~ I received a complimentary book by being a  member of Thomas Nelson’s Book Review Blogger program  http://brb.thomasnelson.com/

Timbavati Wildlife Park and Storybook Gardens WI Dells

Last month we went to WI Dells for the  weekend.  This was a kids weekend getaway, so we didnt do the traditional waterpark Dells trip.  We did visit a couple nice animal parks.  We really enjoyed the Tibavati Wildlife park.  There were many hands on or upclose encounters with different animals like garaffes, turtles, monkey, kangaroo, and many many more.  This is great for the younger kids , or those kids at heart!  So if you want a break from the waterparks, check them out! 

Bob vs. Cat    Kennedy feeding Giraffes

"Bella Basset Ballerina" book giveaways from Pretty Please Press

Bella Basset Ballerina

By Laura Aimee Garn

Illustrated by Valerie Sokolova

About the book:
Bella Basset is a pup when her mother takes her to see the famous Royal Borzoi Ballet for the first time. At the ballet, a dream is born: Bella wants to become a dancer! But in Bella's world, only Borzois can dance, so she has many obstacles to overcome before she can realize her dream. This is a story about dedication and perseverance, which may give children (and grown-ups) the inspiration to pursue their dreams.
 
About the Author:
Among Laura Aimee Garn's earliest memories are the wonderful times she spent reading picture books with her mother, who was a children's book editor and publisher. Many years later, Aimee devoted time each day to reading with her own two daughters. While Aimee's daughters were in their early school years, Aimee learned about character education as part of the school curriculum, and she decided to publish illustrated books that present messages about values in an entertaining way through Pretty Please Press.
 
Laura Aimee Garn, author of Bella Basset Ballerina and The Scritchy Little Twitchell Sisters, has worked as a dictionary illustrator, a graphic designer, a creative director in the cosmetics and jewelry industries, a floral designer, and as a freelance writer. Aimee is a graduate of Mount Holyoke College and holds M.F.A. degrees in graphic design from Yale University and in writing from Columbia University. Aimee is President of the Board of NYC-Parents in Action, a volunteer organization that provides services and information to parents of children in New York independent schools to help prevent teenage substance use. Aimee lives in New York City with her two daughters, Louisa and Emma, and her husband.
 
About the Illustrator:
Valerie Sokolova, illustrator of Bella Basset Ballerina, was born in Lvov, Ukraine. She later moved to Minsk, Belarus, where she graduated from the Belarus State Institute of Theater and Art. Valerie has illustrated over thirty children's books in Russia, and has published books in the United States, including King Arthur's Courage, The Golden Books Treasury of Christmas Joy and Thankful Together. Valerie now lives in Brooklyn, New York, with her husband Alex, daughter Nikkie, and a friendly wild gecko in the basement. You can visit Valerie's website at http://www.valeriesokolova.com/.
 
 

My Review:
 
  I thought this was a darling book, full of an inspiring message...never give up on your dreams.  I think this is a great book for children to read, and realize that with persistance and determination dreams can come true. The illustrations are great.  Bella Bassett and all the characters are so lively.   Some of the words may be tough, so an older group of readers may be needed for help...but again, the children can be reminded that you need to work hard to be successful.   

What is great about books from Pretty Please Press is you can go to their website http://www.prettypleasepress.com/ and download vocabulary and concept building flashcards as well as lesson plans to go with each book. 
 
 
 
 
 
About Pretty Please Press:
Pretty Please Press publishes children's books that are designed to be read aloud and talked about. Each book contains a message about character and values that helps parents and children think and talk about a variety of issues. Pretty Please Press was founded in 2001 by author Laura Aimee Garn, and is now led by publisher Vera Venturi.
 
Currently Pretty Please Press has 20% off the list price for their books purchased through their site as well as "buy 3 get 1 free offer".
 

 
Thanks to Pretty Please Press one lucky reader is going to win not only "Bella Basset Ballerina" but will also win  "The Scritchy Little Twitchell Sisters", (which I will review at a later time).  Wouldn't these both be great for your daughter, niece, grandchild or for a classroom gift for Christmas? 
 
To enter: Follow my blog and  leave a comment telling me who this would be for.
 
Extra entries: 
 
~follow my blog
~subscribe to my blog
~follow me on twitter and tweet this giveaway
~blog about this giveaway
~enter any of my other giveaways and leave a comment telling me you did(1 entry for each contest entered).
 
This giveaway is open to US residents only.  Please leave a seperate comment for each entry.  Please leave your email so I can contact the winner.  The giveaway will end on Nov. 22 and the winner will be chosen by random.org.

 
 
Thank you to Prettypleasepress.com for the free books for review and giveaway!

Twitter party Thursday night: IMAX, Disneys A Christmas Carol

Resourceful Mommy Media is hosting a Twitter party tonight from 9 to 10 p.m. ET with the hashtag #XmasIMAX. It is sponsored by IMAX and is in celebration of this weekend’s opening of Disney’s A Christmas Carol in IMAX theaters.

Readers can enter to win a prize pack that consists of one Disney’s A Christmas Carol poster and one book, “Disney’s A Christmas Carol: Movie Storybook.”


To enter:  
Become a fan of IMAX today at www.facebook.com/IMAX  and then comment here that you would like to win. 



Extra entry:  Follow IMAX on Twitter at www.twitter.com/IMAX


This giveaway ends tonight during the twitter party....the winner will be chosen by resourceful mommy from all the entries through many different blogs.  To find other ways to enter click here  There will also be 13 winners on twitter thursday night.