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  • Bible 365: Week 29

    Happy Monday y’all!!  I hope that everyone had a great weekend.  Our weekend was low key but good nevertheless.  We’re enjoying the last few days of having the Mr to ourselves because he’s been cleared to return to work this week.  I’m going to miss having him here during the day and getting to just go out as a family and do stuff together.  Anyways, we started the book of Isaiah in Week 28.  And in Week 29, it seems like the children of Israel still haven’t gotten their acts together.
    You maybe wondering why God didn’t just force them to do right since they were His chosen people?  I know I’ve asked myself that a few times.  Isaiah 7:9 says, “Unless your faith is firm, I cannot make you stand firm.”  At the end of day, they had free will just like we do today.  They chose to stray from God at turn.  Even when things were going well and He was delivering their enemies into their hands, the Israelites turned their backs on Him.  They let their enemies talk them into worshiping their idols and cursing God.
    A lot of us are like the Israelites.  We’re so quick to waver in our faith.  But then we wonder why we’re not getting blessed or our prayers aren’t being answered.  The truth of the matter is that when the tough gets going, sometimes we go too.  We’re quick to blame our problems on God instead of looking at our role in our dilemmas.  We have free will and often times we bring some our misfortune on ourselves by stepping outside of the commandments that God has appointed for us.
    However, at the end of the day we have to remember that God is always with us.  Isaiah 8:10 says, “Call your councils of war, but they will be worthless.  Develop your strategies, but they will not succeed.  For God is with us.”  So, you see even in our time of need God is by our sides.  He protects us from those weapons and people meant to harm us or break us down.
    And when it comes to leadership, we have to be careful who we follow and allow to preside over us.  “For the leaders of this people cause them to err, and those who are led by them are destroyed.” (Isaiah 9:16)  The people of Samaria allowed themselves to be led astray by their leaders.  And for that they paid for their sins with their lives.  When you know better, you do better.  This is reminder that sometimes it’s not wise to follow the crowd.
    Also, in Week 29, we read about Lucifer being cast out of heaven.  “…But you are cast out of your grave like an abominable branch, like the garment of those who are slain, thrust through with a sword, who go down to the stones of the pit, like a corpse trodden underfoot.” (Isaiah 14:19).   Lucifer dared to think that he was God.  In Isaiah 27, we see that God plans to restore the Israelites once He destroys the majority who have erred from His ways. 
    And if you think that faithfulness is not rewarded read about Hezekiah in Isaiah 38.  He’s on his death bed and the Lord has sent word to him through Isaiah letting him know that he is about to die so that he can make necessary preparations.  But Hezekiah humbly reminds that “I have walked before You in truth and with a loyal heart, and have done what is good in Your sight.” (Isaiah 38:3)  Therefore, God gives him gives him 15 more years to live.  So, you see when we walk the walk that God has called us to walk, we will be rewarded. 
    If you were Hezekiah, what you have asked for?  More life, money for your children, world peace?
    Week 30 Readings
    7/22: Isaiah 40-48
    7/23: Isaiah 49-52
    7/24: Isaiah 53-55
    7/25: Isaiah 56-59
    7/26: Isaiah 60-66
    7/27: Jeremiah 1-6
    7/28: Jeremiah 7-10

