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Monday, November 7, 2011

OUR FAMILY NEEDS YOUR PRAYERS!!

As you all know its been a little while since I've had a second to get on here and post anything.  I can't promise when I'm going to get back actually.  I didn't want to post anything until we were sure of what we were dealing with and to inform our families.
A few weeks ago my husband was very, very sick and was taken to the hospital.  They found he had pneumonia and a large tumor that completely blocked off his right lung.  They told us they were pretty sure it was cancer and believed at first that it was inoperable.  

We pleaded with his first doctor to find someone to help and after three surgeries last week, they were able to remove the tumor and confirmed that it is Sarcoma Lung Cancer. 

He is going for his pet scan tomorrow and we are pleading for prayers that it hasn't spread.  If it hasn't they will remove his lung sometime this week and start chemotherapy and radiation.  If it has spread we're not sure what we are going to do and how to move forward.

We have a army of prayers going up for him right now and need as many more as we can get.   I can barely look at my children without crying.  They are just too small to even think of the unthinkable, so I can't!   I have to believe he will be alright.

I am sending out an apology to anyone that I haven't posted for or finished reviews for.  I will get to them just as soon as things settle down.  My husband needs me right now and I am just about keeping it all together with working and taking care of the kids alone. 

Lucas has been my biggest struggle.  As with any special needs kids any changes throw them off and he has surely been more than a handful to care for while being with my husband during this absolutely horrible nightmare that we've been living for the last few weeks.

Please, please, please keep my kids in your prayers too!  They are going to need strength to get their daddy through this fight of a lifetime he's about to begin!

Thank you all for being so understanding and I will try my best to get back on but he will probably be back in the hospital sometime this week to begin treatment. 






Thursday, October 6, 2011

#Blogmania Giveaways featuring @splendipityinc , @mykidzies , @designersN $196 in prizes



BLOGMANIA is here!!!! 

 
What is Blogmania?

We have 80+ blogs across the web that have linked up together with some amazing sponsors for a massive giveaway event!

Sponsors from all over have joined together with these blogs to share their companies and products with our viewers!

I am so excited about some of the AMAZING giveaways that are being offered!  Thousands of dollars combined are up for grabs!


After you enter our giveaways be sure to visit all of the links on the Blogmania list, listed below, to enter all of the other amazing giveaways!


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I'm even more excited to share OUR sponsors with you!!!!! We have some pretty FABULOUS prize up for our Mommies today!!! 





Our first prize is from Splendipity 
(Recent winner of the 2011 Top Choice of the Year Award in the Carrier Category!)

3 Winners will be chosen to win a Splendipity Accessory Pack
  (ARV $26 each)



This sponsor is simply amazing!!!  She literally just got back from having surgery and wrote to make sure to have a giveaway for our viewers in this event!!  I have never had a sponsor go to lengths that great to keep her word on sponsoring a giveaway!  They have a forever customer in me, that's for sure!!

Splendipity has offered to give (3) Three winners a s;lendipity accessory pack

These products are all organic and safe for your baby.  They understand how much our babies mean to us and has given us a product that we can feel safe snuggling our babies in!
 
This is just one of those companies that makes you feel good about buying from! 
 
When you shop with Splendipity you get & support:

• 100% certified organic cotton
• eco-friendly dyes-no chemical pesticides
• durable and long lasting clothing and accessories
• sustainability and health of farmers
• a socially responsible company
• women and children in shelters needing clothing
• bringing a new SMILE to children
Follow Splendipity

Website www.splendipityinc.com


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Our Second prize from Kidzies
(Featured, April 2011, on Nickelodeon's Parents Connect!)
3 Winners will be chosen to win a Kidzies Huggerz 
(ARV $6 each)



Kidzies offers adorable Koozies, Klings, Kanvas, Artwork, and Wipe Covers!  



Huggerz TM - Sweatless TechnologyTM - offers a chic way to keep your kid's drink safer from the elements.  Easily identify cup, minimize furniture rings and make it fun.


You have to stop by to see the adorable designs that they have!


