FRIDAY BLOG HOP!!!

Welcome to Friday Blog Hop!

Thank you for joining the Friday Blog Hop hosted by us (Melissa & Tiffany) at Home Grown Families and Nicole at Mama to 3 Blessings. We invite you to join us every Friday to make more blog friends and to get more blog followers as well as the opportunity to follow other great blogs out there!

How to join in on the fun: Add your main blog link to our McLinky, follow the hostesses in the first 2 spots and then start blog hopping! This is a great opportunity for you to visit other blogs on the link up and comment on their blogs! Take a few moments to follow their blog! - this is a great way to get to know one another! Please only enter your blog link ONE time and G rated links ONLY please. Home Grown Families and Mama to 3 Blessings are family friendly blogs.

When people comment on your blog please let them know that you are part of Friday Blog hop then return the favor and follow them back! This way everyone gets blog traffic and followers out of participating! Please feel free to grab our Friday Blog Hop button and add it to your blog and spread the word! The more who link up the the bigger the blog hop!

Please leave a comment if you are following us. It may take us time to get to everyone, but have no fear, we will get there!

What I've been up to...

Hey everyone! I know I've been gone- but there are good reasons!

My Mom had rotater cuff surgery on October 1. The first 2 weeks of the month I dressed her, helped her shower, cooked for her- everything! She is feeling better now but is still not allowed to drive. I have been spending most of my time taking her to Physical Therapy and shopping and errands. It's cool, though. She's my Mom. :)

The Princess has been showing some signs of dyslexia and memory problems. We are taking her to a specialist a few hours away. I am sure she is fine but I think she may have less severe LD's as well. It upsets me to even think about it.

Knuckles has started 'stooling' as the Dr calls it. That's 'medical' for pooping her pants. She started it out of the blue when we were in a store one day. When we got home and I saw her underwear I realized that she had been doing it for quite awhile. I just thought she wasn't wiping well. That ended with me in the kitchen crying. I took her for an x-ray to make sure she wasn't backed-up but everything came back fine. So, now I am finding other ways to deal with it. She has gotten better but still has accidents every once in a while. We are traveling to the Childrens Hospital of Philadelphia in 2 weeks for an initial eval with the Peds Psych Dept. I am hoping to finally find some answers there.

Mugsy was tested for Ciliac disease but, according to the Dr, all the blood work came back negative. I'm not buying it. I got a copy of the results and am doing my own homework. *DOES ANYONE KNOW WHAT I SHOULD BE LOOKING FOR?* Has anyone gone through this before? Her liver numbers look a little off to me...

Well, my ex-husband has stopped paying child support- again. It doesn't look like he will begin paying it anytime soon. I can not support Special Needs children on $0/mo so I did what I had to do- I got a job. I am working at a local school district as a Custodian (janitor) during 2nd shift. I start at 3 and end at 11:30. It fits really well into our schedule- I can homeschool and do Dr appts in the morning. The girls spend the evenings with my parents- no daycare! I am VERY thankful that The Lord provided me with this great job. It was almost 0% effort to get it and I know that this is what he wants me to be doing right now. I have some, I guess you would call them, pride issues with being 30 and making just over minimum wage. (I am a sub now but I should be able to go FT soon and make better money.) I guess this is just one more consequence to the life I led in the past. I will eventually finish school (I have 2 degrees about 1/2 finished) if it is in His plan for me. I spend a lot of time alone- mopping, cleaning and running around the school- to spend praying. I have had soem very good 'conversations' with God. I sometimes wonder if He said "Ok. Fine. You won't slow down and talk to me and listen? Then I will put you in a position where you can." If that is the case then I am grateful for the admonishment.