    Linking up for Mom’s Monday Mingle 

  • Thankful Thursday

    I don’t know about y’all but I could definitely use a little Thankful Thursday this week.  So much sadness in the news and our stormy weather being back has me searching for some positivity.  This world may be a crazy place, but I refuse to let it consume me and my family.
    I’m very thankful that I’ve been working hard on goodies to add to Moo’s Closet soon.  I’ve been researching some photography tips and I’m anxious to start snapping pictures and loading things on the website.  I’m more motivated than ever for my shop to take off because I’m in the process of trying to help my baby sister go back to school.  Colleges are starting to hand out less and less financial aid each year.  And she really wants to finish up her degree in baking and pastry.
    I’m thankful that the Mr’s soreness is almost gone.  They took him out of work for this week, but he heads back next week.  It’s been really nice having him home.  We’re going to miss seeing him on a regular basis besides when he’s headed out the door.  Can’t wait to win the lottery!
    JJ is trying to get move vocal.  That’s a huge plus because I do worry that he’s behind in the speech department.  I’m trying not to compare him to Moo when she was two or other toddlers his age.  I know that every child is different.  Just yesterday he told Moo to go away.  He had the go part down really well. So, I’ll keep working with him and getting him to use his words.
    Thankful for the two rain-free days we’ve had so far this week.  It started back storming yesterday and a few neighborhoods that were already recovering from flooding are back on flood watch.  Makes me thankful we don’t live at the bottom of a hill or near a pond..
    And of course, all of this rain has been making the grass super fast.  Well, our neighbor once again stepped up and cut our grass last night.  He was out there until it got dark just cutting away on his riding lawn mower.  Bless his sweet heart.  He’s been very helpful this week.  
    What are you giving thanks for today?

  • Kicking It Old School

    Today, I’m kicking it old school.  I remember back in the day we use to buy the friendship books and we had to list our top 5 favorite things for different topics-food, movies, bands, etc.  As a matter of fact, I recently found one of my friendship books from junior high.  It was funny seeing all the things I liked back then and still like today-Boyz II Men, gummy bears, Dawson’s Creek, Bruce Lee.  Thanks to Mrs AOK for tagging me!  It’s a pleasant distraction from all the stuff that has been happening in the news these past few days.
    Five Things I Have A Passion For
    My Faith: I’m not one those holier than thou type.  I’ll be the first to admit that I’m not perfect.  I fall down, but as Steve Harvey said, “Don’t trip, He ain’t through with me yet!”  I’m committed to growing and getting stronger in my faith.
    My Family:  I will catch a case for my family!  Yes, I don’t play around when it comes to the ones I love.  And when it comes to my kids, I’m a ride or die mama.
    Writing:  I love to write.  Blogging, short stories, novels, poetry, etc.  I just love to write.  My mom use to joke that I was born with a pen in my hand. LOL
    Charity:  Giving back is just part of who I am.  If I have it to give then I do.  If I don’t then I’m pointing the person in need to someone who I know does.  I miss the days when if a person in our neighborhood was going through a tough time, the whole community pitched in to help.  We don’t do that anymore.  If our neighbor loses his/her job, some of us could care less how they feed their family or pay their bills.
    Food:  Whether it’s cooking it or eating it, I thoroughly enjoy food.
    Five Things I Would Like To Do Before I Die
    Live Abroad:  I enjoy being an American, but I would love the opportunity to experience living in a different country and culture for at least two years.  It has to be somewhere with beautiful sights, family friendly and great food!
    See My Kids Grow Up:  There’s so much going on in this world.  I pray daily that I get the chance to see my kids grow up.  I want to see them finish school, start careers, get married and have a child or two.
    Make A Bestseller List:  I think at some point and time almost every writer wants to see one of their works on a bestseller’s list.
    Take A Family Vacation:  The Mr and I have never been on a vacation together in the almost 9 years we’ve been together.  And now that we have the kids, I don’t want them to look back and see only family vacations as being something that just consisted of vacationing with my mom.  I want us to have a real family vacation that includes the Mr.
    Meet Oprah: No explanation needed.
    Five Things I Say A Lot
    “Be nice!”:  The kiddies can get rough sometimes.
    “You know what?”
    “Yeah”
    “Y’all”: You’ll find most people use this word a lot, especially in the South.
    “I need a snack.”