Follow Kidzies


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Our Third prize from Designers Nursery
1 winner will be chosen to win a $100 Gift Certificate from
(ARV $100 each)



Photobucket

OMG!  I wish I found Designers Nursery when I had Lucas!  There isn't one item in this store that I would not buy, everything is so beautiful!!!  I could live in this store!!

You can find everything from burp cloths to furniture here!  You will have a hard time pulling yourself away from this site once you get there!

They also have some great promotional offers right now for the lucky winner of this giveaway!

  • Receive a free gift when you purchase a Blooming Babies Bedding Set.
  • 10% off your purchase of $250., 15% off your purchase of $500.
Follow Designers Nursery



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I wanted to take a minute to thank our amazing sponsors, Splendipity, Kidzies, and Designers Nursery for taking part in Blogmania and sponsoring these amazing prizes for our viewers!

Now it's time to visit these awesome blogs participating in Blogmania and enter all of the amazing sponsored giveaways on their sites!


Tuesday, October 4, 2011

A Day Out With Thomas at the Strasburg Railroad, Giveaway coming soon!!!

You've probably noticed I've been MIA for a few days!  
 
We'll,  we were invited to spend, "A Day Out With Thomas"!!!   

Hosted by Strasburg Railroad, presented by Hit Entertainment, and sponsored by Mega Brands, a leading Toy Company.


Charlie, Daddy, and Lucas!
So many people just love trains, but Kids really love Thomas the Tank Engine!

Especially kids like Lucas!!!   This trip was so incredibly amazing to him and for us!!!!

I've been to a few different, "A Day Out With Thomas", events and NONE have come close to what Strasburg Railroad does for their kids at this amazing event.  

They love kids and it shows in the effort that they put into making sure not just the kids, but the whole family enjoys their day with Thomas!


Lucas, Charlie, & Mommy!

We were able to get so many pictures that I wanted to share just a few of them with you to show you that not just little kids have a great time riding on, "Thomas, Annie & Clarabel"!

Lucas was adamant about telling us that when he saw the coaches! LOL

 




Taking in the scenery!
We enjoyed ourselves so much!  Our whole family was smiles for the entire day.

Charlie my older son was an even bigger fan of Thomas than Lucas when he was little!

I remember taking him to EVERY single, "A Day Out With Thomas" event that we could find!   

So peaceful!
He knew every train.  He would call Hit Entertainment if he saw a mistake on an engine to let them know to fix it! LOL 

He was my first little train fan.  It was such a joy to see how nostalgic he was about going back to Strasburg for his little brother.  

As a parent I am so happy that Strasburg Railroad puts on such an amazing event every year for families to enjoy such an amazing day with their children!

A Cow on the Line

It was so cute, Lucas turned to us so serious and said they're really could be, "A COW ON THE LINE!!"  lol 

We just thought that was so cute that he related the shows and the book stories to the real life cows next to the tracks!




The Breakdown Train!
Mavis


You heard all of the kids and Dad's screaming, "It's Mavis, It's the Breakdown Train, its the Breakdown Train!!  




Cheers FILLED the station as this famous little tank engine pulled up on the line!

Kids were beaming and smiling ear to ear, you could feel the anticipation of finally meeting their super hero!  Sir Topham Hatt's, Really Useful Little Engine, Thomas!!
IT'S THOMAS, CHUGGING DOWN THE TRACK!!

AWE!!! HOW CUTE?!!
How to decide whats next?
Here are just some of the stations that Lucas pulled into after the train ride:

Storytelling, Video viewing, Temporary Tatooes, Wooden Play Tables, Imagination Station, Photos with Sir Topham Hatt, Cranky, Cagney, Pump Car, Track Car, and LO&S (mostor car) rides.  They also have TONS of delicious food to eat!

HUGE Mega Blocks Thomas!
Lucas was in complete awe at the HUGE Thomas Mega Blocks display!  

He has a tiny one at home and was just CERTAIN that Mommy was going to buy this for him and bring it home! LOL  

Thank goodness he took a nap right as we were getting ready to leave and forgot about it!   

Thomas getting ready for his next passengers!!