The Church Ladies Luncheon and the Harvest Party are both this weekend! I am almost finished with all the busy work associated with planning and executing parties! We have had over 50 women sign up to come to the Luncheon and we are very excited about that! We are introducing our Girlfriends Unlimited! ministry and I think everyone is very excited to see what we are all about! I have something over the top planned and I hope I can pull it off- and not loose my nerve!!!!! :)

So, that basically catches you up with me! It is going to take me a few weeks to get my head wrapped around my new schedule- and to get the girls adjusted. Knuckles heard me talking to my boss on the phone today and she asked if I got fired. She goes "Oh Man!" when I told her that I wasn't in trouble.

Thanks for hanging in there with us! We are about to roll out the GREEN GIFT GIVING GUIDE- and you don't want to miss it!

***HOMESCHOOL GIVEAWAY*** Mead Educational Books Review and Giveaway

I love homeschool curriculum, but sometimes I need something that they can do 100% independently and yet still learn. Something fun, something captivating, and something that doesn't scream busy work. Mead Writing Fundamental books are just that! My 5 yr old asks for them every day!!

These books are perfect for little boys whose brain shuts off when it comes to handwriting. Before these books arrived, handwriting was a horrible learning experience in our home. Fighting, crying, and complete meltdowns typically ensue after I break out the handwriting books. I have found relief....these books are sneaky. They don't even know they are doing school work!! Created by an occupational therapist specializing in handwriting, these books help with hand eye coordination, fine motor skills, visual tracking skills, perceptual skills, and many other skills necessary for reading and writing. Learning these skills are so much better than copywork!!

"The Mead Writing Fundamentals products are designed to guide parents on how best to introduce and facilitate fundamental writing skills for young learners. Divided into four stages based on the developmental level of the child, these tools progressively build upon one another as children master the skills necessary for writing success."
Here are a few of the amazing books Mead created that we had the opportunity to review:

PATH QUEST- STAGE 1 K-2ND Grade
$5.59

This book gets a little special recognition because it is FANTASTIC!!I have told every mom I know about this book! My son loves to do puzzles etc but they are never really challenging enough for him. I used to feel like they were wasted time, but this book is completely different. With themes like underwater and space, they hold his attention and really get him thinking!! Prior to starting this book, he had trouble with holding pencil correctly, and trouble with writing in small spaces- not anymore!! Great for the car or busy waiting rooms and a great price!!

SHAPE BUILDERS- Stage 1 Pre-k-1st grade$3.49

Teaches sequencing, direction following, pencil control and beginning drawing skills. HMMM.......There is something that teaches kids to follow directions? PRICELESS.

SNIP IT- STAGE 1 PRESCHOOL-2ND GRADE$7.09
Builds on scissor skills, eye hand coordination, fine motor skills, shapes, and constructive skills. There are three sections in this book from simple paper cutting, to shape cutting, to building out of cut pieces, there is lots of room to go! This book has something for my 2 yr old and my 5 yr old. Gotta love that!

PRIMARY JOURNAL- STAGE 3 K-2ND GRADE


Just a simple writing tablet, but with the free space on the top it opens up so much room for imagination! We use ours regularly with or Draw, Write, Now series and daily devotions. I look forward to reading through these journals when the kids are all grown :(

IDEA BUILDERS- STAGE 3 K-2ND GRADE$5.59


Teaches creative writing, sentence structure, idea flow and sentence variety. For right now, Fast Eddy isn't quite there using this on his own but it is great for us to work together on. He still needs help spelling out words but I love that it gets him thinking. Example : The sheep sounds........" like an animal that says Baa.". Just in case you didn't know that- LOL.

Another great thing about Mead Writing Fundamentals books is that you can find them locally!! You can easily pick up these books at Walmart, Target, or Staples! For more tips on early handwriting, check this out!

BUY IT- You can buy them locally or online from Mead. Prices range from $3.99-$6.99.


DISCLAIMER: I was not paid for this post. I was given a product to review, and I have provided my own honest opinion. Thank you, Mead for allowing us to review your products and for the awesome giveaway. You can view our PR policies here.

Wordless Wednesday with LINKY!!

DO YOU SEE WHAT I SEE?? Hmmmm look very closely..........


