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  • Advertising for a Cause

    On Sunday May 22nd, the town of Joplin, Missouri was devastated by an F5 tornado, the highest rating given to tornados.

    The death toll is at 122 victims and there are over 700 with injuries. There are still over 1,500 people unaccounted for.

    Times like these, we feel helpless. We don’t know what to do. We wish we could be there to help. Our hearts go out to the victims of the Joplin, Missouri tornado.

    We are going to do what we do best: Blog and use Social Media.

    Bloggers for Joplin is a group of 11 bloggers who have teamed up to help Joplin, Missouri.

    We are accepting advertisers for the month of June with 100% of the proceeds going to help the people of Joplin, Missouri.

    Here at YUMMommy, I am currently offering unlimited 125 x 125 ad space for $15.  I will accepting ads the entire month June.  I ask that you please keep in mind that 100% of all monies collected will be going to benefit the tornado victims of Joplin.  These citizens really need our help and support during this time.  So, why not get the word out about your website, business or service while doing your part to make a difference in the lives of others.


    Also, you can help spread the word about my efforts to raise money for these victims by sharing this post on your blog, Twitter, Facebook and other social media site that you are a part of.  

    The following blogs are participating and accepting advertisers:

    Sippy Cup Mom is accepting 6 spots at $25 each. (1 SPOT LEFT)

    The Maven of Social Media is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.

    Miracle Momas is accepting 2 spots at $35 each.

    Mommy PR is accepting 4 spots at $25 each. (ALL SPOTS FILLED)

    Motherhood Unadorned is accepting 4 spots at $25 each. (ALL SPOTS FILLED)

    Girl Gone Mom is accepting 5 spots at $25 each.

    Crazy about My Baybah is accepting 6 spots at $25 each. (4 SPOTS LEFT)

    {Not Quite} Susie Homemaker is accepting 3 spots at $25 each.

    a belle, a bean & a chicago dog is accepting 2 spots at $25 each.

    Family and Life in Las Vegas is accepting 6 spots at $25 each. (4 SPOTS LEFT)

    Fun Finds For Families is accepting 6 spots at $25 each.

    A Creation of Miracles is accepting 10 spots at $25 each. (Get the month of July free!)

    Family Friendly Frugality is accepting 8 spots at $25 each. (ALL SPOTS FILLED)

    The Reynolds Mom is accepting 4 spots at $25 each.

    Sarah’s Deals is accepting $75 each for her 350×250 banner and her skyscraper. She is also accepting spots at $25 each.

    Taming Insanity is accepting 6 spots at $20 each. (ALL SPOTS FILLED)

    The Scoop on Poop is accepting 4 small spots at $15 each and 2 large spots for $50 each.

    Three P’s in a Pod is accepting unlimited spots at $15 each.

    Life Below Zero is accepting unlimited spots at $15 each.

    YUMMummy is accepting unlimited spots at $15 each.

    The Magic Farmouse is accepting 3 spots at $15 each. (She can design your ad for free if needed)

    Kate n’ Kaboodle is accepting unlimited spots at $10 each.

    See K Read is accepting 4 spots at $10 each.

    My Crafty Life is accepting 2 spots at $10 each and is offering a top banner for $25.

    StL Baseball App is accepting 4 spots at $10 each.

    The Turnip Farmer is accepting 6 spots at $10 each. She will also be matching each donation!

    Night Owls Perch is accepting 10 spots at $10 each.

    Purple Baby Brigade is accepting 10 spots at $10 each.

    Meil et Lait is accepting 8 spots for $10 each (or $25 for three months). She has 6-125×125, 1-468×60 and 1-120×600 ads available.

    The Interuppting Cow is accepting 8 spots at $5 each and a banner at $25.

    Tara of A Creation of Miracles is also looking to donate $300 for 3 families that are now homeless. These families work with her father. She is looking for $100 for each family.

    You can visit her blog on more information and to donate to help these specific families!

    If you are are a blog or a business looking to advertise, please let me know!


    If we all sell our spots that is over $1,800 raised for Joplin!


    For specific questions about advertising on my blog, please email yummommy@gmail.com

    If you are a reader looking to donate ANY AMOUNT, you can click on the Bloggers for Joplin button above and it will take you to Paypal to make a donation.

