by admin -

Product Review and Giveaway

Last week I was sent a package of Weight Watchers Golden Sponge Cakes to taste and review. My kids were super excited about this taste test because normally I do not buy packaged snacks. But I could not pass up some free treats so I agreed to try these cakes.

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The first thing I checked was the size. These snack cakes are only one point on the Weight Watchers plan. Usually, items that are diet foods are the size of a thimble and leave me wanting seventeen more to feel full. These cakes were decent sized and looked exactly like they did on the front of the box, another plus.

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As for the taste, they were surprisingly good. After opening them up, I expected a twinkie chemical taste but there was none. These tasted like a cross between pound cake and angel food cake. They were very sweet and I was satisfied after eating only one. My kids loved them too.
I think these would be a great on the go treat, or if you are on Weight Watchers these would make a great dessert.
If you would like to try some of these Weigh Watchers cakes for free leave me a comment. I have three coupons for one free package of Weight Watchers Snack Cakes, Muffins or Soft Cookies.

I will randomly pick three winners at the end of the week. Remember to leave an email address so I can contact you if you win.

by admin -

Why I do not have a Frugal Friday Post

I was planning on starting the weekend off with a frugal tip, but instead I spent the night in the ER. Nothing broken, just one heck of a shiner that is sure to get worse as time goes on.
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and it is getting worse. This little guy earned a day off of school today. His only assignment is to sit still and ice his eye!
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His collision with a teammate happened just moments after he was made defensive team captain! Motrin and ice for the next few days and he can return to the field in time for his next game.

For more Friday Show and Tell visit Mary.

by admin -

Sacrifice

I thought I didn’t have time for a Gratituesday post this week, but then I realized that I had an obvious reason to be grateful today and I couldn’t pass it up. Today I have the privilege of watching one of my closest friend’s four boys. I am sure many of you are wondering why in the world it would be an honor to have four extra boys in my home.

Today is a special day for this family. Today my friend will go to the airport to pick up her husband. But this is not a routine reunion. Today her husband and their dad returns home from a one year tour of duty in Iraq. For one year, this family made a great sacrifice for us all. My friend was a single parent for potlucks, soccer games, church activities, fights, laughter, tears and so much more. They shared their dad with all of us so that we can enjoy so many freedoms we usually take for granted.

I don’t pretend to imagine how hard it must be to have your husband/father absent for one year. My husband’s deployments have been much shorter. I am thankful that they were supported by friends, neighbors and their local church during this time.

I am thankful that our friend is returning from his one year deployment safely. Many return injured and some do not return at all.

I am thankful to this family and all the others who sacrifice their husbands, wives, dads, moms, brothers, sisters, sons and daughters. As I type this, my next door neighbor is getting ready to deploy in a few days. Remember these families in your prayers and thank them for their sacrifice.

by admin -

5 Ways I Stay Sane

I was honored that Lisa asked me to share 5 Ways I Stay Sane. The first question I asked myself when I read her post was, “Am I really sane?” After a few hours of debate, I decided that I am indeed sane, so I guess that qualifies me to continue with this post.

5 Ways I Stay Sane

  1. Read my bible everyday- Reading my bible helps me to put life into perspective. I am always encouraged by the scriptures and am challenged daily to finish well. I am reminded that my hope is not in things of this world but in things to come. Remembering those things throughout my day helps me to stay calm even in the midst of chaos.
  2. Play the piano- What many of you don’t know about me is that I took piano lessons for the majority of my school years. After an exceptionally stressful day I like to sit down and play the piano. I would love to tell you that I play hymns and praise songs but I don’t. I play fast and loud. It is a great stress reliever!
  3. Go outside- I love to sit outside on my porch or take walks with the kids. I love seeing the bugs and the butterflies, the trees, and the sky. I love the distinct smell of the different seasons. When I return to my house, it is like starting fresh.
  4. Sew- I love to sew. When I sew I am in my own little world. I am not a very good mom when I am sewing because I usually burn dinner or forget about the laundry, but I sure am happy. Sewing is a great escape for me and I don’t even have to leave the house.
  5. Reading- Reading is the ultimate escape for me. I normally read nonfiction, but do read fiction occasionally too. When I start a good book I have been known to stay up until I have read the last page. I read almost every night before I go to bed and strive to read at least one book a week. Thank goodness for the library!

Motherhood and family life is rewarding, and yet chaotic at times. I would love to hear what you all do to stay sane.

For more Talk about Tuesday visit Lara the Lazy Organizer.

by admin -

Flexibility

Earlier I wrote a post, on my other blog, about spending quality time with the kids this week. I determined that this week I would focus on playing games with my kids since it is an activity we all enjoy. This morning after we ate breakfast and dressed I was ready to challenge my two year old to a game of Bingo. She had other plans. My three little kids really wanted to play blocks/ army men. My old self would have insisted that this was game week and we needed to play games.

I quickly realized that the point of this challenge was not to spend time with my kids in a boot camp fashion. If the kids want to play blocks all day, that is fine. We don’t have to play games. It wouldn’t be fun to force my kids to play a game in order to spend time with me. That defeats the purpose!

So this week, if your children want to take a detour, let them. Summer will soon be over and schedules will abound. Relax and have fun with your kids this week!

See, I really am flexible! I am building a tower for the army men with my legs crossed!

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by admin -

On the Road Again

I am off for a weekend with my oldest son to one of our favorite places to get away from it all. I’ll be back on Tuesday. Have a great weekend!

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