Jumpin-Beans

Did you know that today was National Love Our Children Day ?  I didn't either, until just a bit ago. That being said, I thought it was great to share this email I received with you all.  (That and it is Spring Break here... Thought we could all use the push to get outside!) WASHINGTON– Spring is here and it’s a great time for families with children to spend time outdoors and together.  The Episcopal Center for Children (ECC), a nonprofit organization providing mental health and special education services to children ages 5-14 in the greater Washington, DC area, offers tips to help families. Being active as a family can benefit everyone. Adults need at least two and a half hours a week of physical activity, and children need 60 minutes a day. “Several studies have shown that being outside and staying active improves health and well-being for adults and children,” said Dodd White, president and CEO of ECC. “For families supporting children with unique needs, doi...

Having a little one around means we have some silly times these days.  I know good and well that our house isn't the only one out there that has moments of silliness.  I have been known to see daddy (or big brother putting shoes on their hands or Savannah's tutu on her head.  It makes us all laugh and we say "no, that is not where that goes!"  Come on, admit it.. You have done it before too!  Well, the latest book for Savannah that we received does just that.    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. Where Do Pants Go is a cute book that follows many different kids getting dressed.  No, your pants don't go on your arms!  Silly goose, your jacket doesn't go on the dog!   It follows the k...

Outdoor play is very much needed for all children.  The following post is from an email I received about Special Needs children benefiting from outdoor play, but I honestly feel that this is good to know for all children.  That being said, get up, get out and PLAY!!!!!   Head outdoors, the yard, the park, somewhere soon!!!!   LET THEM PLAY! CHILDREN WITH SPECIAL NEEDS BENEFIT FROM OUTDOOR PLAY The Episcopal Center for Children, A Nonprofit Organization in DC, Offers Tips for Getting Kids Outside WASHINGTON – Getting children with special needs outside is important for their development and growth, says the staff at the Episcopal Center for Children, a nonprofit organization that assists elementary and middle school aged children with special needs. It improves coordination and motor skills.  Many children with special needs have developmental delays. Playing outside can improve flexibility, muscle strength, and coordination. It can also help them...

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. Let's be real here. Most times when it rains people start to complain.  I admit it, I do. It is hard getting a 7 year old that wants to run around in it and a baby under a year old in and out of the car in the rain.  Not even mentioning the fact that I really don't enjoy being soaking wet.  Here is the thing though... when did we start hating the rain?  As a child, we loved it. (Farmers still do, in moderation!)   One of the latest books to join our ever growing library is Puddle Jumpers.  I am SO GLAD that we received  this, as it reminded me to enjoy all of these moments!!!  Seriously, it is really fun and it is FREE!!!   What isn't to love??? PUDDLE JUMPERS by...

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. Most shows today are not really family friendly (I hate admitting that, but I feel that way most of the time).  I feel like most shows are showing things that are inappropriate or the language is questionable...  But, there is a timeless classic that is sure to make everyone laugh and is perfect for the whole family!  I told you before that Marc was a huge fan of the Wonder Years and I enjoy watching them as well (although I will say that I was not a die hard fan like Marc, but that might be an age thing too.)  If you are looking for a show to show what your childhood was like to your kids (sneak in a bit of childhood history) or you are just looking for a great show to watch, remember that the Wonder...

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. It is getting down to Crunch Time here... Can you believe December came so fast?  It seems like just the other day we were celebrating Christmas 2013... now a whole year has passed? Say it ain't so!  Are you finished with your Christmas shopping?  Have you even started? I can proudly say I am "almost" done. I don't know if I told you Broxton's latest.. He wants to paint his room. I have no clue how or what or why... but that is the latest... Sadly, I put my foot down on that one. I am not one to hinder his creativity, so I made a deal... He could put posters up, or drawings or whatever he wants.. but no permanent decor. He was so thrilled to have that say so on his room!  So, he has started telling me the things he wants to p...

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. If you have ever been to this blog, or if you know us personally, you know that we are huge Lego fans here...  I was so lucky that I was able to host a giveaway for Lego KidsFest that headed to Atlanta... and in doing so, we were able to attend and I just had to share how much fun it was!  I know that Lego KidsFest is headed to other area's... so if you love Lego's... I say try to go!  The kids will love you for it and you are sure to have a blast too! When you first get there, you are given a brochure that tells you what all is inside and even gives you a little map to help make sure you see and do it all...  Broxton and his buddy decided to take a look at this while we waited for them to op...

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 remember watching Tom and Jerry as a kid...  Loved the show... but Broxton and Marc really love it now!!!!  With that, it is nice to know that the cartoons that I grew up on are available on DVD!   BURBANK, CA  (March 27, 2013) – Tom and Jerry’s rivalry goes way back to the time Tom was just a small kitten and Jerry a baby mouse. Their rollicking adventures as tiny tots are captured on Warner Bros. Home Entertainment’s DVD release of  Tom and Jerry Kids Show The Complete Season 1 , available April 30, 2013. This entertaining release will be comprised of 13 episodes on a two-disc set, for over four hours of exciting,  Tom and Jerry  hi-jinks.  Tom and Jerry Kids Sh...

I remember "playing" dominoes as a child with my Nana...  I am so happy that Broxton gets such enjoyment out of something that I loved as a child!!! Did anyone else do this?  

Welcome to this week’s edition of Aloha Friday. In Hawaii, Aloha Friday is the day that we take it easy and look forward to the weekend. So I thought that on Fridays I would take it easy on posting, too. Therefore, I’ll ask a simple question for you to answer. Nothing that requires a lengthy response. My question: Did you have a lemonade stand when you were a child? My answer: I do not think I did... So, mom... Did I?!