He just stood and watched, what seemed forever,  as Thomas was getting water, his wheels greased, and more coal in the engine to take his next passengers on a journey of a lifetime!

What an incredible Day Out With Thomas!!!!


Strasburg Railroad will be hosting another "A Day Out with Thomas" event, in November,  for 3 days only!   Dates for the Event are November 18-20, 2011.  For tickets and information visit www.ticketweb.com or call 866.468.7630

Stayed tooned for a SPECIAL GIVEAWAY featuring the Santa's Paradise Express sponsored by Strasburg Railroad COMING SOON!

You can visit Strasburg Railroad on 

The Web: http://strasburgrailroad.com
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/StrasburgRailRoad
and Twitter: http://twitter.com/StrasburgRR

Our family would like to extend a HUGE thanks to Strasburg Railroad, Hit Entertainment, and MEGA Toys for inviting us to come and experience such a great time at the "A Day Out With Thomas Event!"









Friday, September 23, 2011

#BlogoramaBonanza11 Giveaway package from @splendipityinc , @peekadid , and @mykidzies - $170 Prize Package!! Wohoo!!

*********WINNER UPDATE******** 

 We have a winner for our Blogorama Bonanza 11' Giveaway!!!

Congratulations to Tara Ficher  

She was the winner chosen from 822 entries!!

What a lucky Lady!!! 


  
Well, the Blogorama Bonanza '11 is here!!!

What is this amazing event this is going to be!!!!

We have 114 blogs that have joined together to share at least $75 worth of some AMAZING PRIZES from some pretty GENEROUS and incredible sponsors!  After you enter our incredible giveaway be sure to visit all of the other blogs on this list to enter their amazing prizes!!!  WOW!!!  ADD THIS UP FOLKS!! ITS HUGE!!!
Wow, Wow, Wow!!!

We have an amazing prize package for one lucky winner!!!!  We have three incredible companies who wanted to join together to give one lucky Mom a prize of a lifetime for their little one!!

Our first prize is, a $50.00 Gift Certificate, from Splendipity recent winner of the 2011 Top Choice of the Year Award in the Carrier Category!

 Mom's love when we can find a product that is affordable and convenient!  

Well, Splendipity has done just that!   They have an organic product called the "Snuggle Me"!  

The Snuggle Me is a Seven in One, easy to use, affordable solution to such an important need as a parent to keep our kids safe!

The Snuggle me works as an Infant Car Seat Cover,  Car Seat Shade, Stroller Cover, Swing Cover, Shopping Cart Cover, High Chair Cover, and Nursing Shawl!





Splendipity has also told us to give our viewers a discount code that will save you 20% off your entire order at www.Splendipity.com .  Simply enter CODE: Review at checkout to receive your discount!




Our Second prize, A $35.00 prize package collection, from Kidzies



Kidzies offers adorable Koozies for kids and more!!!


They also have Klings, Kanvas, Artwork, and Wipe Covers!
 



Kidzies has offered to give the winner an awesome prize pack!!  The package includes:
A Huggerz TM - Sweatless TechnologyTM - offers a chic way to keep your kid's drink safer from the elements.  Easily identify cup, minimize furniture rings and make it fun. 

TagziesTM - So many uses! Soft grip for carrying an infant car seat, hip way to claim your tricycle, chic way to tag your stroller at the door...What do you TagziesTM?

Lil' Pea ProtectorTM - Multi-Functional 3-N-1 ~ Cut out that uncomfortable feeling on your little one's neck when transitioning from a toddler car seat to a booster seat and beyond!  Pad the pea-in-the-pod during pregnancy by wrapping it around the bottom of your own seatbelt.  Put it on the shopping cart handle to protect from germs.

Our third prize, A $35.00 Gift Certificate,  is from Peekadid (a sister company of Splendipity.)
 (Please note: Peekadid's site is underconstruction and will be up and running soon!)

Peedadid offers Hip, organic children's wear.

Today's children expect the best. . we've teamed with the best up and coming artist, Amanda Peek, who's eclectic deliberately fun and simple designs create that "wow factor" for every little child.

