Jumpin-Beans

I know I am lucky.  Each morning I wake up and see the two most precious and wonderful gifts that God gave me, I see that.  Each night I go to sleep, I am thankful for the day that we had, no matter how good or bad it was. The two that call me mama. Today, I wanted to say thank you to all of you, my readers.  So, because Mothers Day is coming up, quickly followed by Fathers Day, I wanted to host a giveaway for you! It is pretty simple.  Just enter on the rafflecopter form below! Seriously, who can't use a $20 GIFT CARD??? a Rafflecopter giveaway

This week at our school, we have been celebrating out teachers. If you get a good one, they go above and beyond each and every day.  Many times teacher have to spend their own money to continue providing supplies for the classroom. One year, a friend of mine (before Broxton was in school) was telling me how her school did Teacher Appreciation Week and while I thought it was a bit extreme, especially for those on low income, I see how it was beneficial to the teacher for her class.  Example, they were requested to send in $10 gift cards on one day to certain places, then a list of different things for the other days.  Oh and a $10 gift card for lunch one day too. This was EACH STUDENT.  What if you did not like the teacher?? Anyways, we have been lucky to have teachers we like and also in the fact that our school doesn't do crazy stuff like that. This year we had basic days: draw a picture or make a card, bring a flower, gift for the specials teachers (like art/ musi...

Still trying to find the PERFECT Mother's Day gift?  If you have a new mom in your life, or know someone that is expecting, this is the gift you need to look at. When Savannah was born, I knew I needed to find something to help us all out when we hit the teething stages.  Sure, you can have teethers and rings to put in the freezer, but if you are out and about running errands, you are not always going to remember to grab that, are you? Chewbeads is something you will remember, because it is something that you wear!  (A little "fashion accessory" if you will.)  I was thrilled when I was given the opportunity to review a couple items from the Chewbeads line of products!   FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Chewbeads  ...

FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I heard it was Children's Book week, so I wanted to share a couple books that we were recently sent for review.  I am still trying to decide which is my favorite.  They are all three totally different, but each hits a soft spot for me.  With Mothers Day right around the corner, it would make a great gift if you decide you want to give a book or two to the little ones that made you a mom!   I really loved Hypnosis Harry, because it explains that when we say "NO" it isn't just no that we mean, it is so much more!  In Hattie Peck, we learn to never give up and to always follow your dreams.  Finally, My Shadow has been a favorite poem to me for years and years, so I love seeing the poem as...

You’ve never met a hero quite like SHREK, winner of the first ACADEMY AWARD® for Best Animated Feature*. The endearing ogre sparked a motion picture phenomenon and captured the world’s imagination with...the Greatest Fairy Tale Never Told! Critics have called SHREK “not just a brilliant animated feature, but a superb film on any level” (Larry King, USA Today). Relive every moment of Shrek’s (Mike Myers) daring quest to rescue feisty Princess Fiona (Cameron Diaz), with the help of his lovable loudmouthed Donkey (Eddie Murphy), and win back the deed to his beloved swamp from scheming Lord Farquaad (John Lithgow). Enchantingly irreverent and “monstrously clever” (Leah Rozen, People Magazine), SHREK is an ogre-sized adventure you’ll want to see again and again.  Oh, the answer is 15 years, if you did not know.  I had no clue! FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency f...

You know how things come yearly and you make a point to put it on the calendar? Well, I have an expo to tell you about that you might want to mark down for next year! FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. I recently had the chance to attend the Alive Expo and to tell you that they have loads of information would be an understatement.  From what I figured out, this event is held in Atlanta each year and both large and small companies come to tell you what they have to offer. I was surprised at the number of booths there. They had lotions and potions, foods and oils...  the best part was that if you are totally new to the "health and wellness" scene, many of these companies were giving out samples for you to try before investing in them. ...

I have always loved PBS and the fact that the shows that are on there are great for my little ones.  Not only is it great programming for the entertainment factor, they also have educational aspects that is a great way to help "teach" younger minds without boring them with lectures!  We don't always watch the television, but I love having it on for background noise.  It is fun to see what actually grabs the attention of a little one and we mix it up with different shows from time to time.  Another thing I love?  Having the shows on DVD so that if its a time when that particular show isn't on, we still have the option to watch!   Also to take when we visit grandparents as they don't have the kids shows ready to watch when we are there!   Ha ha ha!!!!  We were recently sent a few new DVDs of great PBS programming and I want to share with you a few newly released DVDs. Please note, if you click the image, you will be taken to AMAZON through my affil...

Remember when Broxton and I went to see Eddie the Eagle? It's a great movie with a great message, NEVER GIVE UP ( there are a few scenes that are for older ages.)  I just thought that if you did not get a chance to see it in the theater, you might like to know that it is available on DVD soon.   Inspired By A Dream Come True –  EDDIE THE EAGLE  Lands On   Digital HD  May 27  and on Blu-ray & DVD  June 14 *** This is not a sponsored post, just thought I would share.    Read the information below: Eddie the Eagle Taron Egerton co-stars alongside Academy Award® Nominee Hugh Jackman* in this high-flying, feel-good story inspired by true events. Egerton plays Eddie “The Eagle” Edwards, an unlikely but courageous British ski-jumper who never stopped believing in himself–even as an entire nation was counting him out. With the help of a rebellious and charismatic coach (Jackman), the lovable underdog wins the hearts of fan...

For those that know my son, you know he loves a couple things more than anything else.  First up, his sister.  Tied for second - Star Wars and LEGO. I know he is going to be so excited to see this new show.  I am glad that with a 10 am debut time, they released it during the summer!!!!  I received this information in an email and just thought I would share it with you!  Will you be watching? LEGO STAR WARS:   THE FREEMAKER ADVENTURES' PREMIERES  MONDAY, JUNE 20  ON DISNEY XD Introducing new heroes and villains to the LEGO  Star Wars  universe, the animated television series "LEGO  Star Wars : The Freemaker Adventures" will premiere  MONDAY, JUNE 20  ( 10:00 a.m. EDT ), on Disney XD . Set between the events of "The Empire Strikes Back" and "Return of the Jedi," the action comedy series follows the Freemakers, a family of sibling scavengers who operate a salvage and repair shop in space. The series will also f...

I just wanted to share a bit more fun for the release of Norm of the North... (Remember that I was sent a copy for review!) First, a you tube clip for your enjoyment:   FTC Compliant Review Policy: The product(s) featured in this review were provided free of cost to me by the manufacturer or representing PR agency for the sole purpose of product testing. Opinions expressed are my own and are NOT influenced by monetary compensation. Also, as I mentioned in my earlier post, this would be cute to do a craft to help spend time together for Mothers Day.  Make the Norm of the North Paper Craft and then enjoy the movie... or make it after the movie, totally up to you! In case you need to get up and move, here is a clip showing Norm bust a move!

Mother's Day isn't always about me.  For me, it is about my mom, as well as the two little ones that made me a mom!  This year will be the first with our little girl, but each Mothers Day has been pretty special having this little boy in my life.  (Side note, every day is special, but Mother's Day seems to be a bit "extra" special.) Normally for Mothers Day, we just spend the day together and make memories, you know that is something I really enjoy!!!  We were recently sent a copy of Norm of the North and while we have already watched it (numerous times) I am pretty sure it will be in the playlist for Mothers Day weekend!  This really is a cute movie and I love that while Norm is the star of the show, they have a child that is pretty smart in the thought process!  (See video clip below) Just goes to show, age isn't everything!   As I said, it will be in our rotation Mothers Day weekend, but why not head on out and buy your own copy now? FTC Compli...