HINT *** There are 2 of them and both are mentioned in the book of Genesis :)

Baby Prodigy DVD Review and Giveaway!!

As a homeschool mom with little ones, I am always on the hunt for something to entertain yet educate the younger ones while I school my oldest. I was so excited to find Baby Prodigy DVD's, they have saved me from having to juggle these kids around!!

" The Baby Prodigy Company is dedicated to providing parents with high quality, educational entertainment for their children from birth through the years of early childhood. Baby Prodigy products along with main characters Dookie Duck and Dottie Duck, utilize music and colors along with playful puppets and animation to captivate young children"

And they do just that....captivate!! The baby at 15 mths seems to get into a trance when watching the DVD'S. We received a few to try out and the kids all love to watch them...even my 5 yr old!! He likes to "teach" the little ones about the pictures!!

Lil's Favorite!!
30 minutes to a Quiet Baby for ages 3 mths and up, is perfect for keeping their attention and calming them down. The second the music plays she quiets down and crawls over to the TV. With adorable baby songs such as I'm a little Teapot and Itsy Bitsy Spider, this is a must have for any baby!

Baby's First Words for ages 6 mths and up, is a perfect addition to Tot school! I have been taking time to sit with the kids and watch this DVD, and talk with the babies about what's going on. Even though it is geared for younger children, my 2 yr loves this DVD and it is great for language development for him.

Baby Preschool for ages 1 year and up, brings shapes, colors, and games to the screen to not only entertain but also teach your little ones! This DVD is Carrot Top's favorite because it is our special time together!! I use the DVD to open up new topics for him and to expand his vocabulary! This DVD is a great alternative to regular kid shows. Let their TV time be spent on something that will help them!

Baby Prodigy DVD's have won over 20 National awards and it is easy to see why!!


BUY IT-All of these DVD's can be found online or locally at Toys R Us! These would make great Christmas gifts or even baby shower gifts!! Each DVD retails for just $12.99!

WIN IT- One lucky mama will win ALL THREE OF THESE DVDS PLUS......a limited edition plush Dootie the Duck!

MANDATORY ENTRY
Become a fan of Baby Prodigy on Facebook, and let them know I sent you!
You must be a Home Grown Families Google Follower to participate.

EXTRA ENTRIES
Must include email address if not listed in profile. Each entry must be a separate comment.

• Visit Baby Prodigy and tell me one thing you learned!!!! - 1 entry

• Follow Baby Prodigy on Twitter- 1 entry

• Sign up for the Baby Prodigy Newsletter! 2 entries

• Tell me why these DVD'S would be great for your little one! 2 entries
  

• Become a follower of Home Grown Families on Twitter- 1 entry

• Tweet about this giveaway for 1 entry per day! Please include Home Grown Families in your tweet and leave me the permalink.

• Follow Home Grown Families on Facebook, and leave me a note! 2 entries

• Email this giveaway to a friend, and CC it to momtosprouts at yahoo. 1 entry
  

• Subscribe to Home Grown Families via Feedburner in the upper left corner- 3 entries
  

• Add my button to your blog, and provide a URL where I can find it.- 5 entries

• Blog about this Giveaway on your blog and provide post URL. Be sure to include Home Grown Families- 5 entries

• Enter any of my other giveaways and let me know which one you entered- 1 entry per giveaway.

• Vote for Home Grown Families on Top Mommy Blogs (link on the left)- 1 entry for vote

Good luck everyone! Open to U.S only- Giveaway will run until November 11th! I will use random generator to pick a winner and will email the winner and announce it here on the blog. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be announced.

DISCLAIMER: I was not paid for this post. I was given a product to review, and I have provided my own honest opinion. Thank you, Baby Prodigy for allowing us to review your products and for the awesome giveaway. You can view our PR policies here.

MOMMY LOVES TUESDAY GIVEAWAYS

Do you love to win stuff??

Do you have a great giveaway going on?
Come over and win some free stuff or show the Linky love and link up your giveaway. Make sure you come back EVERY Tuesday!

