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School is back in session moms. Once you have finished checking off all of the items on your supply list, I have one to add. As you know before long there will be book reports, graphs and etc needed to be typed up. So why not buy from a trusted source called Softwarekeep and get the Microsoft office programs you need.

I have personally went through the check out process myself. Of course I was provided free product to review, however all of my opinions are honest. I only want what's best for my readers. So as I was saying, the checkout was a breeze. Easily scroll through and find the office program or other software you need and add it to your cart. Everything is secure and once you submit you are good to go.

They email your invoice and then provide separate email with your register key and download link. I was amazed at how simple it was. Plus for any reason a key doesn't work or any other issue. The support team will quickly get you taken care of!

Right now they are running a back to school sale of 20% off any software bundle you purchase. Just add the code BACK2SCHOOL in the cart.Who doesn't like saving money!

Office Depot Foundation

Office Depot Foundation Donates 100,000 Sackpacks With School Supplies In 17^th Year of Its National Backpack Program

More Than 4 Million Sackpacks Donated to Kids Around The World Since 2001

Boca Raton, Fla., June 21, 2017 – For the past 17 years, the Office Depot Foundation has donated more than 4 million sackpacks to children around the world as part of its National Backpack Program. This summer, the Foundation, which is the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc., will be donating 100,000 colorful new sackpacks to nonprofit organizations, schools and agencies across the United States and internationally. 

“It is our mission to make sure that every child has the right tools to achieve success in school,” said Mary Wong, president of the Office Depot Foundation. “School is challenging enough on its own, and when you’re unable to come prepared with the basic essentials for learning, it’s nearly impossible. We want to give every kid a fair chance.”     

To deliver sackpacks directly to children, the Foundation is hosting Back-to-School celebrations in select cities across the U.S. in July and August. This year, in addition to donating sackpacks to children who need them most, the Foundation is highlighting the importance of STEM and STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and math) programs in our nation’s schools. To encourage kids to explore these important curriculums, the Foundation has partnered with Captain Vernice “FlyGirl” Armour, America’s first African American female combat pilot, who will make special guest appearances at the Foundation’s Back-To-School celebrations in Los Angeles and Chicago.

Thousands more sackpacks are being given to kids through the Office Depot Foundation’s continuing partnerships with a number of nonprofit organizations serving children nationally and globally. The Foundation is collaborating with Food For The Poor, Feed the Children, the National Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA) Association, the National Foundation for Women Legislators and the AARP Foundation.

The specially designed, drawstring-style sackpacks come in seven bright and fun colors. Each one includes a zippered pouch containing a pen, pencil, pencil sharpener, eraser, six-inch ruler and four crayons.

More information about the National Backpack Program can be found on the Office Depot Foundation’s Facebook page at www.facebook.com/officedepotfoundation. To learn more about the Office Depot Foundation and its initiatives, go to www.officedepotfoundation.org/. You can follow the Foundation on Twitter @OfficeDepotFndn; the National Backpack Program’s hashtag is #ODFcares. The Foundation is also on Instagram: @officedepotfoundation.

About the Office Depot Foundation

The Office Depot Foundation is an independent foundation − tax exempt under IRC Sec. 501(c)(3) − that serves as the independent charitable giving arm of Office Depot, Inc. In keeping with its mission, Listen Learn Care^®, the Foundation supports a variety of programs that give children tools to succeed in school and in life; build the capacity of nonprofit organizations through collaboration and innovation; and help communities prepare for disasters, as well as recovering and rebuilding afterwards.  For more information, visit www.officedepotfoundation.org.

Does Your 7-Year-Old Really Need Braces?

