The amazing shrinking man!

Congratulations to Mackenna's Daddy!

He participated in the Valley's Biggest Loser Competition and lost over 40 pounds!

He looks amazing and we are so proud of him.

As we all know, it's a daily struggle to maintain this weight loss and we as his friends and family must do all we can to continue and encourage him to never give up on his dream!

We love and support you  Mackenna's Daddy!

What to Expect: Guide to a Healthy Home-Clorox What To Expect Guide to a Healthy Home Growth Chart blog tour

I am a serious stickler when it comes to hand washing and sanitizing.  My son attends preschool and everyone knows the kinds of germs that can linger in places where there are a lot of children involved.  

With a new baby in the house, I have become even more nervous about the germs that enter our home and having people around that may carry germs.  Whenever we have company, there's a sanitizing station outside my door.    

All of my friends that come and visit with our family say this is such a great idea.  My friend Kelli brought over a hand sanitizer too!  I love when family and friends realize the importance of being health and germ conscience.    

At first, I thought it would be offensive to people at first but, after being joining the Clorox What To Expect Guide to a Healthy Home Growth Chart blog tour and reviewing the Clorox Growth Chart and Healthy Habits for the home, I am confident it's my first priority to keep our family safe.  

There are 4 simple steps to take for a cleaner, healthier home for you baby and the most important part is spot cleaning and disinfecting throughout the day.  Simple steps like wiping down the counter with Clorox® Disinfecting Wipes is a great way to start.

Heidi Murkoff, author of the bestselling "What to Expect" series, has written a new 16-page book "What to Expect: Guide to a Healthy Home." It is full of easy to use tips and practical advice on how to keep your whole family and home healthier.

I personally plan to print the entire 16 page guide and refer to it for helpful and useful tips in the home.

Click HERE to download your FREE copy of:  What to Expect:  Guide to a Healthy Home

It's very important to do our very best to reduce the risks of colds, infections and germs that enter our home and I believe this chart will be very helpful with assisting families on their journey to a healthier, happier and germ free home.

**I wrote this review while participating in a blog campaign by Mom Central on behalf of Clorox and the What to Expect Guide and received a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.  Mom Central asked me to review the product in connection with this tour.

Flashback Funnies.

Speaking of not being able to tell the gender of a baby.....

Remember THIS?

Fun Times!  LOL

**update**Flashback Fridays--Before and After

Here's Erin holding baby Gracen!!!

You're kidding me right?

This lady at the park asked if Gracen was a boy or girl.

I just IGNORED her.

She was wearing this outfit MINUS the bow.

I went home and put a bow on my baby and took this photo.  Does she really look like a boy? I'm being serious here.

I was never a bow fan when Danyelle was a baby.  Does this mean I need to put bows on my baby girl so people will not mistake her for a boy or does it even matter?  People will think whatever they want to think huh?

*sigh*

When in doubt just smile and keep it moving.  

wordless Wednesday!

Fun times with friends!!

At what age did your baby fall /roll off the couch, bed, etc...?

Unsolicited Advice.

Here's the place to submit your unsolicited advice:

Unforgettable Weddings!

Anyone have any unforgettable wedding events to share?

This video has received over 8 million hits!

It's a cute video and a very cool song. 

I must be hormonal because the video brought 'good' tears to my eyes!

I'm sure many of you have already checked the video out.....

Click HERE

Calling my bluff--Boy you play too much!

My husband knows how to 'push my buttons' and get a 'rise' out of me.  It's a fact.  He knows what makes me tick. This in itself can be a blessing and a curse all at the same time.

When we were discussing the birth plan for our baby girl Gracen, he was very adamant on 'not being in the room'  and he was dead serious about it.  Danyelle of course, stepped up to the plate and said she would accompany me in the room.   

She was in the room when her brother was born (her dad was in Iraq), so she was an old hat in the matter.   Although I was relieved our daughter would be in the room, I was truly upset that my husband was opting out of what was the most important and beautiful events in our family.

When it was time to pass on the information to my doctor, I was a bit hesitant and embarrassed to say my husband, the father of my children, the person that vowed to stick with me through the good and bad times would NOT be in the delivery room.

I was very upset when he told me of his decision and I couldn't understand his rationale about the situation at all.  My doctor in all of her wisdom calmed my anxiety and said the most important part of this birth will be that I remain calm and stress free.

She then went on to explain that there have been instances where husbands have been removed from the room because of fainting and other instances that would interfere or stall the birthing process.  She thought he was right in knowing what his limits were before the big day and suggested that we just move forward with the plan that was in place.