    Five Books Or Magazines I’ve Read Lately
    Bible
    Always the Wedding Planner Never the Bride by Sandra D. Bricker
    20 Easy Crochet Patterns #1 by Lisa Hamblin
    Beautiful, Magical, Amazing Ballet by Mary Lee
    Bared To You by Sylvia Day


    Five Favorite Movies
    Dirty Dancing
    The Last Dragon
    Rush Hour
    Fifth Element
    Twilight
    Five Places I Want To Travel
    Paris:  It’s the city of love. Plus, I hear the food is delicious!
    Greece: There’s just something gorgeous about those pictures of the houses built in the hills right on the water front.
    Italy
    Jamaica
    Africa

    Five People I’d Like To See Link-Up To This Old School Blog
    I’m pretty sure all of my blogging friends have done this tag already.  So, here are a few celebs I’d like to see try this on their blogs.
    Oprah
    Barack Obama
    Ellen
    Solange
    Mary Mary

    Hope y’all have learned something new about me.  I’ll be linking my post up on The Miss Elaine-ous Life and Writing,Wishing.  Also you can check out more posts on Twitter.  Just search hashtag #OSBlog. 

  • Bible 365: Week 28

    I was super thrilled about week 28 because we got to read Song of Solomon!!  If you remember, I’ve mentioned more than once that Song of Solomon is my favorite book of the Bible.  It’s a beautiful love letter/poem/love song.  In fact, the Bible dubs it “the song of songs” (Song of Solomon 1:1).  We also finished the book of Proverbs, read Ecclesiastes and got started on the book of Isaiah.  So, here are the seven things I learned in week 28.
    1-“Charm is deceitful and beauty is passing but a woman who fears the Lord, she shall be praised.” (Proverbs 31:30)  The 31st Proverb is about the qualities of virtuous wife.  And it just reminds of the type of qualities I should be putting into my children.  You see the 31st Proverb isn’t just for women but for men as well.  It’s a guide for our sons so that they will know what to look for in a wife and for our daughters so that they will know the traits that are needed to be a good wife and mother. 
    I also look at it as a call to men to show respect to all women.  How can you expect to find a virtuous wife if you’re out here treating all or the majority of women like objects?  And women how can you expect to attract a virtuous husband if you don’t have any standards yourself?  This Proverb goes both ways for sure.
    2-“What is crooked cannot be made straight, and what is lacking cannot be numbered.” (Ecclesiastes 1:15)  I was watching Daddyless Daughters last night and this scripture goes along with what they were saying about how we often times get into relationships with men that are broken and not prepared to meet our needs as husbands and fathers.  So, they run away or we do things to cling to them.  We end up losing them anyway and breaking ourselves in the process.  You can’t change people.  That’s God’s job.  If something is crooked recognize that and keep it moving.
    3-“To everything there is a season, a time for every purpose under heaven.” (Ecclesiastes 3:1)  I always try to remember that everything that happens in my life has a purpose.  I may not know what that purpose is at first, but at the end of day it usually reveals itself.
    4-“Two are better than one, because they have a good reward for their labor.  For if they fall, one will lift up his companion.  But woe to him who is alone when he falls, for he has no one to him up.” (Ecclesiastes 4:9-10) I know a lot of live by the saying “I can do bad all by myself,” but we have to keep in mind that it’s smarter to keep a friend that we can do good with.  Someone who will be our shoulder to cry on, a voice of reason or helping hand when we fall.
    5-“Also do not take to heart everything people say,..” (Ecclesiastes 7:21) People talked about Jesus like a dog.  He didn’t let that deter him from his purpose. So, don’t let your nay sayers distract you from your purpose, your dreams, your goals, your family, your marriage, etc.  At the end of day God’s say is the only one that matters.
    6-“A feast is made for laughter, and wine makes merry; but money answers everything.” (Ecclesiastes 10:19)  Money makes the world go around.  Just make sure that you’re using your money for good.  All money isn’t good money and sometimes we’re quick to spend our money in the wrong places.  We turn our head to the fact that some companies do some not-so-good practices and still give them our dollars.  It’s easier to turn a blind eye than go out of your way to find another business to fill that need.
    7-“Set me as a seal upon your heart, as a seal upon your arm; for love is as strong as death, jealousy as cruel as the grave; its flames are flames of fire, a most vehement flame.  Many waters cannot quench love, not can the floods drown it.  If a man would give for love all wealth of his house, it would be utterly despised.” (Song of Solomon 8:6-7)  It always baffles me when people who get divorced say they’re divorcing because they fell out of love.  It makes me wonder if it was ever really love in the first place?  I’ll be the first one to admit that there have been past boyfriends that I thought I loved on the degree you’re suppose to love the person you want to marry.  And reflecting back on it now, I can see that I didn’t love them to that degree at all.
    Lust and butterflies got me caught up.  Clouded my mind.  I definitely believe that there are degrees to love.  Before we say I do we need to make sure that our love for our future spouse is stronger death.  Ask yourself if you’re willing to give up your wealth for that other person?