Follow us for updated giveaways!

*Please keep everything family friendly!*

Here are a few of ours going on right NOW!

ERGO BABY CARRIER!!! CHOOSE ORGANIC!!! 11/10

ZIPPITY DOO'S CHILDRENS LICE PREVENTION 10/31

STAY TUNED FOR A GIVEAWAY FOR BABY PRODIGY LATER TODAY!!

Feel free to follow our blog so you can get updates to come back every Tuesday to link up! We look forward to finding new blogs and, perhaps, winning some great products!
You can also link up every Saturday over at Mama to 3 Blessings; She hosts a Super Saturday Link up!

Have a great week!

The Homeschool Village- Preschool Parade

"Welcome to the Preschool Parade link up!! This link up is held every other Monday and is dedicated to preschool topics only. If you are new to this link up, please read the participation guidelines and feel free to grab the button."

The kids and I have been having a blast with school stuff lately! From crafts to field trips, they have really been enjoying themselves. Here is some of the things we have been up to:

The boys got to touch a real Zebra hide.


Up close and personal with porcupines.

and fed some goats.



Lots of animal talk right now, but we will be transitioning to something else soon I'm sure :)

What we have been up to................Part 1!!!

Life is chaotic and hectic and too busy and overwhelming, and is full of moments where you want to pull your hair out. If it wasn't for my amazing foundation in Christ, I would be in an insane asylum. I try to remember that in a few years I will miss running around so much, I will miss rushing to various sporting events and classes, and rushing to do uniform laundry etc etc. In just a few years(more than a few), my kids will be grown and I will a calm life and I will miss every second of the chaoticness.

I have survived these last few weeks of PURE INSANITY and it is nothing short of a miracle! I have bags under my eyes and a few bar spots on my head, but overall my health would be considered good LOL. Here is what has been going on around this home:

Carrot Top


As I have shared in the past, my little guy has a speech delay in requires therapy once a week. I absolutely adore his speech therapist, and I think the change has been beyond words. From not saying but 2 words at 24 mths, he is know stringing 4-5 words together!! Unfortunately, he is aging out of Early Steps in the fall and will have to transition into ChildFind for therapy. I met with the team a few weeks back, and after a complete homeschool bashing session the coordinator told me he would need to go to public school 5 days a week, ride on a school bus, and would need to be in ESE classes despite the fact that he is a VERY bright child. I honestly think she may have been on drugs. Who in their right mind puts a 3 yr old on a school bus?? Really? It is only a half day program, but I can not be away from him 5 days a week. She told me I needed to set aside my personal attachment issues and let him go because without their program he will never improve no matter how great of a mom I think I am. Wow.

And despite the fact that all of his tests came back as gifted, they want him in an ESE class and can even say that he will need that placement all of elementary school. How can someone predict that far into the future?? I only know of one person that can do that, and it is certainly not her. Let me start with there is nothing wrong with ESE classes, if the child truly needs them but in Carrot top's case, he could function in a normal class if I decided to public school him- which I am not. He may struggle a bit with friends because of the speech delay but he excels academically. There is no cognitive delay. I am unsure what to do, and I am praying for guidance. I don't want to hold him back in life, but I need to listen to my instincts. I am stuck bad.

His delay is caused by recurrent ear infections in the first year of life- He was on antibiotics the entire first year. Finally at 13 mths they put in tubes, and the infections stopped. We removed his adenoids earlier this year, and the runny nose stopped. I actually got a few months without Drs- at least for him. That time has ended now, and we are now in the midst of planning 2 surgeries in the next 2 months. He will be having a lymphnoidectomy in November, after I found a small mass behind his ear. We met with the surgeon earlier this week, and he told me it was likely benign but they will have to biopsy it. A few days ago he woke up with his ear(the other ear), draining this nasty stuff! I have been cleaning it and it was just getting worse. Yesterday, he awoke with pus coming out. I rushed him to the Dr, and sure enough the tubes are on their way out and he has a massive ear infection. She said she could not even view the ear drum because there was so much pus. Poor baby! I have to bring him back in this week, to be sure he didn't perforate the ear drum. He will need to have new tubes put in soon, but we have to wait 30 days between general anesthesia. Had the tubes been working in his ears, this cold that rampaged through every person in my house would have not gotten to his ears. I almost want to cancel the first surgery to put new tubes in first but on the other hand I want the cyst/tumor out. I am stuck again.