    If you are a blogger looking to join our cause, please let us know at bloggersforjoplin@gmail.com and we will get you added to the list!

    Thank you so much and please spread the word!


  • Prescription Drug Abuse

    This graphic was designed by Lorena O’Neal, you can check out more of
    her work here.
    Source:

  • Thankful Thursday

    It’s Thankful Thursday again!!  It seems like this past week went by super fast.  I just finished reading new comments from my last Thankful Thursday post.  So, without any further hesitation, I want to start off by saying that I am thankful that JJ turned one week this past Monday!!
    I can’t believe that it’s already been that long since I delivered.  It’s been a blast though.  He’s sleeping pretty good during the night and waking up for two feedings.  So, I’m getting some pretty rest.   I’m also thankful that  I finally figured out why he kept waking up in his bassinet.  The pad wasn’t think enough and was so he was really uncomfortable. 
    Thankfully, I keep a lot of blankets and I folded one down to cushion the bottom of the bassinet.  Yes, I made sure it was safe and that there weren’t any crevices for him get stuck in or anything.  We’re going on night three of him sleeping peacefully in the bassinet. SCORE!!!  We’re on the hunt for a memory foam pad though to eventually replace the blanket.
    Also, he had his wellness check up today.  I am thankful to report that all went well.  My little man has gained one pound since his birth. So, he’s almost 9 pounds now!!  The pediatrician was very pleased with his weight gain.  She also said the rash on his face wasn’t serious. Just some heat rash and to keep it moisturized.
    If you follow me on Twitter then you know I’m obsessed with couponing. No it’s not because of the Extreme Couponing show.  I like to consider myself an original extreme couponer because I started couponing when I first moved in with my husband.  I have a thing for cutting paper and so cutting coupons from the Sunday paper is like a hobby for me.  Anyways, we moved a few months after I moved in to a nicer apartment in a really nice area.
    Well, needless to say the rent was a bit more.  You pay for location and safety in the city and not much the actual living space. Anyways, I looked at the huge box of coupons I had clipped out that were just collecting dust and thought ‘ This is a waste of money.’  I told my husband and he agreed. So, we started using coupons.  We saved almost $30 on our first couponing trip.
    I felt such a rush from hearing how much we saved.  I felt empowered and challenged to save even more on our next trip.  I even found a few coupons for FREE stuff. We saved up so much money that we could afford to go out on date nights twice a month and rent movies on the weekends we stayed in.  I was also able to buy my mom her first piece of Tiffany & Company jewelry for Mother’s Day that year.
    Long story short, I am thankful that I have stumbled across this awesome Savings 101 class from Passion for Savings.  It’s giving me a refresher and more knowledge to get back into the hang of couponing.  Can’t believe that I ever stopped couponing.  But I’m glad that I’m dusting off my skills and getting back in the hang of it.
    I am also thankful that Moo is getting along well with having a new baby in the house. I wasn’t sure how she would react but she loves him. Wherever he is she has to be too.  I’m hoping that they will grow up really close and always look out for each other.  Can’t wait to have their first professional portraits done!!
    So what has happened in your life that you are thankful for?

  • Tell Us Something Good: Motherhood Joys

    The Life of Rylie...and Bryce too!

    As many of you know, I recently delivered a beautiful baby boy.   And I have to admit that my joys as a mom has doubled.  I thought that I’d be beyond stressed out about having two small kids under the age of 3.  However, the truth is I’m not.  It’s an adjustment for sure but not a stressful event like some people tried to make it seem.
    I feel a little bit foolish almost listening to those nay sayers who were telling me that I’d regret having two kids back to back.  Motherhood is beautiful and I knew full well the responsibilities I was undertaking doing the do  with my hubby.  We are more blessed than we could have thought possible.
    I get to experience the joys of waking up to two beautiful little faces in the morning.
    I have the opportunity to raise two wonderful individuals and teach them how to make a positive impact on our society.
    I get to experience the excitement of first steps, first words, first foods, etc all over again.
    I have another little person that I can play fashion stylist with. LOL
    I can look forward to being in the stands and cheering on my kids at sports and academic events.
    Motherhood has given me some many little things to look forward to.  And those little things are proving to be the greatest joys of my life!!
    Have something good to tell us?  Link up your post at The Life of Rylie…and Bryce too! 