Braces are often a rite of passage for middle school students with overbites or crooked teeth.
But the oral problems those braces are solving likely started way back in elementary school – possibly as early as first or second grade.
So perhaps it shouldn’t be a surprise that the American Association of Orthodontists recommends children make their first visit to an orthodontist no later than age 7.
“That doesn’t mean they are going to get braces,” says Dr. Jamie Reynolds, an orthodontist, national and international lecturer and author of “World Class Smiles Made in Detroit” (www.AskDrReynolds.com). “In fact, it’s pretty unusual to put braces on a child that young.”
But with those early visits, the orthodontist might be able to head off problems before they get worse. Reynolds says these are a few of the things an orthodontist would be checking with your child:

• Are the jaws growing properly? You would think the upper jaw and the lower jaw grow pretty much in tandem, but you would be wrong. The upper jaw stops growing around age 8 while the lower jaw keeps on growing like the rest of the body. That means orthodontists can spot problems with the upper jaw earlier and recommend treatment if it’s needed, Reynolds says.
• Is there enough room for the teeth to grow in? Sometimes permanent teeth don’t have enough room to grow in properly, possibly because a baby tooth is in the way. Generally, baby teeth fall out on their own, but occasionally a stubborn one needs to be pulled so that the permanent tooth doesn’t start growing in an awkward direction and become impacted. “Removing a misbehaving baby tooth is often the simplest and best solution to a problem that could become much bigger,” Reynolds says.
• Are there too few or too many teeth? One of the things an orthodontist would do when examining a young child is to make sure the correct number of permanent teeth are forming. Extra teeth can be removed, but if a child is a tooth or two short the orthodontist will wait until all the permanent teeth are in before starting any treatment. “Before I went to dental school, I assumed everyone had the same number of teeth – 32,” Reynolds says. “But it’s not unusual at all to see people with missing teeth or with extra teeth.”
• Does the child snore?  Snoring is a potential sign of sleep apnea, a condition in which a person stops breathing while sleeping. It can cause serious health problems and has been diagnosed in children as early as 4 or 5 years old. One common and treatable type of sleep apnea is obstructive sleep apnea, in which the airways become partially or completely blocked by the tongue or fatty tissues of the throat. An orthodontist can widen the child’s palate so the upper jaw expands, and that expands the nasal passages. It also provides more room for the tongue so it rests on the roof of the mouth and not the bottom.

“Usually, orthodontists offer complimentary exams so it really is a good idea to have your child checked out by an orthodontist at age 7,” Reynolds says. “The odds are that no treatment will be necessary. But if problems are starting to develop, early detection could make a big difference.”

About Dr. Jamie Reynolds

Dr. Jamie Reynolds (www.AskDrReynolds.com) is recognized on an annual basis as one of the top orthodontists in metro Detroit. His book, “World Class Smiles Made in Detroit,” puts an emphasis on the many benefits of having a great smile. Reynolds – who is a national and international lecturer on high-tech digital orthodontics and practice management – attended the University of Michigan for both his undergrad education and dental studies, and did his orthodontic residency at the University of Detroit-Mercy.

Gift Baskets for Dad

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Father's Day is just around the corner and you are running out of options. What can you get for the man in your life that has it all? Or maybe you want to step out of the norm and find all the goodies they love so much. If that is the case you should go check out the company called The Bro Basket! They have so many different options for gift baskets for dad's. If he is a snack-aholic then they have that covered, poker type they got that too. Or maybe you just want to create your own, with your own style.  This company even has baskets with booze, yes I said booze. We all have that man that likes to kick back with a glass of whiskey. The only thing with these baskets are you have to check the site info to see if your state allows shipment of anything alcoholic related. That was the downfall of my state NC. We are only allowed wine to be shipped. However though, I was still sent a really awesome foodie snack style basket that I created for my main man.

The basket I received was packed full of tasty treats. It covered all the taste he loves like gourmet popcorn, energy drinks,chocolate and things like chips and cookies. Oh and you can do add on items to your basket. I added a shot glass, cigar and the cutter to go with it. By far this was his favorite gift he has ever received. He was very stingy with his goodies. So go check out the website for yourself. You won't be disappointed.

Explore and Snack on Earth Day

Planning on hitting the outdoors for Earth Day? If you said yes then I hope you plan on bringing along plenty of snacks for yourself and the kiddos. Earth Day is a great way to teach the kids about the importance of taking care of our planet. With National Parks and plenty of Community activities
s, there will never be a dull moment. I plan on taking my kids out and about if weather is permitting to plant flowers and pick up trash. Learning about the outcome of what happens if we do these things makes great learning tools.