It's true, he fainted on the day Danyelle was being born but, come on now, that was over 20 years ago, you're older, wiser and stronger.  He begged to differ and with that, I decided to drop the subject.

Whenever the topic of the birthdate would come up, I resisted the urge to BEG him to reconsider his decision to opt out of the delivery room. The day of Gracen's birth, I got up as usual and woke Danyelle up to drive me to the hospital.  

While we were getting dressed for the day, my husband gets dressed and starts packing up the car.  You know I stood there wondering exactly what was going on.  I didn't say much.  I didn't feel like getting into any deep conversations and besides it was a big day and the last thing I needed was to become stressed or worried.  

He drove me to the hospital and was in the delivery room to witness our sweet baby girl Gracen being born.  He said, he wouldn't have missed this day for anything in the world.  I asked why he strung me along for so long, he said because he wanted to see if I would break under pressure and how I would respond.

Say What???????  Why are you trying to play with my emotions?  You know pregnant women need stress free environments!

As my sweet Granny would have said, Baaaaby don't you worry about UH-thang!  Keep on keepin' on!---  

I am so proud I decided to Let Go and Let God.  

Well, needless to say, my husband said I should have known that he wouldn't have missed the chance to see his baby being born for anything in the world.

All I could say was THANK YOU JESUS!!! and then, I punched his arm for stringing me along for all that time.  

Boy you play too much!

Question:  Has your spouse ever played a trick on you or strung you along only to surprise you later on with a favorable outcome?

Look at Gracen!

Look at my baby girl Gracen Ahlia!

I had to snap a few quick videos of her.  

We were in the waiting room at the doctor's office for her 2 month old checkup. 

How long are we supposed to keep these arts+crafts projects made by our children? *sigh*

The Perfect Friday Night Summer Vacation without leaving the comfort of your town!

Hot Summer Nights

The Perfect Friday Night Vacation  With Music and Family Fun!    It’s a family vacation that won’t break the bank and can be taken any Friday July 3 through September 4, 2009, 6:00pm to 9:00pm. Hot Summer Nights opens early this year and is packed with activities to entertain all ages. All events are FREE!

Our family really enjoy going to our local Old Town.  

If you've never experienced Aunt Kizzy's Boyz concert, this weekend, 

Old Town is the place to be!

July 24th: 
*Dynamite Dave challenges you to a limbo contest! Jolly Jump, kids games, and carriage rides will also be offered all located on Fourth Street
* Aunt Kizzy'z Boyz located at Baily's Ralph Love Courtyard
* Duchicelas at Tesero Winery
*Guilty Conscience located at the Cheese Company off Front Street
* Valley Winds on Fifth Street

Have you ever eaten Red Lobster's famous cheese biscuits? Yum or Yuck?

Cowboy Boots, Tube Socks and a tank top!

What is the craziest thing your kid(s) ever wanted to wear? My son just begged so hard to wear his daddy's goggles to summer camp! You know what, I gave in.  It's too hot! Don't tell supernanny! HaHa!

Big Bad Marines are soft at heart too!

When our daughter Danyelle was born, her daddy passed out in the delivery room! He described it as "the room spinning and bam" he was out! HaHa! Awwwwww....poor Darrin, somebody get him a chair and a cold cloth for his head!  

Although the event happened over 20 years ago, we always have a great laugh over the incident. Thankfully he wasn't harmed a great deal, it was still a scary moment to experience.  

It's part of her birth story, we love sharing the funny parts of course. It's what set her birth story apart from her siblings and has become a special moment of memory along with her beautiful birth.

If only there were videos allowed in the room, that would have been an awesome youtube submission!

::::kidding::::

We love you Daddy! Thankfully you weren't harmed and thankfully we will always have these funny stories as part of our memories!

Question: Do you have any funny stories to share about your baby's birth? Did your spouse faint or get weak in the delivery room?

Anyone watching Wipeout tonight on 8pm/7c on ABC? This is the most awesomemesterest show ever! Haha!

Wordless Wednesday!

Welcome to Wordless Wednesday!

Lifeway's Boomerang Express (Vacation Bible School) 2009

Vacation Bible School starts this week!

July 20-24, 2009

6-8:30pm

This year's theme is:

Lifeway's Boomerang Express

Follow*Worship*Live through Him

All about Jesus:  

Learning about my friend

Bible Study:  Peter Met Jesus

John 1: 35-42

Daily Verse:

Grow in what you know about Jesus

2 Peter 3:18

DJ met a friend on the first night!  

