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  • Thankful Thursday

    Can you believe that counting today there are only 3 Thankful Thursdays before Christmas? There’s only 2 before my birthday gets here. Talk about excitement!! I’m so ready y’all.
    I’m thankful that I’m picking up my last gift this afternoon. If I decide to buy anything else it’ll probably be ordered online and shipped to the house. The stores are about to get packed with last night minute shoppers and kids out on Winter Break. I try to stay out of the madness.
    I’m thankful that Moo had a really nice birthday this past weekend. She really enjoyed herself and loved her presents. She’s already talking about her next birthday. SMH.
    I’m thankful that JJ is finally used the tree being up. I was sure he was going to topple the star. Now he is obsessed with the remotes again. He’s memorized the power buttons, how to turn up the volume and flip the channel. Needless to say I keep all the remotes in high places now.
    I’m thankful that I am being more proactive about living each day with a purpose and on purpose. Dreams don’t make themselves happen. And we all know that believing without putting in a real effort is pointless. I am making strides to make the whole YUMMommy/YUMMommies brand into what I envisioned it as being.
    I’m thankful to be seeing a lot of bloggers giving to Hurricane Sandy victims this holiday season. In this society, charity and being a blessing to complete strangers is something we need more of. Our fellow moms, dads, sisters and brothers are hurting. Many people let that hurt blind them into doing bad things out of desperation for normalcy back. So, to see some us stepping up to the plate and volunteering to help warms my heart.
    I am thankful that I am able to give. I remember times when others gave to me and know that there might be times when I will need them to give again.  I hope that you will be a blessing to someone this holiday season.  
    What are you thankful for this week?

  • Case Of The Missing Trashcan

    So, the bathroom is our partially detached rental is small and very plain.  And lately, I’ve been watching a lot of HGTV and DIY.  Anyways, I got the bright idea to glam it up a little bit.  Just because it’s a small bathroom doesn’t mean it has to feel like a prison cell for the short amounts of time that we’re in there. 
    My first project was going to be glamming up the trashcan.  I got a little metallic silver spray paint by Krylon, dug out my rhinestones and adhesive and was checking on some cute scroll stencil.  I don’t know about you guys, but I can’t stand a yucky, nasty looking trashcan.  Yes, it’s holding trash but it can still look cute.

    Well, we live in a very safe and secure neighborhood.  I for a fact that many of our neighbors don’t lock their doors-front door or screen door.  Even when they’re not home, they’ll  them unlocked.  So, I didn’t think twice about leaving the trashcan outside to dry really well after I put on a second coat.  Not to mention, I kind of wanted the that spray paint smell to die down before bringing it into the house.
    Plus, we have sprayed larger items and left them outside in the front yard overnight with not problems.  However, this morning I woke up all excited to see how it dried and start adding the rhinestones on it.  There was one problem though.  My trashcan was missing!!
    Yes, folks apparently my trashcan grew legs late last night or some time before dawn and ran off.  Not wanting to overreact, I decided to come back inside and check and see if the Mr might have decided to grab the trashcan on his way in when he got home this morning.  But it wasn’t in the kitchen or anywhere.  My sparkly trashcan has officially be declared stolen folks!
    And yes, I considered calling the police to report stolen.  And yes, I know it’s just a trashcan, but the fact that our little neighborhood now has a thief lurking around bothers me.  What if they decide to come back and swipe something bigger.  It’s holiday time and the nuts are out there folks.  But seeing as to how they didn’t steal any of the Christmas decorations or the grill or any of the scooters in the neighbors’ yards.
    I’m just sad and upset more than anything because it almost feels personal.  Like you don’t bother to take any big ticket items or anything from my next door neighbor but you think it’s funny or cool to swipe my trashcan?  Anyways, looks like I’m heading back to store and will give this thing another try.  Hopefully, trashcan number 2 doesn’t turn missing.
    Have you ever had items go missing from your yard?