Now if you are like me then you need snacks. Kids get hungry and majority of the time it's at times where you cant run to a store. So why not just pack some healthy snacks that are great for you and easy on the environment? They are perfect for on the go with resealable bags and amazing flavors. It's made from a company called "Back to Nature".  Simple packaging made with recycled paperboard. Not mention they are on board with non-gmo foods.

Their nuts and trail mixes are perfect for any plans you have outdoor. I love all of their products, especially since they have simple ingredients. They have plenty of flavors and kinds to choose from. Oh and if you are interested in a Giveaway to win a Get Back to Nature prize pack!

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Back to School in Style

It's almost time to send your children back to school. Which means you are gearing up now for shopping! Rest assure I know exactly how you feel with finding all the supplies that your child needs. So why not make it fun and send your Kindergartner to school with a stylish bag! The Stationery Studio, has everything you need. Their kinderbag is beautifully made with great material and lightweight.  The stitching and custom embroidery is impeccable and it stands out. It make things so much easier for your young one to bring home important papers. Have no fear, they also make a boy style bag. I really adore the bag and how cute the design is. I had one made for my niece and my daughter with their names on each one. The pricing is just what I would expect for a bag made of this quality to.

Another item I would love to tell you about is the notepads. With having children in school, there will be notes sent for absences and such. Why not have a notepad that is customized to you? The Stationery Studio offers you choices of notepads to choose from. You can have your name at the top and all of your children listed on it. That way you can check the box next to your child that the note is intended for. There are also choices to have pictures on the tops of the stationery. The site is super easy to use and checkout process is a breeze. 

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Super League Gaming Discount

Now your family can play Minecraft in select movie theatres with Super League Gaming. Super League brings together gamers of all ages for a fun, social, face-to-face gameplay experience on the big screen with superhero themed maps and mods in a custom Minecraft adventure called, Rise of Heroes.

HOW IT WORKS
Bring your laptop with Minecraft 1.9.2 installed and play first-person on your computer and then you wirelessly connect to Super League's server which puts you and everyone else in the movie theater's gameplay up on the big screen. Parents and siblings can attend for free to watch and cheer their gamer on.

Your gamers will play, collaborate and socialize on teams with 4-7 members their own age as they build, battle and use their creativity and imagination. Super League even provides all the tech help and support making this a great family-friendly event.

THE LEAGUE ENCOURAGES SOCIAL CONNECTIONS & TEAMWORK
It's all about teamwork and collaboration. Each player gets a free gaming t-shirt encouraging team building and camaraderie. There's even an opportunity for the winning team to evenly split a college scholarship.

League starts April 30. Visit Superleague.com for a schedule of times and locations. Tickets are regularly priced $60. Use promo code "USFAMILY10" today for an exclusive $10 discount.
Save $10 off Playing #Minecraft in a Movie Theatre with SuperLeague.com - Save $10 off Playing #Minecraft in a Movie Theatre with SuperLeague.com is coming to Town! Use promo code USFAMILY10 to Save $10 OFF!
http://usfamilycoupons.com/coupon.php?regionid=75&bid=12644&dealid=2622 .@usfg

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Funny Toddler Tales

If your looking to add another book to your shelf to read then grab this one. "The sh!t no one tells you about Toddler". A very humorous book about what majority moms go through in the toddler stage. It's funny and packed full of real life stories and mishaps. The author is very funny and gives you a run down of all the things she has dealt with. I have enjoyed sitting down and reading this book because I caught myself many times laughing out loud. This is the guide to Surviving the Toddler Years.

Trust me after reading this, you will no longer feel like you are the only one. Whether it is the tantrums, the pouting or constantly hurting themselves, the guide covers it. Each chapter just keeps you laughing about what real life moms and the author have gone through. Even included is professionals to give their insight. So grab the book and read it for yourself or give it as a gift!

What people are saying:

"Frank and funny in her approach (the first chapter is entitled “You Suck at This”), she also deals soberly with such weighty matters as balancing work and family, reconciling parenting styles, and keeping marriages and partnerships together...Dais offers a commonsense yet comical view of the toddler years, which she wryly sums up as a “confusing cluster-f of a time.”
—Publishers Weekly

“It's a perfect gift for expecting parents who have a good sense of humor and appreciate a frank, candid look at the ugly-yet-wonderful side of parenting.”
—Motherhood Moment

“Not only does it comfort me by informing me that my toddlers' alien behaviors are common and that I'm not alone, it provides a lot of comic relief, and it also provides a lot of great tips on how to address common challenges that many parents of toddlers face.”

