Yep, this sweet little face could be hear saying those words from this very bench one day while we were waiting for Mrs. A to arrive at the farm. He said it in response to the roosters crowing! He would look back at them and say, “You annoy’n me!” And even said it several times. 😉 Children say and do the funniest things!
Tag Archive for Family Stuff
You Annoy’n Me – Wordless Wednesday
AMF Summer Unplugged Program
Summer is my favorite season. I have a lot of great memories of camping with my family growing up, swimming, biking, roasting marshmallows and hotdogs over the camp fire, walking and lots of sleepovers on my birthday.
Since having a family of my own we spend a lot of time outside over the summer because Chicago winters are usually cold and unless we have a bunch of snow we are pretty much inside. We go to the park, walk, bike, visit the Botanical Gardens, play in the water in our backyard or any number of other fun outdoor activities. And of course, we garden. The children love seeing where our food comes from and watching a little seed turn into a flower/veggie/fruit (yep they planted or composted apple seeds and we now have an apple tree growing!)
How are you and your family planning to stay active this summer? I have one idea I’d like to share with you.
AMF Summer Unplugged Bowling Program
AMF Bowling Centers is sponsoring a Summer Unplugged Program geared towards kids. The goal is to get unplugged from the TV (and internet for that matter as it can certainly provide sedentary entertainment) and get active by exercising. The program is FREE, but there is a sign up process involved and it does not include shoe rental. It is open to teens and children 16 and under. Once you are signed up they will receive two FREE games per visit. You can learn more about the program here, as well as find participating centers near you: http://bit.ly/AMFfree
The program starts this weekend with Memorial Day and goes through Monday, September 5th.
So Who Loves Bowling?
You know I really enjoyed bowling when I was a teen. I usually went with our Youth Group and had a lot of fun. The thing is I have not been bowling since! My husband and I have never bowled together and our children have never gone bowling. Amazing, eh? But the bowling alleys use to allow smoking so that was a huge deterrent for us because of the exposure to second hand smoke. Now that they are smoke-free in Illinois I have considered taking our children. I think they’d have a blast.
Do you and your family like bowling? Leave a comment and let me know!
Disclosure: I participated in this campaign as a member of One2One Network and am eligible for a prize drawing. All opinions stated in the post are my own.
A Trip Down Memory Lane – Wordless Wednesday
You know those little photo booths that are usually in the mall or at fairs where you can sit in there and get your picture taken and it spits out a little strip of photos? Well my mom and I many, many years ago were shopping and got our picture taken. To this day it is one of my favorites (yes, even with my big eyed glasses and the children’s scribbles!) I think it’s the only photo I have of us together. Then again, who knows what is packed away in boxes!? Anywho, it is the only one I had out. It was in a cute little frame, which got broken, but I digress….meet the younger version of me and my mom in a trip down memory lane….in honor of Mother’s Day this month. I just couldn’t figure out how to scan it until last week on our new printer!
P.S. This post was inspired by my little sister (she’s 27!). Earlier in May she posted on her Facebook wall challenging us all to change our profile picture in honor of Mother’s Day. I teased her saying that was real nice considering I was 1600 miles away from my/our mother. Then I realized how few photos I have of my Mom and I with just the two of us. Very sad. And yes, she is still living, but very far away. I miss her a lot and am blessed to call her my mother.
Robert Pierre Music Review
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
Is Bieber Fever running rapid through your house? Check out this 18 year old that turned Christian music into Pop music. If you or your kids enjoy Pop music, you’ll love this kid!
I introduce you to Robert Pierre!
Raised in a Christian home, this 18 year old, high school honors student loves basketball. Seems like a typical high school kid, right? He was approached in elementary school by a teacher. ” The teacher asked him “If you were to die right now, and were standing at the gates of heaven, and God asked you why He should let you in… What would you say?” Robert could only think to answer honestly… “He shouldn’t”. His life changed at that moment.
With his voice, heart, and song writing ability Robert began his ministering through song journey. He has released two (2) nationally distributed recond and three (3) singles that have reached the Billboard Christian Top 50 hit list. Robert has performed at many festivals, camps, youth groups, and schools, as well as internationally.
Pierre’s third record is entitled “I’m All In”. In which, he wrote 10 of the 11 songs, plays the guitar and sang back up! That’s a talented kid!
My Review:
Pop!? How do you turn Christian Music into Pop Music? Well, apprently it can be done! And very well, I might add. I put it on and got a wonderful surprise! The beat was great and I felt like I was listening to my favorite boy band! I found myself and my daughter dancing around the kitchen! However, the messages are very different and refreshing from today’s pop music.
The four songs I downloaded were –
1. Jesus
2. You Hold Me Now
3. Breaking My Heart
4. Identity
I loved them all and guess what! You can download or listen to them too! FOR FREE!