  • Xlear SparX

    There’s no denying the fact that Moo definitely has a bit of a sweet tooth.  I’ll admit that she gets it from me.  However, like any responsible parent, I’m very cautious of giving her candy and actively monitor her sugar intake.  I’m always looking for treats that are sweet ‘tasting’ but minus all those not so good for body or teeth ingredients when she asks for candy.  So, I was excited when we got two samples of SparX (Citrus & Fruit flavors) by Xlear to try out.
    I’m not sure why I never tried SparX before now, but I wish had and will be buying these from now on.  If your family is a fan of the Runts candies then you will surely enjoy the SparX candies.  These are actually softer and slightly chewy.  So, you don’t have to worry anybody chipping a tooth trying to crunch hard candy.  This is a huge deal for me because I come from a family with soft and sensitive teeth.

    Also, what I like about SparX is that this candy is dentist approved!  Unlike other candies, SparX doesn’t have artificial sweeteners.  They’re made with xylitol, a plant-based sweetener   What’s so special about xylitol?  Well, it’s actually been shown to strengthen tooth enamel instead of weakening it.  Pretty sweet huh?
    Show me a parent who wouldn’t want their kids munching on candy that will actually make their teeth stronger and I’ll show you a flying pig.  Another issue with traditional candies is that they’re not healthy for kids and adults with blood sugar and insulin production conditions like diabetes.  Well, the xylitol won’t interfere with that.  It’s a safe treat that you and your kids can enjoy without worry of anybody’s blood sugar levels shooting through the roof.
    SparX Candy comes in three flavors- Berry, Citrus and Fruit.  There are not artificial flavors or coloring added.  Moo, JJ and I have definitely enjoyed popping these.  No, we didn’t share with the Mr.  Next time.
    Certainly want to Xlear and Mom Meets for introducing us this goodness.  You all know, I worry enough about my kids when it comes to their food allergies and fitting into our Green lifestyle.  I just hope that more companies will look into putting out more healthier sweets options like this in the future.  Be sure to visit Xlear on Facebook and find out more about their other products.  They also sent JJ some Kid’s Spry Tooth Gel.  So, be on the lookout for a review on that later.  I would definitely recommend stuffing a few tubs of SparX in the kids’ stockings this year and see how they like it!
    Disclaimer: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer.  As a Moms Meet blogger, I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my blog.  My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of May Media Group LLC or the manufacturer of the product.

  • Mind Right Monday

    I’m back with my Mind Right Monday post this week.  The Christmas holiday season is upon us and there’s so much I feel like I want to get accomplished before this month is out.  Or at the very least, I want to get things set up and in place.  Hope everyone had a lovely weekend.  We celebrated Moo’s 4th birthday and I got to enjoy some time with my husband!
    My goals this week are:
    1. Blog everyday (Yes, I’m going to try NaBloPoMo again this month)
    2. Mail out Christmas cards
    3. Work on manuscript and finalize title
    4. Catch up on blog reading and commenting
    5. Put together items to donate to local shelters and charities for the holidays
    6. Read Christmas books with the kids
    7. Get started on shopping for Christmas dinner
    8. Do daily Bible study and prayer journal entry
    9. Celebrate engagement anniversary

    I am grateful for:

    • Moo having a wonderful birthday! She loved everything about it.
    • A loving husband
    • Being able to do what I love–writing
    • Growing stronger in my faith
    • Being able to encourage others
    • The life, health and strength of me and my loved ones

    What’s on your list of goals to get done this week?


