MMCH Quest for Crystal Mickey!

Mickey Mouse Clubhouse rules in our house.

Turtle is crazy about MMCH. She loves loves loves to sing along with the theme song and insists on me stopping everything I'm doing to find her favorite Mickey Mouse doll when it comes on.

And ever since she's watched the new MMCh Quest for Crystal Mickey DVD, she's insisted that we fly to the pyramids and find crystal Mickeys.

Hey, I'm game!

The official press release states: 

                                               "Join Mickey, Minnie, Pluto and all their pals in the newest Clubhouse crusade. When the legendary Crystal Mickey goes missing, Mickey and friends go on an adventure to save the Clubhouse from losing its magic. Grab your hat, buckle your seatbelt, and get ready to embark on a thrilling adventure in “Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: The Quest for the Crystal Mickey!”

There’s no time to lose after greedy Plunderin’ Pete snatches the legendary Crystal Mickey statue from the Clubhouse. Without this sparkly statue’s magic, the Clubhouse will disappear forever! Can the world’s most extraordinary hero "Kansas City Mickey," get the magical statue back in time? Only with help from young viewers at home…and the right Mouseketools can Mickey journey across the Sandy Desert, brave the Rushing River and make his way through the Hidden Jungle. But watch out for Pete’s trickiest traps!"

MMCH Quest for Crystal Mickey has extra episodes for your kiddos and comes with an adventure activity map and stickers. It's on store shelves now and is perfect for the rainy summer days to entertain your babes.

I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own. Thanks! 

Sonic Drive-In's Green Iced Teas Giveaway

When Sonic Drive-In rolled into town, I was immediately hooked. 

How can you not love a drive-in that 

Check out this behind-the-scene video where Sonic Chef Claes Petersson talks about the new sweet and green teas and the flavors that go into the yummy drinks. 

I love the tips on how you can use the seasonings at home for your own delight.

To celebrate the new drinks at Sonic's, I'm giving away a $25.00 gift card to one lucky reader. 

Nice way to kick off the summer, huh?

All I need you to do is tell me which of their 398,929 drink combos is your favorite Sonic drink. 

Check out their website for the complete list.

This contest will run until June 17, 2013

GOOD LUCK! 

I received a gift card to Sonic in exchange for this post. All opinions are 100% mine. 

Doc McStuffins: Time For Your CheckUp DVD (Review)

I don't know about you, but as soon as I hear the Doc McStuffin's theme song... I sing along.

You can admit it, I won't tell anyone.

Doc McStuffin's is the hugely popular series on Disney Junior and now you can watch the hit show anytime you want with the latest release from Disney: Doc McStuffins: Time For Your CheckUp!

Turtle is a huge Doc fan and even gets out her little doctor kit when she sits down to watch the show. She watches, I sing... You know. 

She's adorable, seriously. 

From the press release:

"2012's #1 cable TV series in Kids 2-5, "Doc McStuffins" tells the story of a nurturing six-year-old girl who heals stuffed animals and broken toys out of her backyard playhouse clinic.  Assisting Doc at the clinic are her trusty team of lovable stuffed animals including: Stuffy, an overly proud dragon; Lambie, her  cuddly best friend lamb; Hallie, a jolly and caring  hippo nurse; and Chilly, a snowman who spends a lot of time getting check-ups at the clinic.  Whether it's a case of loose stitching, low batteries or a blow-up toy who has sprung a leak, Doc and her pals are always there to lend a helping hand, while imparting to young viewers the importance of taking care of oneself and others. "

The DVD is packed with five episodes for your kiddos to enjoy:

Episodes:                                  

1 – Gulpy, Gulpy Gators! / One Note Wonder

2 – Tea Party Tantrum / Blast Off!

3 – Arcade Escapade / Starry, Starry Night

4 – Bronto Boo-Boos / Brontosaurus Breath

5 – Doctoring The Doc / Hot Pursuit 

You can get your hands on your own copy of Doc McStuffins: Time For Your CheckUp DVD today. It's on store shelves everywhere!

Enjoy!

I received a copy of this DVD for review purposes. All opinions are 100% my own. Thanks!

Crest & America's ToothFairyGiveaway

Every other day my child comes home and asks me when she is going to lose a tooth.

I say, "Soon" and then she makes me wiggle all of her teeth to check. 

She's so stinkin' cute.

I also tell her that the tooth fairy won't leave her any money if her teeth are funky.

True story.

She is a mad woman about taking care of her teeth because of that innocent statement.

Roo has been to the dentist and like most kids, she freaked out. In her defense, she freaks out about anything that involves a Doctor.