  • Happy 1 Week

    It’s hard to believe the my little man is one week old today.  These last seven days seem to have flown by and that scares me. Why?  Well, I just want to prolong JJ’s babyhood as long as possible. As a child growing up it seems like it took forever for me to reach adulthood and now as an adult it seems like life is sailing by.

    So, what’s new?  Not much really. JJ had his first trip down to Grandma’s on Saturday.  He got to meet my brother and baby sister for the first time. They weren’t able to be at the hospital when I delivered. And he met my niece.   Plus, I got to pick up my Moo. I missed her something crazy.

    The trip down was relatively smooth.  JJ got a little bit fussy a few minutes after we pulled out the driveway but once I gave him his pacifier he settled right down and slept the rest of the way.  It was on the trip back that he got a little bit cranky.  He had spent most his time asleep at my mom’s. So, it was feeding time and he didn’t want the bottle I pumped.

    Speaking of feeding, he is quite the little nurser now.  I was worried the first few days because he was sleeping so long and wouldn’t stay up long for feedings.  No problems with that now.  He wakes up almost every two to three hours to nurse.  He’s trying to look around his surroundings and see what he can he see.

    He’s sleeping pretty good at night.  With Moo it seemed like she was waking up every hour on the hour.  JJ just gets up and stays up for a while.  Not sure if he’s gained any weight yet because his wellness appointment isn’t until this Thursday.

    All in all, this is has been a wonderful seven days with my baby boy.  I am looking forward to bonding with him more and seeing how he continues to develop.

    Happy 1 Week Baby Boy!! I love you!!

  • Springing into Action

    While, the first official day of Spring has come and gone on the calendar, weather wise I can truly say that Spring has sprung.  After weeks of rainy, windy and just plain horrible weather it’s finally time to pull out the grills and hit up the pools.  Also, this means that it’s time for me to spring into action.  Yes, summer is on it’s way and most people are getting into relaxation mode but I am getting into full on planning mode.
    No rest for the weary right?  Anyways, I have to say that Mother’s Day was great!!  The hubby surprised me with the most amazing and heartfelt Mother’s Day card this year.   He’s not really a card person but I have to admit that each year he gets better and better with his card and gift selection. Just goes to show how well he knows me and takes note of the things I actually like.
    So, what’s on my to do list before summer gets into full effect?  Well, for starters I have to still send out thank you cards for my baby shower gifts.  I know, I am so behind on doing that.  However, in my defense the weeks following the baby shower were rough.  We all remember about my bad car accident.  And then after that I got caught up in focusing on scheduling my induction.
    And if you’ve been following me on Twitter then you know that my baby sister is graduating this spring.  Needless to say, our family has been knee deep in sending out graduation announcements, making party plans and finalizing college stuff.  I’m telling you that time has flown by.  It seems like just yesterday my mom was bringing her home from the hospital and now she’s already been to her senior prom.  I am sure that I will be shedding tears of joys on her big day.
    Also, on my spring to do list is helping my mom pick out birthday invitations for my niece.  Her birthday is right around the corner.  And this year, she wants to do the big girl thing and sent out invites.  How cute right?!!  Following her birthday we’re planning on taking a family trip to Disney World.  
    I’m excited to be going.  However, a huge part of me is worried because I’ll have two small kids to look out for. The hubby says I should wait until both Moo and JJ will be older to remember the trip and will both be able to get on rides but I haven’t decided yet.  So, as you can see spring is proving to be a very busy time time for me planning and decision making wise. 
    What tasks do you still need to spring into action on?


    *This post was sponsored by Shutterfly.com.  However, all opinions expressed are original and solely my own.  Are you a blogger? Sign up for a chance to receive 50 FREE cards from Shutterfly.*

  • Return of the Moo

    Yay,  I am so glad to have my Moo back home!!  I’ve missed her like crazy. Sounds weird considering I just gave birth almost a week ago, but it’s true. I thought that I would be so occupied with JJ that I wouldn’t miss her as much.  Not the case.