Links:
1. CLICK this link: https://www.noisetrade.com/robertpierre#
2. Once on NoiseTrade, you simply click the Robert Pierre EP image to open the online player.
You will see the 4 songs available. (simply click on the song you’d like to listen too)
1. JESUS
2. YOU HOLD ME NOW
3. BREAKING MY HEART
4. IDENTITY
AND, if you’re interested in downloading all four songs for FREE to have on your own computer or ipod, NoiseTrade.com provides that downloadable zip file of the 4 songs when you enter your email address, postal code & click NEXT (just under the online player). After you click NEXT, NoiseTrade will email you a link that you can quickly click to have the 4 songs downloaded.
If you’re interested, you may review the song lyrics to these songs by clicking these links:
SONG LYRICS:
1. Jesus: http://www.songlyrics.com/robert-pierre/jesus-lyrics/
2. You Hold Me Now: http://www.songlyrics.com/robert-pierre/you-hold-me-now-lyrics/
3. Breaking My Heart: http://www.songlyrics.com/robert-pierre/breaking-my-heart-lyrics/
4. Identity: http://www.songlyrics.com/robert-pierre/identity-lyrics/
Check Robert out of Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/RobertPierreMusic or his website at http://www.robertpierre.com
Van School – Wordless Wednesday
And time for riding bikes, playing cards and just relax’n…
Our Cherub – Wordless Wednesday
Like Go-Go Boy’s little “beaver” face? He is teething. He’s got two of his top four teeth in and has been making this face. He only has one on the bottom gum with three more to go. Well, we all know he has more than that but those are the bumps we see working their way through right now. He is usually as happy as he is in these photos, but has some cranky times too.
He’s our only child that got both my dimples. You would think of eight children more of them would have got them, but a couple others only got one! Isn’t that different?
So much for Wordless Wednesday! 😉
The Night Night Book Review
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
“Bestselling author Marianne Richmond, continuing in the vein of her other books such as If I Could Keep You Little, creates vibrant, eye-catching art and beautiful verses in The Night Night Book (Sourcebooks: ISBN 978-1-9340-8290-4). This tender, evocative picture book brings the entire family together as the perfect story before bed.”
“Sure to become a new bedtime classic, this book takes readers on a tour of the house as everyone settles in. Whimsical artwork and comforting scenes show kids it’s time to say goodnight. Filled with text and illustrations that exemplify Marianne’s real insights into the human spirit, The Night Night Book is a must have bedtime accessory for any parent.”
“Comfy bed,
all tucked in.
Cozy blanket,
toes to chin.
Night night sky.
Night night moon.
Dear tomorrow,
see you soon!”
“The ideal way to wrap up a day with your child, The Night Night Book is an adorable bedtime story the helps kids and parents bid farewell to the day, settle in for the night, and rest up for a new tomorrow.”
About Marianne Richmond:
“Marianne Richmond started her own greeting card company (Marianne RStudios, Inc.) and has become a recognized creator of numerous books that celebrate milestone in life, memorable journeys, and relationships. Since her first book in 1997, Gift of An Angel, write and artist Marianne Richmond has touched the lives of millions over the past decade through her line of greeting cards and gift books.”
My Review:
My, daughter, husband and I sat down last night and read this book before bed. This book was perfect for us because we say night night and our daughter understands what it means. We all enjoyed it! My daughter loves the illustrations as she pointed out various object and animals throughout the book. It was a good learning tool also. We asked her where the stars were on a page and she would point them out. It was just long enough to keep her attention and start relaxing for the night.
I know I’ve said and I’ll say it again, great baby shower gift! I would recommend this book for you and your little ones as a great bonding tool! It’s available now! We will be reading it again tonight and in the future for sure.
*CLOSED* Get Outside with the Kids & National Wildlife Federation: Week Two of Scott’s 4-Week Test Drive
Winner of Week 2 Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive Giveaway is……….
momznite!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to momznite! # 7 as chosen by Random.org.
Thanks to all who entered and to Scott Naturals and TheMotherhood.com for providing this great prize package!
It has been hard getting outside with the kids this spring since it has been so cold, wet and rainy. Nevertheless we have been able to do a couple of little things and hope to do more of our normal outdoor activities soon.
Playing outside at the farm. There are lots of things to do at the farm. My children love watching and feeding the chickens. Last week my boys took their dinosaurs to the farm and played outside in the dirt and grass with them, as well as climbed the wood pile, played in the underbrush of a large tree with plans to build a fort.
Walks. Walking has been a priority for me but the truth is we have yet to get back into the habit of a daily walk.
Biking. My children love riding their bikes. They will usually bike while I walk and push the little ones in the stroller. I have never been a runner. I prefer walking.
Picnics. We love picnics in the park or our backyard. We have even been known to picnic in our house when the weather is against our plans!
Botanical Gardens. We love the Chicago Botanical Gardens and have yet to get there this spring. I love the peacefulness and beauty of the gardens. Not only is it educational (the gardens provides a little card for the kids to find different items and mark it off with a sticky dot), it is good for our whole well-being. The aroma, the atmosphere and the sights are delightful to us all.