Miss Jenny is the best teacher ever.   

She's teaching the Preschool and Kindergarten track the year.  

All the parents and kids love her!

The main theme of this year's 

Vacation Bible School is...

It all comes back to Jesus

1 John 4:9

Question:  Are your kids attending Vacation Bible School this year?  

What is the theme?

The coolest kids on the block and a celebrity spotting!

Have you ever hung out with the coolest person ever and to add to the bonus, 

their kids are cool too?

Well, I had the pleasure of doing just that last week!

Jenn texts and says, meet me at the fabric store in 15.  Ummm....I have a newborn, I will need a little more time than that.  She said, "I know, that's why I'm calling you now!  See you in an hour!"  LOL

Needless to say, she knows how slow I am.  She knows that 15 minutes is about 60 minutes to me. 

By the time I arrived to the place, she was just arriving as well.

Great minds think alike.

Jennifer LOVES Gracen!

She's responsible for a large portion of Gracen's clothes and accessories.  

She sends a text that says, 

"I have more stuff for my baby girl, I'm on my way!"  

Awwww....she loves my baby, isn't that sweet?

Bow: Courtesy of Colleen

Ballerina shoes:  Courtesy of big sister Danyelle

Gracen is having a blast!  Can't you tell?  

Awwww....poor baby.  

I better take this photo down before Grandma Hattie sees it.  HaHa!

Sarah tied Gracen in and we were set to hit the store!  Gracen wasn't too sure if she liked facing inward because she kept thinking it was lunch time.  HaHa!  Oops, let's change positions!

The fun began in the store.  Her daughter looks down at my shoes and says, "Miss Tanyetta, you have on boys shoes"

LOL!!! Gotta love this girl.

*(I wear Aldo moccasins.  Flip flops make my feet hurt and dirty so, the closest to casual shoes for me are moccasins)  Do you think I explained all that to a 4 year old?  NOPE, I just said, yes, you're right and kept it moving!

This is my favorite picture of them:

Then on our way to check out, I spotted Loretta Devine and I knew immediately who she was.  I mean really, who doesn't know Loretta Devine?

Remember in the movie Waiting to Exhale?  The woman that greeted Gregory Hines in his moving truck and when she walked away she said, I hope he's not watching me walk away?

If you haven't,  be sure to check out the movie, it's pretty good stuff!

Just wanted to say to Loretta (you know, just in case she reads my blog), I love your work and I'm the lady that said Hi and walked away really quickly before you could respond. (I'm shy)

HaHa!

The Fresh Air Fund

There is still time to host in 2009! The Fresh Air Fund NEEDS hosts for August in these states:

Click on the map to inquire about hosting

Connecticut  Delaware  Massachusetts  Maine  New Hampshire  New Jersey  New York  Ontario  Pennsylvania  Rhode Island  Virginia  Vermont  Call (800) 367-0003 or click here to fill out a host inquiry form. Host families are volunteers who open their hearts and home to a child from the city to give them a Fresh Air experience that can change lives.

How many days in advance do you pack for a trip? Do you always over pack?

Help! How do you organize appointments and to-do lists? Do you use post-it notes, electronic calendars, etc...?

Important Tips for Building a Power Through It All™ kit:

Important Tips for Building a Power Through It All™ kit:

Press Release

We are right in the middle of summer storms and hurricane season, so the International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) and Energizer want to help families be prepared for anything Mother Nature throws their way.  

Through the new initiative, Power Through It All™, Energizer and the IAFC provide tips for building a power kit and ways for families to stay powered and connected. 

Important Tips for Building a Power Through It All™ kit:

·         Put the Power Through It All™ kit in a location that is easily accessible to every family member.

·         Include at least one flashlight for every member of the household, such as a Compact LED Flashlight.

·         Include a battery-powered lantern for illuminating larger spaces and rooms.

·         Include a battery-operated weather radio to track the storm.

·         Include extra batteries in a variety of cell sizes, such as Energizer_® MAX batteries (AA, C, D) for extended power outages, along with extra batteries for critical care devices like hearing aids and glucose monitors.  

·         Include battery-operated cell phone chargers like an Energizer_® Energi To Go_® to keep your family connected during severe weather.

·         Include Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium batteries to power high drain devices like cell phone chargers. Lithium batteries have a longer storage life and perform well in extreme temperatures.

·         Each year, when you change your clock in the spring, check the batteries in your flashlights and emergency power kit.