—Hawaii Mom Blog

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Dyson V6 Slim

I have so needed a new vacuum for quite some time. With 3 girls who are constantly in and out through the house, I need it. But I also wanted something that was not going to take up a lot of space. Something that was actually going to clean up the floor. That is exactly why I was jumping for joy when I got chosen to review the Dyson V6 Slim. Holy cow this is the ideal vacuum for a apartment. It does not take up any space at all and there are no cords to deal with. It comes with a mount that you can put on the wall for docking to charge. Charges up really fast and holds a 20 minute charge. It may not sound like a lot but when you live in a small apartment like a one bedroom or two, this is ideal! 

It has amazing cleaning power and my carpets have never looked so good. Two modes to choose from depending on the cleaning power you need. When turning it on, all you have to do is hold the trigger. Then to turn it off just release the trigger. I find that this is so helpful when I am having to move around the house. Oh not to mention that this does not weigh much at all. I love that it is light and I can move it effortlessly up and down the stairs. It has attachments for furniture to get up all those lost cookie pieces lol. The head of it pivots to get in to areas that are hard. Few other helpful features is that there is no bags to buy and you can reuse the filters.

I can honestly say that my husband and I fight to use the Dyson. We both rate it with two thumbs up. 

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Frozen Party Themes

 Moms, I have another option for you when it comes to party themes for your girls. The "Disney Frozen Fever Party Book" has plenty to offer for a really out of this world party. Whether you are looking for a cute drink that is healthy or that extravagant cake just like Anna had, you will find it here. I love this party book.

Beautiful pictures that are eye catching and easy to follow directions. I like that they even included Olaf in the book also. I also find that plenty of the recipes are healthy and not high in sugar content if you are not wanting jacked up kids running around the house driving you crazy. My daughter's have already been looking through the book and have told me they want this theme for their next party. Saves time and keeps the guess work out of the equation.

I received this book for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.

Diaper Caddy for Dads

So your husband is tired of lugging around a girly style diaper bag. Why not look into the Daddy Caddy? I find that this bag will meet your man's needs to tote the diapers around. The caddy is made of a very sturdy cloth with compartments for wipes and diapers and change of clothes. It is a simple but unique design with a clip to hook on to a bike, stroller, or even on to the dad. Plus it even has a water resistant liner.

There are many designs to choose from on the site. Like in the picture above there is camo, which most men choose. I really enjoy this caddy and so does my husband. This way wherever he goes he has the essentials that he needs in a compact bag for our daughter.

*I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review.*

Disney Party Themes

Moms, are you running out of ideas for parties for the kiddos? Not enough time in the day to sit on pinterest trying to find each thing you need? Well I have a solution for you! "The Ultimate Disney Party Book" has everything you possible need to find a theme to suit your youngsters likes. From party hats to drink and snacks it has you covered.

This is not a small book. It is full of color and images that just makes you want to keep flipping through each page. There is so much detail and not one thing was left out. I have really enjoyed looking over this book and already have ideas for my kids upcoming parties. You don't even have to limit this to just birthday parties, you could try slumber parties or get togethers for the kids any time of the year.

Some of the themes that are:

• Aladdin
• Captain Hook
• Princess Party
• Toy Story
• and many more....

I highly recommend this book for yourself or for a gift. This will take the guess work out and give you more time to enjoy the process.

* I received this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased review*

Healthy snack alternative for the family

Parents, have you ever just wished you could find a better alternative for snack bar. Something that is packed with protein but has no gluten or added salts and weird ingredients?  If so I highly suggest you try the GoMacro bars. I was given a box of mini GoMacro bars to review and each flavor is to die for. There is so many flavors to choose from. Whether you want sweet or savory, they have it. These bars are USDA Organic and Non GMO verified. I cant even choose my favorite because they are all equally good. Perfect for on the go or at home. For me I need these packed in my car because often times I am running errands and miss a meal and need a pick me up. Or you can toss one into your kids lunch bag with some veggie sticks and other items.