    Would have material things or could lose it all and still happy because you have your one true love?

    Week 29 Readings
    7/15: Isaiah 7-12
    7/16: Isaiah 13-18
    7/17: Isaiah 19-23
    7/18: Isaiah 24-27
    7/19: Isaiah 28-31
    7/20: Isaiah 32-35
    7/21: Isaiah 36-39

  • Hand Imprints With Homemade Playdough

    We’ve had rain for 17 days straight here.  No, I’m not exaggerating.  Seriously it’s been raining for over two weeks.  And many days, it has rained off and on all day.  While this rain is good in the fact that we’re not in a drought like we were last year, it also means that we’ve been couped up in the house.
    So, Moo has started up her “I’m Bored” song.  Trust me, she can sing that song for a very long time!  Last week I posted about our Arts & Crafts Bucket List and what better way to relieve some boredom around these parts than marking off a craft from our list?  Moo is absolutely nuts about playdough.  Therefore, I already knew she’d love the Hand Imprint With Homemade Playdough craft.
    And I loved it because it only needs 3 ingredients-1/2 cup flour, 1/2 cup salt and 1/4 cup water.  We did modify the recipe a little bit.  I found that using the 1/4 cup of water like the directions said wasn’t enough.  All of our flour and salt didn’t get wet enough. So, we upped our water to 1/3 cup and it was perfect.  However, I do recommend that you start off with 1/4 cup of water and then add more if you need it.  It could have just been the brand of flour and salt used.
    With enough water in the mix, our playdough finally came together.  We did make two batches.  One for Moo, one for me.  I didn’t want to take any chances on doubling everything, especially the liquid and mess it up.  Of course, we did roll our dough out and make our hand imprints right away.  We had to play around with it first.  We made shapes, letter and pretended to make our favorite foods.
    Hard at work on her creation.
    Once you’re ready to get started on your imprints, simply roll out your dough.  You want to keep the dough a little thick because you’ll be pressing your hand in it.  When it’s at the desired thickness you like just press your hands down in the dough really good and remove.  If you’re happy with the imprint flour a cookie sheet or line it with foil and place your dough in a preheated oven at 200 degrees for 3 full hours.
    Moo’s hand imprint
    When our three hours were up, I just let the dough cool down with the oven overnight and removed them in the morning.  Then we pulled out our paint and got creative with the decorating our hands.  
    I think I have an artist on my hands!
    Now, we haven’t had a day dry enough to coat them with a clear coat of spray paint yet.  However, once we have both sides sprayed down twice I want to mount them in frames and hang them on the wall.  So, if you’re looking for a great weekend craft or an anytime craft, this is it.
    Have you ever tried making homemade playdough?

  • Waiting For Justice

    Well, both sides of the case have been heard and closing arguments have been issued.  Now comes the wait for justice.  It’s been more than a year since 17 year old Trayvon Martin was shot and killed by George Zimmerman.  In all of this time, we’ve seen protests, interviews and the trial.  It’s been a long journey to get to some sort of closure.