  • My 5 Favorite Christmas Movies

    One of the reasons I love getting all of my Christmas decorating out of the way is to leave my days and nights open for baking holiday treats, doing crafts with the kids and of course enjoying all of the Christmas movies! Watching Christmas movies everyday is a tradition for me.  It started when I was a kid.  We’d watch the movies on the regular tv channels as well as a few movies our mom had gotten for us.  I remember fondly my siblings and I sitting glued to the tv and sipping on hot chocolate or a glass milk and laughing our heads watching a puppet reenactment of ‘We’re Getting Nothing For Christmas.’
    This is a tradition that I hope to pass down to my kids.  And hopefully, they’ll look back on these family moments and share them with their families.  Here are a few of my personal favorite Christmas movies to enjoy.
    No holiday is really complete without Charlie Brown, Snoopy and the rest of the Peanuts gang.  And don’t even get me started on Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree.  This movie is a classic for sure and the kids and I have already watched this holiday season.
    I fell in love with this book as a kid and was thrilled when I saw the cartoon version for the first time when I was five.  I was even more thrilled when they decided to do a remake featuring Jim Carey as The Grinch.  He’s absolutely perfect for nutty roles like this one.  I seriously couldn’t see anybody else doing a better job than he did in this movie.
    My baby sister actually turned me on to the whole Eloise series.  She was a huge fan during her middle school years.  This movie is funny and full of romance (in a kid friendly way of course).  It’s the perfect movie to enjoy with the kids.  I watch it every year at least three times.
    Love, love, love Vince Vaughn!  He is freaking hilarious for real.  He truly makes this movie so funny.  Divorced/blended families never looked so dysfunctional than they do in Four Christmases.  Last year I watched this movie almost every other day after the kids were sleep.  No, it never gets old to me.
    This is another classic to me.  Chevy Chase never disappoints.  The laughs will just keep on coming as you watch the Griswold family gather together and celebrate Christmas.  It’s amazing what Clark puts up with from his family. It puts on a smile and deals with the craziness because thoughts of his ‘big’ Christmas bonus cheers him up and makes him think that it’ll all be worth it.  LOL. You have to watch to find out what his Christmas bonus is.  His reaction is priceless!
    What are your favorite holiday movies?

  • 4 Already

    Dear Moo,
    I don’t know where to begin.  You’d think that having three of these under my belt with you and one with your brother that I’d be used to this by now.  However, each year as your birthday rolls around, I find myself feeling even more unprepared and more emotional than the previous birthday.  Maybe, one of these days I’ll get it together.  Don’t hold me to that of course.
    Your fourth birthday got here a lot quicker than I or your daddy expected.  Over the last year you’ve gotten much taller.  You’re really starting to outgrow clothes quickly.  You’re already in sizes 5T and 6T.  Let’s not even get started talking about how fast your feet are growing.  We went to bed one night and they were size and then woke the next morning and we had to get you new shoes.
    You and your brother are as thick as thieves!  I love how you’ve accepted him and taken him under your wing.  For example, you’ve taught how to use the cabinets as his imaginary spaceships.  He’s taken up your love for scribbling all over paper as well as ripping it up and then tossing it in the air like snow.
    Watching you two together is my favorite thing to do everyday by far.  The love you have for him is beyond amazing.  I hope that as you continue to get older you’ll always make time for him.  He adores you to pieces.
    You’ve really come out of your shell a lot. I think that might have something to do with your brother as well.  You’re much more used to being surrounded by other kids and interacting with them.  You’re smarter than most kids your age.  I know all parents probably say that, but it’s true.
    You’re counting almost past twenty by yourself, singing nursery rhymes (and Mary Mary), getting better at coloring in the lines, learning to write your name and you know all your colors.  You’ve even picked up a little Spanish.  So, excited about that because I love the Spanish culture and language.  That’ll give us something else to bond over during those moody teenage years.
    Love, affection and compassion are definitely traits of your personality.  If someone is sad, you try your best to cheer them up.  And you’re the best hugger ever!  Seriously, I can never get enough your special Mommy Hugs.  
    There’s so much more I want to put in this letter but I’ll save it for another.  I’m just in such of awe of you my darling Moo.  I can’t thank you enough for making me feel like such an incredible mom.  You’re first born.  Thank you for hanging in here as I continue to wing and experiment my way through motherhood!
    I loved you before I met you; I loved after I birthed you; I love you now that I’m raising you and I’ll love you forever.  
    Love, 
                Mommy

  • Birthday Prep

    Ok folks. My little Moo turns 4 tomorrow! It’s a bit surreal. I know I’ve said it a million times but time flew by. And I’m scared that if I go bed tonight, I’ll wake up and she’ll be getting ready to leave for college!

    I’m trying to prep myself tomorrow so that I don’t cry. Yes, I am that emotional mom. The Mr has been teasing about since last week. We started talking about her going to school and well I got a little teary-eyed.

    She’s my first born y’all. JJ better thank her one day for being my test subject with this whole parenting thing. It’s one thing to babysit and help out with siblings but it’s a totally different experience when you have your first child.

    So, if you don’t hear from me tomorrow you’ll know I’m balling like a baby with a box of Kleenex somewhere. We’ve already got her cake and candles. I wrapped her gifts and mixed them in with the gifts underneath the tree. As soon as she passes out I’m off to blow up balloons and hang her birthday banner.