Backyard Games. None of our children have been involved in organized sports, yet. So it has been fun to teach the children how to play soccer, baseball, volleyball, badminton and football in our backyard. A couple of weekends ago my husband was instructing our boys and a couple of other boys in playing basketball on an outdoor court at the school where we attended a green expo. They do the goofiest things and were fun to watch! Sure tired those boys out!
The Zoo. The zoo also provides a great way to get outside with the kids and introduce them to lots of different animals. Our children love going to the zoo and are sorely disappointed if we go on days the animals are stay inside where we cannot see them.
The National Wildlife Federation
Speaking of animals, the National Wildlife Federation puts a huge emphasis on getting outside with your children. Take a look at their suggestions here.
B Kind 2 Earth Day
We are also participating in B Kind 2 Earth Day with TheMotherhood and NWF. We are hoping to volunteer at a local organic learning farm, as well as go for a walk and help at my friend’s organic farm on Thursday and Friday. B Kind 2 Earth Day also has some great ideas for getting outside on their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/#!/BKind2EarthDay
Winner of Week 1 of Scott’s 4-Week Test Drive!
Winner of Week 1 Scott Brand 4-Week Test Drive Giveaway is……….
Karen!!!!!!!!! Congratulations!!!!!!!!!
Congratulations to Karen! You won this giveaway! Comment # 12 chosen by Random.org
Thanks to all who entered and to Scott Naturals and TheMotherhood. for sponsoring this great giveaway!
Week 2 Giveaway of Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive!
A 12 pack of toilet paper, a 6 pack of paper towel, a package of napkins and flushable moist wipes. Cool, eh? Yeah, we thought so too!
You may also choose to participate in the Scott Naturals 4-Week Test Drive between now and September 30 and enter to win a Ford Fusion hybrid car! Once you pledge to take the 4-Week Test Drive, coupons for each product are available –http://www.scottbrand.com/community/savings/scott
Scott’s Press Release says:
According to a recent poll, one third of consumers believe eco-friendly products don’t work as well as “regular” ones. That’s why Scott Naturals is on a mission to get people to rethink their notion of environmentally friendly products. As the world’s first line of “hybrid” paper products, including bath tissue, paper towels, flushable moist wipes and napkins, the Scott Naturals brand combines the green benefits of recycled fiber with the quality people want, making it easy to take a green step forward. If every American pledged to use Scott Naturals for four weeks, it would save two million trees. Starting on April 4, as part of the “Take the 4-Week Test Drive Sweepstakes,” Scott Naturals began challenging Americans to test out its line of hybrid paper products for four weeks and enter for a chance to win a new hybrid sedan.
Our Review of Scott Naturals Wipes
We really liked the performance of Scott Naturals wipes. They are free of alcohol and dyes and are flushable. All of the fibers are derived from sustainable resources, which we like. They also smell good and contain Aloe Vera as the third ingredient, another plus. My daughter says the ingredients are decent, as she is our most chemically sensitive, and says the ingredients could be a lot worse.
These wipes cleaned up pencil shavings “soot” from off our laminate flooring well, as well as some crayon marks. They are strong, very moist and hold their moisture in the wipes container unlike other brands we have tried. These are great for quick clean ups at home or on the road.
The Giveaway
Enter to win a Scott Naturals paper products!
Mandatory Entry: Tell me which products you want to try the most from Scott!
Extra Entries (Please be sure and leave a comment and link for extra entries):
5 Entries: Visit http://www.ScottBrand.com/4WeekTestDrive to help increase the amount Scott Brand will donate to National Wildlife Federation. Scott Naturals will donate $1 per unique click to the NWF, up to $25,000. You can do this as many times as you like!
1 Entry:Follow Faith and Family Reviews On Twitter
1 Entry:Like/Friend Faith and Family Reviews on Facebook.
1 Entry: Like Scott Naturals on Facebook and leave a comment on their wall saying- Faith and Family Reviews sent me.
2 Entries: Follow Faith and Family Reviews on Google Friend Connect (on the our right side bar).
2 Entries: Tweet about this giveaway. Up to three tweets per day. Include a separate comment for each and your tweet url with your comment. You may write your own tweet or use this one:
Giveaway: Enter to win #ScottNaturals paper products! http://bit.ly/ScottNaturalsGiveaway @faithfamilyrevw! Please share! #ScottTestDrive
5 Entries: Blog about this giveaway and link back this post.
1 Entry: For every comment you leave anywhere else on this blog, but please leave a link with your comment!
Details:
This giveaway will run from April 19th, 2011 to April 24th, 2011 at midnight CST. The winner will be chosen through Random.org. Scott will send one winner their prize. Winner will be contacted via email on or before April 27th, 2011 and will be asked for their contact and other pertinent info. Winners will have 48 hours to send me their e-mail at [ffr] [giveaways] [at] [gmail] [dot] [com] (without spaces and parenthesis). Please note: This giveaway is offered to USA only.
Thanks and have fun!
Faith and Family Reviews received the following product in exchange for writing a review and is being compensated by Scott Naturals and TheMotherhood. While we consider it a privilege to receive free products to review and compensation, our reviews are our honest opinion and thoughts of the product.
