Thursday, December 31, 2009

Good-Bye 2009

And hello to 2010!

We have no huge plans this year to celebrate the new year. I am waiting for Gina and Paul to get here, and then picking up my cousin from the airport later tonight.

And I guess like most years- 2009 had its share of ups and downs. Gavin turned 7 this year and is in 2nd grade. He is also playing baseball again and still loves it. Katelyn turned 3 in August and goes to school 3 half days a week. She loves all her little friends and even pretends to do homework at night. She started ballet lessons in the fall and goes once a week to class. She LOVES it. She had her Christmas show a couple of weeks ago and did the whole routine right up on stage. Of course I cried when my little girl came out!

We took the kids to Disney for spring break and Katelyn was in heaven with all the princesses. We also spent a week over the summer in Gatlinburg. Our days were packed from morning to night and we all had a wonderful time.

And Gina and Paul moved from Alaska to Georgia so FINALLY my sister is close to me again! We were able to stop at her new house on the way home from TN. And it was nice to have them be close enough to drive home for Thanksgiving and Christmas this year.

Unfortunately 2009 is ending on a bit of a sad note. A very dear loved one lost her battle with cancer last week. My heart is still breaking for all of her family and friends. And even thought I know she fought until the end and right now she is pain free, it doesn't make it any easier to lose someone.

We are also having my brothers going away party this weekend. He is leaving next week to go overseas and proudly serve our country. Even though he has had his orders for a year now, I am still in shock that he is actually leaving.

I have also let my blog slack BIG TIME that past 7 months or so. I am starting January with many blogging goals in mind-- lets hope I stick to them!

Have a safe and Happy New Year everyone.

Saturday, December 5, 2009

Hickory Farms ~ Holiday Review ~

I seriously cannot believe that Thanksgiving has come and gone already. Now Christmas is 20 days away!!!

So during this busy holiday time rushing around trying to find the perfect gift for everyone, don't forget about
Hickory Farms Gifts !!!


Who wouldn't love a gift for home entertaining around the holidays?? Hickory Farms Gifts have been a holiday tradition for almost 60 years. They provide a wide variety of sausages, cheeses, fruits, nuts, and even sweets!!

For a limited time this holiday season, for each Party Planner Gift Box sold, Hickory Farms will donate $5 to Share Our Strength, a non profit organization working to end childhood hunger.

Visit http://www.hickoryfarms.com/ to see what they have to offer for the holidays!!

I wrote this review while participation in a blog tour with MomCentral on behalf of Hickory Farms and received a Hickory Farms gift basket to facilitate my review.

Friday, December 4, 2009

Ronzoni Smart Taste ~ Review ~



I know I'm not the only mom out there who is constantly trying to make sure our kids are eating healthy foods. I am lucky that Gavin will eat anything put in front of him, but Katelyn is my picky eater. I was more than happy to be able to try out the new Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta.


It looks and tastes like regular white pasta, but Ronzoni Smart Taste contains added calcium and fiber, helping kids get their daily recommended value of both nutrients while still enjoying their favorite food. Other benefits for the whole family include lower calories and fat than traditional white pasta, and no sodium, preservatives, or cholesterol.

And Ronzoni knows the frustrations moms go through when trying to get our kids to eat healthier foods. So in addition to their line of pasta, they have created SmartTaste Supermom at their funny spoof video on YouTube .



I wrote this review white participating in a blog tour campaign by MomCentral on behalf of Ronzoni Smart Taste Pasta and received a sample of the pasta to facilitate my review and a $20 thank-you gift certificate.