The kits include: Energizer_® Ultimate Lithium AA batteries,Energizer_® Energi To Go® cell phone charger, Energizer_® MAX® Batteries (AA, C and D), Energizer_® Weather Ready® 2 LED Flashlight, Energizer_® EZ Change® , Energizer_® 2032 Watch Batteries, and a small radio.

Walt Disney-a man that wore many hats!

If you're a regular reader of my blog, then you'll know that I love all things Disney. Our family have been lucky enough to enjoy the special celebrations that have been presented at the happiest place on earth.

It's no secret that Walt Disney was a dreamer, film producer, popular showman and most of all an innovator in animated and theme park design.

His influence on the economic growth in Orlando has been documented to prove that when you set goals and pursue them in life, you'll be sure to have some road blocks.

He never allowed the set backs to interfere with his desire to introduce magic and fantasy to families from all over the world.

Even though he passed away of lung cancer his vision for an all encompassing park filled with magical adventures will continue to live on for many more years to come.

We all know that Walt Disney was famously known for creating Walt Disney Resorts. 

Here's some other interesting facts about Walt Disney.

He was a:

*multiple Academy Award-winning American film producer, director, screenwriter, voice actor, animator, entrepreneur and philanthropist. 

*he received fifty-nine Academy Award nominations.

*he won twenty-six Oscars, including a record four in one year, giving him more awards and nominations than any other individual. 

*He also won seven Emmy Awards.

If you're looking for vacation rentals as part of your trip planning to Walt Disney World, check out Orlando Vacation Rentals

for your accommodation inquiries.

There are only great memories I have of both parks and will definitely make a plan to visit in the near future.

Friends. How many of us have them?

We had a blast at Bunco night!  

I really enjoy spending time with my friends.

Each woman in this photo represents a really special relationship we have with each other.  

I am so grateful for each and everyone of them.  

The best part, they love me for who I am and NEVER try to change me.

Needless to say, I am the main one causing 

a lot of pearl clutching at bible study.

Thank you ladies for loving me.

Gotta love that!!

Discount Airline Travel Tips!

Which website do you recommend for (discount) domestic airline travel? 

What is your preferred airline? Which airline do you avoid? 

Please explain.

What age would you allow your kids to drink (caffeine) starbucks? This little girl placed an order like she's a veteran! I am standing here like WOW! Gotta love california!

Your child has been invited to a birthday party. Are you supposed to bring presents for the siblings too?

Spouse is a "forgetful, drop ball" type person, would you chance them being responsible for important family tasks? Yes or no? Explain.

Zing, Zang, Zoom!-Ringling Bros. Barnum & Bailey Circus

A very special thanks to Mom Central for hosting this amazing event.

Our family attended the Zing Zang Zoom-Ringling Bros. Circus

at the Honda Center and we had a great time!

Be sure to arrive one hour before showtime for the pre-show which is included free of charge with your paid admission to the circus!  Very Cool!  So much fun and you'll get an up close view of the costumes, circus performers and more!

A Family of 4 can go see this very exciting and entertaining circus event for $44*

What a bargain!

Don't forget your camera!  This is a must-see show!

-------------

Use the coupon code MOM— get four tickets for $44, 

any additional tickets are still priced at $11.

The tickets can be purchased fromhttp://www.ticketmaster.com and by entering the MOM code in the “MC promotion” box when purchasing tickets.

Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required.

Offer not valid on Circus Celebrity, Front Row, or VIP seating.

Cannot be combined with other offers. 

*Service Charges, facility & handling fees will apply

This is an event for the entire family.  

Click HERE to find a location nearest you.

Be sure to check out this very Cool Zing Zang Zoom Ringling Brothers Circus Video:

Human Cannons!

Thank you again to Mom Central for hosting this amazing event and for the opportunity to experience the circus as an entire family.  We greatly appreciate your generosity.

Dare to Dream

Dare to Dream sweet baby Gracen!

I am a firm believer we are our child's first example.  I love whispering sweet words in my baby girl's ears when she's sleeping.

We always tell her how much she's loved every single day.  I honestly think she hears and retains what we tell her.

Question:  Do you have any positive/encouraging words you would like to share with our baby girl?  If so, let's hear them in the comments section!

Thank You!

Sprout Shell-Chic (3-in 1) Infant Carrier Cover

I was recently given the opportunity to review the Sprout Shell-Chic Infant Carrier Cover,  

an anytime, anywhere 3-in-1 accessory that is stylish (very vibrant colors available), functional, practical and most of all, machine washable.  As busy moms, you will agree, this is a definite perk.

My first response, where was this product when I had my son?  Enough of trying to rewind the clock and on with trying out to see how this product will help with my on-the-go lifestyle.