    Every day she called to tell me good morning and blow kisses to her baby brother and she called me at night before she went to bed to see how my day went. I know Moo is so thoughtful. That’s one trait I hope she never loses as she continues to get older.

    Anyways, I was beyond thrilled to see her when I pulled up to my mom’s house.  I couldn’t believe how big she looked.  Being away from her for five days made it seem like I’d been away from her for a lifetime almost.  Even the hubby commented that she looked bigger and different some how.  Not sure if it’s possible but it could be.

    We’re now back home and Moo is more than taken with our new bundle of joy. She has already told me a million times how cute he looks.  And at the slightest sound she runs to check on him and make sure he’s ok.  She’s dying to hold and rock him but we have to help practice being gentle first because she’s a little bit rough.

    I’m really glad that she’s not being standoffish towards him because that was one of my biggest fears.  They had a little time to bond in the hospital, but with her being away for those couple of days I wasn’t sure if she was going to relapse.  I’ve read about a few new moms who’ve had babies recently and the older siblings weren’t as receptive.  So, I feel really blessed that it has been the complete opposite with Moo.

    Our challenge for tonight is figuring out how to co-sleep with two kids.  I’m still trying to get JJ used to sleeping in his bassinet. So, here’s to hoping that tonight goes smooth.  Thankfully, the hubby has been great with keeping Moo occupied and is putting her to sleep as it is now after 11 and way past her bedtime.

    Still engorged and in a little pain, but making an appointment with my lactation specialist for next week. I’ve tried pumping, the cabbage leaf thing, cool compresses and tonight I’m going to try using warm compresses.  I tried hand expressing milk in the shower and nothing would come out.  Of course, I wasn’t even thinking about hooking up the pump and using it in the shower. Electricity and water don’t mix.

    So, please pray that I get some relief soon. I remember being engorged with Moo but it was gone by that third day.  Anyways, I’m off to pump and put on a warm water bag.  Good night!!

  • Back in the Rodeo

    While it’s not hard to believe that I just delivered five days ago, it is hard to believe that I am not completely exhausted.  I mean I was like ready to pass out tired after I had Moo.  This time around I am much less tired and drained. I guess it’s because I’ve been chasing after a busy two year old my entire pregnancy and my body has gotten used to being in high energy mode.

    I had forgotten that babies sleep so much.   I mean literally all JJ wants to do is sleep, eat and poop.  Speaking of poop, he really poops a lot!!!  His every waking moment seems to be spent getting his diaper changed by Daddy of course. We made a deal that I’ll breast feed and he’ll do the diapers. SCORE!!

    I have to admit that the hubby and I bumped heads on the whole breastfeeding thing in the hospital the first two days.  Monday, I went to sleep only to wake up later on that night and see three bottles of formula sitting on the table next to me.  I was confused because I know that in my birthing plan/wishlist I had specifically requested that no formula be given to JJ.  I turned to voice that much to my husband and spotted him feeding JJ a bottle!!

    I was mad!!  I know that some people say this shouldn’t have been such a big deal, but he already knew that I want to give JJ breast milk exclusively. And we even went out and got a breast pump so that he could be part of the feedings as well. So, why would he give JJ a bottle of formula.  Doesn’t he know that the first few days are crucial to getting babies to latch on and forming their milk preferences.  Needless to say I had to break him down a notch.  I thought he had gotten the message until he asked if he could give him a bottle the next day.

    At that point, I wanted to kind of wanted go up side his head.  Was he trying me?  I gave him the don’t mess me with me look.  Thankfully, that was the end of the milk battle and the formula sat untouched the remainder of our stay.  That third day I woke up in such pain in my breasts.  Yep, you guessed it…I was engorged!!

    I couldn’t believe how quick my milk had come in and that so much of it had come in.  I made sure to nurse JJ for every feeding and pumped once.  The lactation specialist paid me a visit and told me that I shouldn’t pump excessively because it would trick my body into thinking that I had twins and then I’d be permanently engorged.

    Well, I hate to say it but I think that I’m going to have to start pumping more because I’m still engorged and it’s spread to under my right arm.  It’s very uncomfortable. So, I’m going to make an appointment for Monday if I can’t get it to go down.