    As a parent this case hit close to home.  The events of February 26, 2012 further proves that there really is no safe place for our children.  And that breaks my heart because my kids are getting older.  They’ll soon be at an age when they’ll be able to go out on their own without my or the Mr’s parental supervision.  Heaven forbid they get mistaken for criminals and then end up in altercation that results in the loss of their lives.
    The reality is our world is full of people like George Zimmerman.  People who let their emotions get the best of them and cause them to do things that those of us who have better holds on self control wouldn’t do.  If you watch the news, you see it happening everyday-child abuse, domestic violence, etc.  For me this case isn’t about whether Zimmerman is a bad person or not.  It’s about the fact that he made a bad decision.
    The fact that he ignored and disregarded the specific do’s and don’ts of his position as a community watch leader and that ignored the instructions of 911 emergency personnel proves that he made a bad decision.  As is with any choice, he now has to live with the consequences of those actions.  Actions that have left two parents without their son.
    Whatever the outcome in this trial, I hope that this case will help to reform Stand Your Ground laws.  I hope that it will open people’s eyes more to the emotional responsibility it takes to own a gun.  And if you’re the type of person to get easily angered or impassioned that you make the choice to not carry or own a gun.  I hope it’s a lesson to our younger generation that if they notice someone following them to not only keep walking but to call 911.  This way if something happens, your side of the story is documented.
    Then take it one step further after the 911 call and start screaming for help.  I know that we often train our kids to put up a physical fight when put in life threatening situations.   However, we do need to teach our children that there are other steps you can take before resulting to using your hands to protect yourself that could actually prevent their intended attacker from striking.
    At the end of the day, we have to pray for our world.  We have to pray over our loved ones and cherish the time that we have them.  We have to pray for those persons we appoint to positions of leadership.  Most importantly we have to learn to respect life because it’s so precious. 

  • Thankful Thursday

    Can’t believe it’s already Thursday again.  Am I the only one who feels like this week is going by fast?  It must have to do with the fact that school will be starting next month.  Time to get Moo used to an earlier bedtime routine. 
    The Mr’s follow up for his surgery is in the morning.  I pray that everything is healing like it is suppose to.  He did mention a few days ago that he felt like he might have shifted or pulled something chasing after JJ and just trying to be helpful around the house.  He’s been taking it easy since then and hasn’t felt anything else thankfully.  He still has a good bit of soreness to the touch but overall I am just grateful he is back in good health!
    I am thankful that my niece got to celebrate her 8th birthday this past week!  I didn’t make the party this year but I did call her and she was too excited.  I can’t wait until her gift finally makes it to her.  I know she going to love it!  She is totally a girly girl in the sense that she loves fashion and jewelry.
    JJ is attempting to be more verbal.  That’s a plus because I worry that he’s not where he should be in terms of speech.  However, I think just him being stubborn and not wanting to use his words.  He’s very bright because he can understand many concepts.
    I am thankful that we have been finding some good rental listings.  Please pray for us on this issue.  We are looking forward to moving but will miss the comforts of living in this neighborhood.  However, it’s time to leave the cramped lifestyle behind!
    What are you thankful this week?

  • Getting Crafty With It

    Summer break might be coming to a close, but here in the YUMMommy household we’ve been bitten by the arts & crafts bug!  It all started when Moo saw one of those parenting tip/idea segments on the Disney Channel.  I don’t recall the craft they were making, but I do recall her asking “Mommy, can we do a craft?”  I like to think of myself as a pretty crafty person.  After all I used to teach an art class and I’m pretty mean on the crochet hooks!
    So, I look to Pinterest in search of some ideas for some diy crafts that we could do as a family as well as some that I could do on my own.  And what was suppose to be one to three crafts has now morphed into an arts & crafts bucket list.  See what we’ll be making before the end of 2013!
    1-Sharpie Mugs (I think this will be a great craft for us to try around Christmas.)
    2-Hearts Paint Chip Wall Art (The kids’ will be using the their first name initials for theirs.)
    3-Beaded T-shirt Necklace  (Moo is going to love this one.  She’s all about beads and scissors.)
    5-DIY Melted Beads Accessories 

    Source: Pinterest

    6-Scrap Fabrics Tutu (Making one of these for Moo’s upcoming 5th birthday!)