Newly launched site will be up soon! Accepting orders now.

3% of all sales profit Children's Charities. When you do good, you feel good. Feel good, do good, wear good. PeekaDid Apparel!








A last but not least to thank our sponsors we will be giving the winner a $50 Restaurant Gift Code.


Wow, Wow, WOW!!!  What an awesome Prize package!  I've given everyone tons of easy entries for more chances to win!!!   Share the love and good luck!!!!




Thursday, September 15, 2011

Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Angie and Rafael Monrael

Over the last few weeks I've been documenting some amazing success stories with real people that chose to make a change in their lives by working for themselves and opening up their own Kiddie Academy franchises.


I was asked if I wanted to share about Angie and Rafael Monreals.   When I saw Angie I couldn't help but think of one of my favorite childhood teachers.  She resembled her so much that I immediately connected to her before even reading about her!

Angie and Rafael were already thinking of opening up a franchise for about a year. 

Her livelihood was in business finance and stumbled upon Kiddie Academy when searching for a child care provider for her own children.

Like many parents, Angie felt that none of the current options for her children quite lived up to the standards that she wanted her children to have! 

This helped Angie and Rafael decide to make a change open up their own Kiddie Academy in Miami, Florida, in September of 2007.  She knew since she had business and finance experience she would have no problems running her own Kiddie Academy business.

Since opening their franchise, the Monreal's have seen a steady enrollment at their their Kiddie Academy.

Angie's most rewarding accomplishment and affirmation of a job well done is the line of students in front of Angie's office everyday waiting for hugs from her and cries if they don't get them!!! 

How awesome would that make you feel?!!!  Talk about getting a pat on the back everyday!!!  How much more rewarding can it get than seeing how happy you've made a child while they need to be away from their parents!

Another incredible story about making a change in your life and seeing your dream come true, all thanks to Kiddie Academy franchising!!
 

If you would like to learn more about opening up your own franchise, please visit www.kiddieacademyfranchising.com to learn more!

You can visit Kiddie Academy on Facebook and Twitter as well!

Related Kiddie Academy posts:

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY WITH KIDDIE ACADEMY!
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring the Gaud's and the Sahejpal's
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Cory and Summer Bullock
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Dwight Wilkinson 
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Jill and George Malanga 
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Nirali and Pinakin Patel

 





Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post by Kiddie Academy.  I only recommend products or services that I would personally use and believe could or would benefit our readers. 





Monday, September 12, 2011

My new Heelys skates took me back 30 years!! Awesome!

I was invited to try a pair of Heelys to review!   I have to be honest, I was SO afraid at first to try these, at first.  I have trouble standing on my own two feet let alone adding a wheel to the mix! LOL
  
I'm so glad that I faced my fears and tried Heelys!!   I used to skate all the time and I simply loved it!!  It's been such a long time that I had wheels on my feet!  I just lost my nerve and confidence after I had my kids and started getting older! 
 
When I put them on I was so surprised!  I felt a lot more stable that I thought I would.  My foot pretty much stayed on the ground as you can see in the pic!  

I think a huge help was watching their "How To" videos"!   I know most parents would also love the Heely's playbook

I was able to feel really confident and at ease that it wasn't as bad as I imagined it would be!  

I love that we found a new way to have fun with the kids and feel like one of them while I'm doing it! LOL  We just had such a great time playing on our skates!

I was impressed to see how far Heely's has gone to show kids and parents how to keep safe while skating!    I'm so glad I had this opportunity to take such an awesome ride!  My kids had such a blast!

Want to get a pair for yourself?  Visit Heely's shop today!

You can also find Heely's on:

Disclosure:  I received the product mentioned in this review for free to review!  Our results with this product may not be the same for all individuals!  Irregardless, I only recommend products and/or services that I believe would and/or could benefit our readers.



Friday, September 9, 2011

SUPER MEGA WEEKLONG SOCIAL LINK UP BLOG HOP AND GIVEAWAY!