    There wasn’t in any tearing this time around. THANK GOD!!  I was so surprised because JJ only weighed an ounce less than Moo when she was born.  However, he seems so much smaller. I mean my poor baby is skinny.  I have to fatten him up.

    This time around though, the hubby took paternity leave and now has new appreciation for me as a mom.  He sees first hand what all goes into taking care of a newborn. Yes, they sleep a lot but they’re up it’s nonstop attention and things to do.  He told me a million times that he can’t imagine how I made it with Moo during the day while he was at work.

    I’m trying not to do everything but at the same time I don’t want to get dependent on his doing too much because he’ll be back to work before I know it. I mean his three weeks are almost up. It’s Friday and time just seems to have flown by already.  However, I am grateful to have his help and to see him bonding with our son.  The pride and joy that I see in his eyes just melts my heart.

    Overall, I’m really glad to be back in the rodeo of having a newborn.  Although, this pregnancy was unexpected, it is a great blessing.  In fact, we’ve decided that we may want to add more to our family. Shocker, I know because I’ve been doing nothing much talking about how JJ would be our last baby.  But seeing him come out of the womb and holding him just opened our eyes to what a gift having babies really is.

    We’re not going to be like 19 Kids & Counting but we do want to add at least one more in the future when we’re settled into our dream house and my career has taken off and we’re both financially able to contribute to the household finances.  My heart is just so full and it feels like life can only get better for us from this point forward.

  • Thankful Thursday

    I’m back!!  Yes, I have been missing in action for a few days.  However, I assure you it was for a good reason.  If you follow me on Twitter, then you know that around 1 AM on Monday I went into labor!!  Yes, I couldn’t believe it was happening myself.  No induction needed.

    So, needless to say I am thankful this Thursday, that I had a safe and healthy delivery.  I am happy to report that me and JJ are doing wonderful.  We are home and enjoying getting to know each other as well as establishing a schedule.  I am also thankful that Moo was able to bond with him in the hospital and was not nearly as standoffish as I thought she would be.

    She was a little nervous at first when she saw him.  However, after five minutes of staring him down, I guess she realized that he wasn’t much of a threat and quickly became more curious.  I am also thankful that wonderful younger sister was able to get off work and help us with Moo while I waited to deliver. It’s truly a blessing having her live so close by.  Idk what we would have done if she wouldn’t have been able to come and sit with Moo.

    I am also thankful for my mom who came up and volunteered to watch Moo for the rest of the week while I recovered and bonded with JJ.  Many of you already know how much I love that woman!!  She’s done so much for me and my family.  I truly don’t know how I will ever be able to repay her but I’m going to continue to try because she is just plain simply awesome!!

    I am thankful for everyone who left comments on my Facebook page or tweeted me.  The friendships and bonds that I have made thru this blog never cease to amaze me.  The support and concern is just overwhelming and greatly appreciated. I hope that you all will continue to support me and follow my journey.

    What are you thankful for today?

  • Don’t Fret The Sweat

    I don’t know about you, but for me the road to becoming a tween was rocky.  These were the crucial years where everyone was dividing into clicks that would remain in tack until high school.  Also, I was going through a lot of changes of physically.  One of those being that I was really sweating more and I learned quickly that sweat had an odor.

    This ‘unexpected stink’ that my body was now giving off freaked me out a little bit.  Ok so maybe it freaked me out a lot.  How was my body producing this unpleasant aroma?  More importantly, why was it all of sudden doing this?  Hormones….. They can quite the pain, especially when you’re young and fitting in is seems like the number one priority in your world.

    We’ve all been at this awkward stage before and know that sometimes our parents can make these transitions a little bit more awkward if they don’t know how to handle it properly or know all the facts.  Thankfully, Unilever (the makers of Dove, Degree and Suave) are here with Don’t Fret The Sweat to help us as parents help our children navigate through this trying time in their lives.  This ‘guide to sweat, kids and confidence’ features expert advice how to deal with the emotional and physical changes that our tweens maybe or soon will be experiencing.

    For more information, on how you can help your children maneuver through this stage check out their Facebook page here and click on the widget below.

    Disclosure: All views expressed in this post are my own.  However, this is a sponsored post from One2One Network and I am eligible to win some awesome prizes.