The National Children's Oral Health Foundation has the America's ToothFairy project that helps give tips to keep children, like mine, from freaking out about visiting the dentist.

From the press release, here are some tips to help you and your young one sane when visiting the dentist:

• "Visit the dentist with your child prior to their first appointment.  Help your child understand what to expect on their visit by taking a tour of the practice and asking the dental assistant or dental hygienist to explain what will be done and demonstrate how each instrument will be used.  Not only will this help ease your child’s fears, but it also creates a wonderful learning opportunity!

• For slightly order children, bring them along to observe your routine dental cleaning and exam. This will allow them to ask questions, see how each instrument will be used, eliminate potential fears by observing your experience and help them understand the importance of practicing good oral health behaviors. (Contact your dental office prior to your appointment to advise them that your child will be with you.)

• Regular dental visits will enable your child to develop a sense of familiarity and comfort with the dental team and practice as well provide vital preventive care necessary for a healthy smile.

• Reinforcing concepts such as daily brushing and flossing, by posting a calendar and rewarding your child a gold star or sticker for every day of excellent oral care.  Help get your child excited about their next dental visit by bringing the calendar with you to show the dentist.

• Allow your child to bring their favorite toy or blanket with them on their dental visit to give them an added sense of security and comfort.

• Reading can have a soothing and calming effect on your child.  Bring their favorite book to read to them during their dental appointment.

• Let your child wear a costume on their dental visit.  This special treat can help them view going to the dentist as a fun activity."

Crest and Oral-B Pro-Health Stages are teaming up with Monsters University to help promote healthy teeth and awesome visits to the dentist. 

Check  out the latest products, available at your local WalMart.

To celebrate, I'm giving away a prize pack that includes 2 Crest Pro-Health Stages Monsters, Inc Toothpastes and 2 Oral-B Stages Monsters, Inc. toothbrushes! 

All you need to do to enter to win is tell me how you get your kid to visit the dentist or how you get them to brush their teeth.

Easy!

This contest is open until June 15, 2013.

Good Luck! 

Yelling, it's got to go.

Today while doing a million things at once, I stumbled upon a blog post from Hands Free Mama called The Important Thing About Yelling.

I found the post on Pinterest from a friend's board and clicked because I am guilty as charged of yelling at my kids.

Before I even read the post, I was thinking about all those times I've snapped at my children for being... well, for being children.

I've snapped at them for stupid reasons (as well as perfectly reasonable ones) and when I think about why I snapped at them, how I snapped at them... I get embarrassed. I get sad. I cry...

I mean, come the fuck on, they are children. They honestly do not know better. I'm an adult, I KNOW BETTER!

I never wanted to be a mother that yelled. Hell, I don't want to be a person that yells. It takes up too much time and energy and I'd rather be playing with my girls or searching for ladybugs with them.

I have so many more important memories to make other than yelling at a little girl over the fact that she wants to dance in the bathroom instead of brush her teeth.

Can't blame her, dancing is fun.

Reading the post, I felt the tears welling up in my eyes because I am her.

I AM HER.

I yell for stupid reasons and I yell because I'm frustrated with ME not THEM.

I take out my frustrations on them because I am unhappy with myself.

My life isn't all roses and I'll admit that it sucks sometimes... a lot of the time, actually. But the bright spot in my life never changes: Them.

My jobs isn't always great. My finances are a wreck. I am plagued with an illness that wipes me out.

I could go on and on... but the thing is, are these excuses as to why it's okay for me to yell at my children?

My babies are just kids, just three and six years of age how in the world can they possible know that using my good bowls for food for their chicken is a bad idea? Are their lives any better because I rush them all over the place so I can make sure life is in perfect running order?  Why should I get frustrated because my kid needs to stop and examine the world around her?

What does it matter if I let her?

What does it do if I stop and smell the roses with her?

Both of us would only benefit from it.

I've decided to make a change. I'm making a commitment to myself to stop the yelling in every aspect of my life.

I could use the break and I'm sure those around me could too.

Aio Wireless Comes to Orlando

Wireless is an essential part of life. But it wasn't always that way. Remember when everything was all wires and you had to sit at an actual desk and wait for your internet to dial-up?

I would always make the noises as my connection would dial-up.

You know you did too.

Wireless is the best part of this new technological world we live in.

Having wireless at a great price is amazing.

Aio Wireless has come to Orlando and its offering you just that.