This Sprout Shell can be used in 3 ways:

1. Nursing cover that will provide privacy and ease the nervous feeling of whether or not your very active baby will flip the cover off only to possibly shock unsuspecting on lookers. 

2.  Carrying seat cover which provides a secured grip and tent-like privacy enclosure from weather conditions (such as the sun, wind, dust and rain) or nosy people that just want to put their face all up in your baby's space and my favorite, pinch their cheeks.

Before:

After:

3.   Shopping and high chair seat cover which provides sanitary protection from the yucky germs that linger in the seats on the bars. 

I used this photo from the site since my baby girl is too young for a high chair or shopping cart. This photo gives you an idea on how to use the product for this purpose.

The Sprout Shell-Chic Infant Carrier Cover retails between $40-$50 in a variety of colors, fabrics and most of all, this product is machine washable.  

If you would like to purchase one, the discount code is: 15% off, good for 30 days:  DAYS15

From the site:

Sprout Shell, a line of 3-in-1 chic infant carrier covers has received The Baby Planners’ Picks™ Seal of Approval - an accolade program designed to help expectant parents prepare for their baby's arrival with an exclusive list of products and services chosen based on quality, reliability, value and style.  

About Sprout Shell

Sprout Shell is a privately owned and family operated company run by moms, for moms.  The company was founded in an effort to create a product that would keep babies everywhere protected from the elements and nosy strangers while on the go.  

An infant carrier cover that attaches securely over any size infant carrier within seconds, Sprout Shell is the only 3-in-1 multi-purpose accessory on the market that combines style with functionality and practicality.

Visit www.SproutShell.com for more product information and selections.

Whoop that Ash!

Have you heard about the new product, Whoop Ash?

Created by Sheree Fletcher (former spouse of Will Smith), 

Whoop Ash is a thick and creamy body butter cream made with white honey, mango & shea butter. This amazing product combats dry (ashy) skin with intense moisturizing ingredients that will leave your skin soft to the touch.

This product has the sweetest smelling fragrance. I am very picky when it comes to scents, lotions and perfumes.  I recently received a jar of Whoop Ash and immediately opened and applied the product.

Whoop Ash is thick and a very concentrated all over body moisturizing cream that whoops that ash. Made with Pure White Honey, Mango and Shea Butters.   The sweetest blend of fragrances with a small application that lasts all day without any greasy film or residue.

On a scale of 1-10, I give Whoop Ash a 10!

I whooped my son's ash today!  Enough was enough already.  His ash was out of control.

You can really see a huge difference in these photos.

Before I whopped his ash!

 (check out the ashy knees)

After I whooped his ash!

Perfection!

Watch the following videos to find out more about how you can get your ash whooped today!

and

From the site: Discover the delicate mysteries of Whoop Ash, an all over body butter cream made with botanicals and essential oils, enriched with organic Shea butter and 100% white honey - two of earth’s most enchanting and exquisite natural resources. 

Infused with white honey and eco-certified organic shea butter, this hypo-allergenic, preservative free and paraben free, non-greasy formula will transcend the driest skin to a radiant sheen.

Made with 99.9% all natural ingredients, Whoop Ash will shield against the forces of nature while transforming your skin into a healthy glow.

-----------------

If you have dry skin, you really need to get your ash whooped!

Click HERE to order.

****If you'd like a chance to win a jar of Whoop Ash, enter the giveaway today****

Rules:  (Must complete this in order to qualify for the giveaway)

1.  Go to the  Whoop Ash website and post one cool fact you learned about the product (and your email address) in the comments section.  

Example of a correct entry:

Whoop Ash is made with white honey, mango & shea butter.

Lisa Smith at hotmail

Failure to follow the rules will disqualify you from entering this giveaway.

*****(OPTIONAL) For additional entries:

2.Grab my blog button and place on your blog sidebar:

 

<a href="http://tanyetta.com" target="_blank"><img border="0" alt="Days Like These!" src="http://i58.photobucket.com/albums/g277/tanyettamckoy/mail.jpg" /></a>

3. Twitter about this giveaway and leave the link in the comments section.

4. Become a fan of Whoop Ash on Facebook and post a comment on the wall about something you've learned about the product.

5. Twitter about this giveaway and leave the blog post link in the comments section  

6. Blog about this giveaway and leave the tweet link in the comments section

7. Follow my blog and let me know in the comments section  

Very Important: You must leave separate comments with each one you complete.

Giveaway deadline: Monday, July 25 

USA residents only. *****