    7-Hand Imprints With Homemade Playdough

    8-Finger Painting

    9-Decorative Flower Pots

    Source: Pinterst

    10-Wooden Strips Mat (Looking forward to making this when we move.)

    11-Crochet American Flag Throw (This will be perfect for next year’s July 4th.)

    12-Chunky Baby Blanket

    13-Crocheted Cell Phone Case (No more scratched screens to due to keys & other stuff.)

    Source: Pinterest

    14-Multicolored Poncho

    15-Crocheted Bolero (Making one for me & one for Moo.)

    Well, we’re off to get started making some head way on this list.  I’ll be posting about the first craft we’re marking off our list this weekend.  It’s fun, simple and very easy and inexpensive to make!

  • Bible 365: Week 27

    Happy Monday!  I hope everyone had a wonderful 4th of July holiday.  The rain threatened to ruin ours but thank goodness for covered porches.  We’ve had 11 days straight of off and on rain.  And one day the power even went out for three hours.  However, I still manged to get my Bible 365 reading in.  And I hope you did too.  Here are the seven things I learned in Week 27.
    1-“Prepare your outside work, make it fit for yourself in the field; and afterward build your house.” (Proverbs 24:27)  A lot of us try to do this backwards.  We try to build our houses (obtain material things) before we’ve made it fit for ourselves in the field.  Material things cost money.  And there’s no use in getting yourself in debt that you can’t afford.  A lot of people wanted to plan the government and the banks for going bankrupt when the economy crash, but truth for some was that they were trying to live a lifestyle they really couldn’t afford to sustain minus maxing out credit cards and quick money loans.  Build your bank account up first (emergency fund) and then choose your investments and purchases wisely.
    2- “Seldom set foot in your neighbor’s house, lest he become weary of you and hate you.” (Proverbs 25:17) Don’t wear out your welcome.  We all need to have places we can go when need to.  However, if you’ve already worn out your welcome, those doors will not be open for you in your time of need. Remember, absence makes the heart grow fonder!
    3- “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, and he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him.” (Proverbs 26:27)  When you try to hurt others you only succeed in hurting and destroying yourself.  I had someone try to hurt me last year. And while they did hurt me, this year they reaped the seed they sowed.  However, I’m not taking in delight in that person’s current situation and have actually been praying that their eyes be opened.  I want this person to want to and work to become a better person and so that they be blessed.
    4-  “Let another man praise you, and not your own mouth, a stranger, and not your own lips.” (Proverbs 27:2)  Nobody loves a bragger.  It’s okay to tell people that you’ve accomplished something but let them decide for themselves if you’re best or the greatest.  This is the key to staying humble.
    5-  “He who covers his sins will not prosper, but whoever confesses and forsakes them will have mercy.” (Proverbs 28:13)  We all fall short.  We all have a past with things that we may not be proud of.  I know that I certainly do.  And I’m not afraid to admit that.  I’m not a perfect person and I don’t pretend to be.  I am a good person.  And I’ve stumbled, lost my way and gotten caught up at times.  However, what’s helped me to dust myself off and get back the path is my willingness to admit that I had fallen off it in the first place.
    6-  “A man’s pride will bring him low, but the humble in spirit will retain honor.”  (Proverbs 29:23)  I’ve seen pride cost people their marriages, their families, their jobs and more.  Shoot pride can even cost you your soul!  Don’t be a fool and let your pride get the best of you.  Keep in mind what’s really important.
    7-  “Do not add to His words, lest He rebuke you, and you be found a liar.” (Proverbs 30:6)  Don’t use God’s word to tell a lie.  Have you ever heard the story about Satan coming to Jesus on the mountain top and he tried to use the scripture against Jesus?  Yeah, you can’t use the Bible to justify your wrongdoing and evilness.  It will come back on you!
    Week 28 Readings
    7/8- Proverbs 31
    7/9- Ecclesiastes 1-2
    7/10- Ecclesiastes 3-5
    7/11- Ecclesiastes 6-8
    7/12- Ecclesiastes 9-12
    7/13- Song of Solomon 1-8
    7/14- Isaiah 1-6

    How do you stay humble?