Flavors to choose from:

• peanut butter chocolate chip (protein power)
• banana almond butter (prolonged power)
• sunflower butter and chocolate (protein purity)
• cashew butter
• almond butter and carob
• granola and coconut
• peanut butter
• sesame butter and dates
• cherries and berries
• cashew caramel
• apples and walnuts

I am just in awe with so many flavors. Why choose just one? The beliefs of GoMacro are simple, if it doesnt come from nature then they do not use it. Plus they give back to the communities. 

*I was given this product for free in exchange for my honest and unbiased opinion.*

Natural Way Organics Review

I am the type of person who has a huge pile of cleaning products. Pretty much it can be narrowed down to certain items for each room. After everything is said and done though, I stop and think about the harshness. As parents we want what is the best and safe for our home and family. That is why I feel it is important to find a cleaner that can be used around the whole house. Stop and think for a moment, do you want to put a harsh chemical anywhere near where your family eats or touches? I didn't think so. That is why I wanted to tell you about a product called Miracle Spray.

The Miracle Spray is by a company called Natural Way Organics. It is a great company that has plenty to offer. This cleaner is made with completely safe ingredients. It has essential oils like tea tree and something called castile soap. Castile soap has been used for generations, just ask any person who makes things from home. You can use this cleaner anywhere in the home. So far I have been mainly using it in the kitchen and on my daughter's high chair. I do not want any harsh chemicals mixed with her foods that she eats. Today I had another use for it. I accidentally knocked over my husband's (dare I say it without shuttering...his spit cup from his tobacco). After the gross oh my gosh response, I ran and grabbed my trusty Miracle Spray and sprayed it onto the stain. With a couple of wipes of a damp towel the stain was gone! I highly recommend you check this company out and see what I am talking about.

* I received this product for free for my honest

and unbiased review*

Xlear Product Review

Ladies, do you want better for your family? Of course you do!
Then give XLEAR a chance in your home for all your health needs.
Some of the products they have to offer are nasal spray and a full line of dental health care. Every one of these items are all natural based and will give you the benefits you are looking for. XLEAR uses a ingredient in their product called Xylitol. Which is a natural occurring sweetener.

I love each and every one of these items. The mouth wash leaves my mouth feeling fresh and my gums feel super clean. There is not a burn like the most mouth washes leave. The gum has a great taste but it doesn't last as long as I would like it to. My favorite item out of all of this is the spry gems. The peppermint taste soo good. The toothpaste does a great job of making my teeth feel super clean and I would feel good about letting my kids use it to. Also the nasal spray does wonders to for my nose since I deal with seasonal allergies.

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I received a package containing Xlear nasal spray, Spry non fluoride toothpaste, Spry Oral Rinse, Spry Gum and Gems.

Want to purchase this kit? Guess what, you can get it for 25 dollars right now! It normally retails for 65 dollars. Just use the code SAVE50 at http://www.xlear.com/xlear-care-kit-special/

Xlear Nasal Spray: is a soothing nasal spray that helps alleviate 
symptoms of colds, flu, allergies also sinusitis. This is non habit forming and with the added xylitol it has been shown to decrease bacterial adherence. Even better, there are no side effects. 1 (1.5 oz) retails for 14.99 but will last 2-3 months. The economy pack contains 3 (.75oz) squeeze bottles for 18.99

Spry Oral Rinse: Takes a natural approach by using low-alcohol, xylitol rich and ph-neutral formula. There are natural flavorings and herbs like chamomile and aloe Vera. Flavors of mouthwash are cinnamon, spearmint, cool mint, wintergreen. Price is 6.99.

Spry Non Fluoride toothpaste: Retails for 5.99 and will leave a cool fresh clean feeling in your mouth.

Spry Gum: exceeds regular chewing gum and has the added ingredient of xylitol in it for the benefit. Flavors are Spearmint, Wintergreen, Cinnamon and Peppermint. Gives a wonderful blast of freshness with each chew. 12 peice pack is 2.29.

Spry Gems: are so delightful and great to freshen your breath. They are naturally sweetened with 100% xylitol. They also come in 5 flavors and are priced at 2.19 for the 40 ct.

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 agree 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 this product.