Welcome to Lucas's Journey w/SPD's
SUPER MEGA SOCIAL LINK-UP WEEK LONG BLOG HOP


Lucas's Journey with Sensory Processing Disorder
 Everyone who links up today will be entered into our giveaway this week!* 
One winner will be featured next week and receive a placement in one of our ad spots!  
 

*ALL THAT WE ASK IS FOR YOU TO SHARE IT WITH YOUR FOLLOWERS IF YOU ARE CHOSEN!!!!  (We are linking up here to GAIN and FOLLOW new friends)  I don't expect anyone to copy our whole hop into their blog, just a fun post saying that you were featured here so that we can meet some of your friends too!)

*If you are NOT interested in participating if chosen, please leave a comment below so I can choose another winner that would like the opportunity!

I was so happy to hear were were nominated by TWO different sites this week!  I would like to extend a HUGE thanks to whoever nominated us!  Please take a moment and give us a vote!  It was such an honor for us, thank you!!






WOW! Is September PACKED with goodies!!!


OMG! We have some amazing events packed up for September for you all!!! Even though I've been quite for the last week, I have certainly been in the background putting together some AMAZING things for September to share with you!!




We have the Blogarama Event coming up next week!!! OMG!! Wait until you see this event! There are so many blogs participating and SOOOOOO many amazing giveaways from some pretty incredible sponsors!!!!!!!








And don't forget our SUPER AWESOME Spafinder Event! Bookings will begin in September so it will be a fun packed month of GOODIES for my mamma's and DADDIES!! Yes you heard me!!! GUYS LOVE SPA trips and we're gonna start telling you about some amazing new spa treatments that you may not have known about to try!!!!



 I have a few other amazing things coming up this month but its top secret information so I'll tell you about when the big wigs tell me its ok! LOL







Monday, September 5, 2011

TOOTH Attack but I fought Back and WON!!!!!!

I have been MIA but for a very good reason!!!

Ok So you all know that I was complaining a few weeks ago about being in pain for over a year with a toothache right?!!  No dentist, that I could find would see me unless I had 100% of the bill up front to help me!



Monday, August 29, 2011

Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Nirali and Pinakin Patel

Over the last few weeks I've been documenting some amazing success stories with real people that chose to make a change in their lives by working for themselves and opening up their own Kiddie Academy franchises.


Today I want to share about Nirali and Pinakin Patel!

 
Nirali and Pinakin were were new young parents who realized the importance and need for quality child care for their new child!  

Neither of them had a education background but were very business savvy and new that they wanted to make a difference in their child's life by providing a place,  not only for their son Ryan to go to, but for everyone in their community who was searching for quality child care as well!
 
It was a huge change for the Patel's but they were determined to make sure their son had a quality child care education so who better to provide that for him then themselves! 
 
They went from being a project and data managers to running a Kiddie Academy franchise of their own.   
 
Nirali and Pinakin Patel opened their Kiddie Academy franchise in Elkridge, Maryland on September 17, 2007, both at the young age of 31!

They both worked very hard at building relationships with their community, parents and, students and loves that their hard work is paying off and their academy continues to grow everyday!   
 
Nothing brings them more joy than to see who much the students love going to their Kiddie Academy!  
 
The amazing success of their first academy has made them begin thinking about opening another Kiddie Academy within the next few years!

Again, what a powerful, moving story!   A parents determination is one that can't be broken!

Another incredible story about making a change in your life and seeing your dream come true, all thanks to Kiddie Academy franchising!!
 

If you would like to learn more about opening up your own franchise, please visit www.kiddieacademyfranchising.com to learn more!

You can visit Kiddie Academy on Facebook and Twitter as well!

As I wrote this post for Kiddie Academy, the northeast was being bombarded by one of the worst storms that we have ever encountered.  My prayers are with the Patel's and their Academy in hopes that they were not in Hurricane Irene's destructive path.

Related Kiddie Academy posts:

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY WITH KIDDIE ACADEMY!
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring the Gaud's and the Sahejpal's
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Cory and Summer Bullock
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Dwight Wilkinson 
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Jill and George Malanga 



 





Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post by Kiddie Academy.  I only recommend products or services that I would personally use and believe could or would benefit our readers. 