  • Take It To The Park

    Disclaimer:  This post is sponsored by Coca-Cola.  I was not compensated for this post.  All opinions are 100% my own.

    We’re in the thick of summer and there’s only one place that my kids want to be-the park!  For JJ, the park is a place he can go and attempt to feast on sand candy. (Oh the anxiety I get with that kid.)  Moo on the other hand knows that the sand is not for eating and prefers to enjoy the challenges of the jungle gym like the monkey bars, going down the tall slide (she doesn’t like heights) and climbing wall.

    For me going to the park as a family is a magical experience.  JJ magically doesn’t run the camera when I try snap pictures of him.  Moo magically transforms into this budding social butterfly.  And the fact that I’m usually able to better keep up with my two kids than some of the other parent are able to keep up with their one magically makes me feel less mommy guilt about other areas of motherhood that still need improvements on my part.
    Most importantly what I love about the park is that we’re out doing something that’s healthy.  The kids and I are being active instead of just sitting on a couch watching tv all day or getting sucked into social media.  We’re laughing, smiling, running around, swinging, making sand castles, throwing balls and bonding.  We’re making memories and relishing just being able to be with each other.
    Source
    And living in the Queen City, we get a chance to explore several different parks.  We have two parks less than a 2 miles from our front door that we like to enjoy when it’s not too hot or rainy out.  If we’re looking for more of nature park to take in duck sightings or look for butterflies, there’s always the beloved Freedom Park.  We don’t get out there much because it’s a bit of drive from our end of the city, but I would say that it’s our favorite park to go to.  
    It was the first park we took Moo to here.  I can still remember watching her as tried to take in the sights.  The dogs (she loves them even though she’s allergic), the ducks and geese in the pond, the people fishing, the other kids…  And although the playground is always overcrowded and there’s hardly room to move around, it’s the one place she doesn’t mind being around a lot of people.  I guess the excitement of having fun outweighs her dislike for large crowds.  She loves to walk over the bridge sometimes.
    JJ’s been a couple of times but I can’t wait until he’s older.  He’ll really appreciate it then.  I already love it for him because there’s hardly any sand.  Lots of grass, some concrete walkways and a mulch covered playground.  No fears of him eating any sand pies or cookies. LOL.
    Enjoying the nature trail
    I know that we often times feel like if we’re not spending money on entertainment our kids won’t enjoy it as much, but that’s just not true.  Taking advantage of your local parks whenever possible is the best free fun you’ll ever have as a family.  You’ll have even more fun if you get out there and be active with them.  Don’t just hold down the bench with the other parents.  

    Some goodies from Coca-Cola that we enjoyed at the park

    Get there and remember what it was like to be there age.  Rediscover that rush you felt knowing there was nothing but space for you to run around in and you could use your outside voice.  Make those memories now while you still can.  Cherish these moments while they’re still happening.  Turn off the tvs and take it to the park people!

    Need more of an incentive to get out and get active with the kiddies?  Well, I’m giving away a $20 Subway gift card and red &white beach ball thanks to my friends at Coca-Cola to one you lucky readers as of the America Is Your Park campaign.  All you have to do is snap and post a picture of you and/or your family being active at the park on Twitter or Instagram using hashtage #TakeItToThePark and tagging @yummommies!  Use the Rafflecopter widget below to record your entries.
    I can’t wait to see all of your pics!  You can also help your park win $100,000 for help rebuild and enhance its features by voting for your favorite park here.  And don’t forget to spread the word so that your park can win.
    What’s your and/or you’re family’s favorite thing about going to the park?