If you would like to join Moms Meet and share your opinions and try new products then please join us at www.greenmomsmeet.com .

Preparing/Traveling in the Summer with Kids

School is nearing the end and Summer is right around the corner. Summer brings more family outings,  Whether you are planning a camping trip or beach trip make sure you plan ahead! We all know when you have kids you need to be prepared. So I have compiled a list to help you get ready for your travels ahead.

1. Find places that can cater to everyone in your family. Last thing you need is to be staying at a place where your kids are frowned upon.

2.  Once you narrow down your choices, look and see who offers the best deals. The more money you save the better!

3.  Remember some places offer discounts to area attractions.

4.  Now that you have figured out where you want to go, get your place reserved. Remember every place is different and there are different check in times.

5.  Prepare your vehicle for the long haul with the kids, remember kids have small bladders and are constantly thirsty and hungry! Plus kids tend to need stimulation. Key tips: snacks, snacks and more snacks! Pack a cooler with drinks. Wouldn't hurt to have a portable dvd player on hand.

Below I have posted some helpful sites you can check out for more tips!

http://www.ytravelblog.com/25-tips-for-travel-with-kids/
http://www.travelchannel.com/interests/family/articles/summer-hulls-tips-for-family-travel

Easy ways to make money from home

Survey sites that pay you for your opinion:

www.yourword.com -This site pays you even if you don't fit the criteria. Quick payouts!
www.mysurvey.com
http://www.brandinstitute.com/ -pays via paypal
http://i-say.com/ -redeem for gift cards
https://www.opinionsquare.com/Login.aspx
http://h5.sml360.com/-/61tz -you take surveys and get different products to review. One of my favs
https://www.expotv.com/register?rid=1574837 - review products and earn awesome rewards!

Children's Chore Charts

As a mom I am always looking for ways to get my children more organized at home. Since they are getting older now, I have been assigning chores. For instance: My oldest daughter who is 7 has been shown how to load and unload the dishwasher, load washer and start it, dry clothes. Then the 5 year old collects trash from the household trash cans, picks up in bedroom and unloads dryer. The 2 year old picks up toys in living room and also picks any trash up off floors.

So with that being said, charts are the way to go. I found a really cool site that has a assortment of character chore charts. If you are interested in finding one for yourself check it out here.

I find that if a child has a chore or responsibility around the house it builds character. Plus when they see the finish outcome of their chore they will feel the since of accomplishment.

Just a normal day in the house

The girls are out of school for a few days, so we are all enjoying a relaxing day. Today has been pretty decent. Not too chaotic or anything like most days. My husband fixed lunch for the girls and then let them play for a bit before busting out the finger painting. Of course it did get somewhat messy but at least it was in the kitchen and not anywhere else. I always take these days to work on laundry, if I don't it will get pretty crazy. Currently it is suppose to be quiet time but yeah that it isn't working out quite so well.

Other then the normal day around here with little girls running around, I am just getting my product reviews together. I have a few that are due really soon. I am surprised I can even rest in my room and get the post done. Considering the fact my husband and oldest daughter keep coming in here. I probably haven't posted about my family so I will fill you in on who is who. First there is my husband Jonathan who is like me in so many ways. He is originally from New York but moved to South Carolina. We met off of a dating site and talked for months on end. Finally making the decision for him to come stay for a week to see how well things would go. We laid eyes on each other and it was love at first sight. So not long after he moved here to North Carolina. Then there is my daughter Hope who is 8 years old. She is from a previous marriage that ended in disaster. Next in line is Meghan she is 5 and is a little tornado. She was diagnosed with ADHD/ODD. Finally there is my little sweet heart Kaylan Mae, who is 2. My oldest two children are in school, I'm sure that when my youngest starts preschool I will be a utter mess!

New App is out for the kids

Been looking for a new app for your Ipad or IPhone for your lil one? Well #cosmocamp is the app for you! It's perfect for auditory awareness plus creativity. Your child gets to make his on orchestra and play along with them. So many instruments to choose from and so much fun! Catch it now while it is at very dirt cheap rate. CosmoCamp: Music is available now on the App Store, http://bit.ly/CosmoMusic, with an initial launch price of $1.99