Sunday, August 28, 2011

Hurricane Irene, Gone, But Will Never Be Forgotten!

Well, we made it through Hurricane Irene!  After a night of no sleep I can honestly say I have never been more exhausted in my life!   Like I said the other day we have NEVER experienced a storm of this magnitude in the northeast!  My only concern was being able to protect my kids from this big bad bully of a storm and of the unknowns that were about to come!!!

All night we heard the sirens and alerts of possible tornadoes touching down right next to our town!  It was dark, we couldn't see what was coming so we relied on the sounds that were rumbling outside!  It was just a non-stop night of uncertainty!  It was nerve wracking to say the least!

This morning I was never so thankful to see sunlight and know that the storm was on its way out!!!!!

I saw tweets and posts coming in from people actually coming off ANGRY that they felt nothing more than a regular storm and they were mad at the media for trying to get people to safety over the weekend!  I feel as though if they only felt a normal storm they were very fortunate people!  

The more angry the comments seemed the more it angered me to hear them said!!   I felt like they should be thanking God that they didn't have to experience what a lot of others had too over the last few days!  Why would any person in their right minds WANT to experience something like that or be angry that they didn't?  What would snap in their heads to actually feel anger that they didn't get bombarded with some of the conditions that some were praying to get out of?

My heart and prayers go out to those people who not only suffered the fear that most of us did during the hurricane but actually had their fear come to fruition and actually lost someone that they loved dearly in this horrible mess!  There were children that were taken way before their time!   I have no answers as to why but can only pray for parents who lost them and hope they have the strength to get through it! 

I wanted to thank everyone for the emails and well wishes.  You're prayers for our safety worked!!!  Thank you!!








Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Jill and George Malanga

Over the last few weeks I've been documenting some amazing success stories with real people that chose to make a change in their lives by working for themselves and opening up their own Kiddie Academy franchises.

This week I wanted to share about Jill and George Malanga.

Jill Malanga was no stranger to operating her own franchise, she was a NutriSystem franchisee for years so she knew all about working for herself in her own business!
 
When she had her first child, she realized that the daycare providers that were in her area were not up to snuff with what she was looking for and made the decision to open up her own Kiddie Academy franchise!  

Her decision wasn't just for her and her child, but for many other parents facing the same situation!  

She wanted to give parents a great day care option and make a change and was determined to do so.  Their first franchise opened its doors in Sparta New Jersey in July of 1996! 

Their huge success comes from the way that they run their Kiddie Academy.  

They treat each family and child as if they were in their own family!  They want parents to have peace of mind and often help those in our military who've been deployed by waiving tuition for them.  What an amazing way to help those parents who are helping serve our country! Simply Amazing!!

George Malanga, a retired high school teacher, decided to open up a second franchise after seeing the amazing success of Jill's first Kiddie Academy.  Their second Kiddie Academy opened their doors in West Milford NJ in September of 2004! 

Their second Kiddie Academy was just as successful as the first!  

Their enrollment at both academies is almost at full capasity and the Malanga's have started considering opening a third Kiddie Academy!


Wow, what an amazing story!  One simple decision to make a change has changed so many lives in the process!

Another incredible story about making a change in your life and seeing your dream come true, all thanks to Kiddie Academy franchising!!
 

If you would like to learn more about opening up your own franchise, please visit www.kiddieacademyfranchising.com to learn more!

You can visit Kiddie Academy on Facebook and Twitter as well!

As I wrote this post for Kiddie Academy, the northeast was being bombarded by one of the worst storms that we have ever encountered.  My prayers are with the Malanga's and their Academies in hopes that they were not in Hurricane Irene's destructive path.

Related Kiddie Academy posts:

AN AMAZING OPPORTUNITY WITH KIDDIE ACADEMY!
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring the Gaud's and the Sahejpal's
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Cory and Summer Bullock
Kiddie Academy Success Story, featuring Dwight Wilkinson 


 





Disclosure:  This was a sponsored post by Kiddie Academy.  I only recommend products or services that I would personally use and believe could or would benefit our readers. 





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