    On another note, I made it! Today is the end of the November NaBloPoMo Challenge and I couldn’t be prouder of myself!

  • Thankful Thursday

    We’re down to our last handful of Thankful Thursdays for 2012.  Can you guys believe it?  I can’t.   I’m so happy I made this a weekly feature on YUMMommy.  It’s so easy to get caught up on what you DON’T have instead of focusing on and being grateful for what you DO have.
    This week I’m thankful that I finally worked up the nerve to cut my hair again.  I had been going natural for a little over three years when I got the genius idea to try out this chemical curl softner.  And I thought since it was designed for kids that it would be perfect to use on my easily irritated scalp.  Wrong!
    Long story short, after the second use I started noticing my hair was shedding like crazy.  It had tons of split ends, stayed drier than normal and the ends were a bit crunchy.  In the end, I would have done better just keeping my money in my pocket.  But since I was trying to avoid using heat to straighten my hair some, I thought it would be healthier in the long run to try the product.  Lesson learned.
    I’m actually enjoying my shorter do.  It’s shorter than the last time I went short.  I’ve been trying out the Curly Girl Method for about a week and a half now.  And while my hair feels softer, I’m not sure how long I’ll stick with it because I enjoy my current shampoos and conditioning products but they aren’t Curly Girl friendly.
    I’m thankful that Moo will be turning four this weekend!!  Super excited to celebrate her birthday.  I can’t believe I’m the mom of a four year now.  It’s so surreal.  Looking forward to decking out her birthday cake with tons of princess decorations!!  She’s going to go bananas when she sees it.
    I’m also thankful that I’ve survived this NaBloPoMo challenge for the month of November.  It’s a lot of work posting everyday.  However, it has definitely made me a better writer.  I’ve enjoyed sharing more about my personal life and my motherhood experience with you all.  I’ve gotten so much feedback and advice this month from some of my posts.
    I’m also thankful for the new blog followers I got this month..  It’s comforting to know that I’m reaching people and not just on here rambling to empty web space.  I’m thankful that the kids are going to bed a little earlier this week. We had a few late nights but for the most part they’ve been down and sleep before 11 PM!!
    Most importantly, I’m thankful to have an amazing husband who knows me better than almost anyone.  He recognized that we’ve been a little disconnected lately and is committed to rebuilding that connection and becoming more present in the day to day activities around the house.  Marriage and any lasting relationship takes work. I’m always thankful to have a spouse who’s willing to do the work with me.
    What are you sending up thanks for this week?

  • Wordless Wednesday

  • Present Snatchers

    We decided to put our tree up before Thanksgiving.  At first, my concern was that JJ would the tree over.  He’s more curious about pulling, pushing and tugging things since he’s a walker now.  Last year when he was in his walker simply put a few books or pillows around the tree to prevent him from being able to get near it. Yeah, that won’t work this year.
    Anyways, we’ve had a few close calls with him trying to tug on the tree when the lights are on.  However, that problem has been solved by either having him in high chair when I plug it up or waiting until he’s sleeping to turn them on.  Our current problem is with him snatching the presents from underneath and opening them.  We’ve already the Bow Ripping incident where he got his hands on some gifts and ripped all the bows off.  Thankfully, new bows have been added.
    However, Moo has decided that she wants to be a Present Snatcher too.  While she’s not actually unwrapping them, it’s only a matter of time before she “accidentally” puts holes or tears in some of her gifts.  The Mr got their big gifts last night and I wrapped them.  Since, then she’s been asking me a million times to tell her what she got.
    I’ve caught her shaking presents to see if she can hear what they are.  Yep, she thinks she’s smart.  However, anything that makes a noise and has buttons that can be pressed through packaging will be placed in a gift box or I’ll take a spare piece of cardboard to cover up the open area.  What I wouldn’t give to have a tree gate to keep these little snatchers from snatching our presents.
    Here’s to hoping we make it to Christmas with no presents getting opened.  I don’t want to be wrapping and rewrapping gifts or resticking bows these next 28 days.  Thankfully, we only use recyclable wrapping paper. So, if I do have to rewrap I’ll still be being GREEN!
    How do you deal with present snatchers in your home?