Check out the press release:

"Aio Wireless™ Announces New Nationwide Voice and Data Service

No-annual-contract wireless provider kicks off new service with launch in first three markets

Alpharetta, GA – May 9, 2013 - Today Aio Wireless announced the launch of a new nationwide wireless service for consumers interested in a first-class wireless experience at a value price, without an annual contract.  Aio provides new choices, seamless customer experience, and simplified service and offerings to value-conscious customers interested in an unlimited talk/text/data plan with no annual contract.  Aio expects the service to roll out in multiple markets across the U.S. over the next year, with an initial launch today in select stores in Houston, Orlando and Tampa, and with additional stores in these three markets opening in the coming weeks.  Store locations and Aio information will be available atwww.aiowireless.com. Aio (pronounced “A-O”) is a brand name that encapsulates Aio’s brand promise:  simply, delightfully, more. 

“We talked with no-annual-contract customers and created our service around what they want.  They want simple, easy plan choices with unlimited offers; first-class service at affordable prices; great devices; nationwide voice and data coverage; and no annual contracts. Today’s wireless customers don't want to compromise,” said Jennifer Van Buskirk, president of Aio Wireless. “We are set up to win over value-conscious customers who are increasingly moving towards smartphones and mobile broadband.” 

Aio makes prepaid wireless easy for customers with a friendly in-store and on-line experience, three simple rate plans to choose from, and an attractive portfolio of devices that include smartphones, tablets, and feature phones from a variety of manufacturers, including Samsung, Nokia, ZTE and others. Aio’s

unlimited talk, text, and data rate plans range from $35 to $70 per month, with pricing varying by market, and will offer 4G download speeds of up to 4Mbs per second. Customers will also have the opportunity to bring a compatible, unlocked device for activation on the Aio network.  Aio will delight customers with an attitude of gratitude, easy pre-payment options, and an involvement in the local communities in which we serve. 

Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.  AT&T does not expect this announcement to change AT&T’s January 2013 financial guidance.

About Aio Wireless

Aio Wireless (pronounced A-O) was created for today's value-conscious connected consumers who want it all.  We created a new class of service for individuals who expect a first class wireless service at a value price - one with no-annual contract, friendly service, uncomplicated plans and the mobile phones and tablets you love.   All of Aio’s phone plans include unlimited talk, text and data, with taxes and fees included - the price you see is the price you pay. Aio Wireless is a subsidiary of AT&T Inc.  Visit www.aiowireless.com to find out more."

Awesome, huh?

Check out their website for all the details

Weekend from Hell

I live for my weekends.

Weekends are my go-to for rest, relaxation, fun and my babies.

Oh, my babies.

I don't get to spend nearly as much time as I want with them during the week because of this silly thing called a job.

This past weekend I had plans of bathing suits, giggles and ice cream but all of that nonsense was dashed when I snuck into my daughter's class room at the end of the day on Friday to get some kisses. I was surprised to find my girl tucked away in the corner, snoozing on a row of chairs.

This stopped me in my tracks. Girl never sleeps during the day unless something is wrong.

Upon inspection, I discovered she had a 103.7 fever!

I bundled her up and took her home to cuddle away the sickness but her fever just would not stop!

We headed to the doctors the next day where her cough developed into croup and they diagnosed her with bronchitis. We were sent home with antibiotics and told to get some rest.

When your kid is sick, you tend to be on heightened alert. You're looking for a clue as to what could make them feel better and what can you do to make them comfortable.

I hover when my kids are sick.

Do you need your pillow fluffed? Are you hungry? What do you want to watch?

I spoil the crap out of them.

When Roo woke up from a nap with a strange look on her face, I knew something was wrong. I pestered her to tell me what was wrong but she wouldn't.

I knew in my gut that something wasn't right.

Then she asked to go back to the doctors.

She was having trouble breathing, her airway was swelling shut.

I immediately went into a mode where I'd made the decision to take her to the hospital. I packed up a bag of stuffed animals, change for the vending machine, chargers for phones and tablets... everything but the poor girls shoes!

I left Turtle with Daddy and out the door we flew.

The whole way I was praying to God to make her better and to guide our drive to the hospital.

I just needed her better, fast.

Her breaths were so fast and so short.

We were able to get in right away and they got some medicine in her to stop the swelling and reduce it.

Thankfully, it worked. After a special breathing treatment, she was back to her normal self.

When can we go home?

They did an X-Ray of her chest, which came back normal, and we were able to spend some time snuggling together while we waited. 

Roo has a horrible track record with respiratory infections and the past three times she'd experienced them, we've ended up in the hospital.

They tell me that she will outgrow them and I'm hoping this is true.

No one wants to have to rush to the hospital because their child cannot breathe.

We spent the rest of the weekend doing absolutely nothing except fighting the fever that kept coming back and the one that decided to knock Turtle down. 

And getting very little sleep.

Today I'm praying for full recoveries because we all desperately need our sleep and my little ones desperately need to run and play.

Wish us luck.