Can someone just come along and tell me what's best?? PUHLEAZE!!!! I hate being the one to make the decisions. Please pray for my little guy- I know the Lord's hand is on him- despite all that is going on he is always smiling and never seems to be in pain. Thank you God for being with him.

I will continue the story later- Thank you for listening it is so nice to get it off my chest. I am not a supermom.

FRIDAY BLOG HOP!!

Welcome to Friday Blog Hop!

Thank you for joining the Friday Blog Hop hosted by us (Melissa & Tiffany) at Home Grown Families and Nicole at Mama to 3 Blessings. We invite you to join us every Friday to make more blog friends and to get more blog followers as well as the opportunity to follow other great blogs out there!

How to join in on the fun: Add your main blog link to our McLinky, follow the hostesses in the first 2 spots and then start blog hopping! This is a great opportunity for you to visit other blogs on the link up and comment on their blogs! Take a few moments to follow their blog! - this is a great way to get to know one another! Please only enter your blog link ONE time and G rated links ONLY please. Home Grown Families and Mama to 3 Blessings are family friendly blogs.

When people comment on your blog please let them know that you are part of Friday Blog hop then return the favor and follow them back! This way everyone gets blog traffic and followers out of participating! Please feel free to grab our Friday Blog Hop button and add it to your blog and spread the word! The more who link up the the bigger the blog hop!

Please leave a comment if you are following us. It may take us time to get to everyone, but have no fear, we will get there!

We also linked up here:

ERGO BABY CARRIER REVIEW AND CARRIER!!!

Babywearing has always been one of those things that I really look forward to when I am pregnant. It allows me to feel them breathe against my chest and to smell their heads without people thinking I am nuts( I don't know about you but I LOVE the way babies smell). It allows me to bond with my baby in a special way. Another bonus to babywearing in my case is decreased episodes of vomiting related to reflux. Upright is the way to go!


The ERGO BABY CARRIER was made by a mother who followed her heart and her instincts and it brought her success in parenting and in business. From Ergo Baby " My mothering instinct to keep him safe, secure and content has always been my driving force, and when I started ERGObaby, my intention was to create a product line that would promote and enhance the ability of parents to safely and comfortably keep their babies close to them as often as possible. Eight years later, my research into the science behind babywearing has affirmed my mothering instincts. I know, beyond a doubt, that bonding with and nurturing our babies from infancy with the help of babywearing is absolutely the best way. ".

Ergo Baby Carriers are so easy to use- learning curve of like 5 minutes(If you did need help, here are some videos)- and is comfortable and durable too! I have seen Ergo carriers last through many babies, and that is really important to me and my wallet. They last because they are made with great quality materials, you can opt for an organic carrier as well! In my quest to be as a natural as possible, I choose the organic carrier! Here are some of the amazing features of the Organic Ergo Carrier :

Organic Baby Carrier

Features

• Ergonomic design

• 100% organic cotton twill with 100% organic cotton sateen lining and hood

• 100% cotton organic batting in body of carrier to soften edges

• One inch, high density foam in s houlder straps

• Quarter inch high density neoprene foam in waist belt

• High Quality buckles tested by SGS

• Waist belt circumference from 25 " to 43"

• Fits from 5' to 6.5' body height with adjustable shoulder and chest straps

• Sleeping hood with elastic, adjusts in length for growth of baby

• High quality webbing, matched to carri er color

• Reinforced stitching used at all fabric inters ections

• Interior rip-stop reinforcements at critical intersections

• Durability/strength tested up to 90 pounds

• Machine washable - cold, gentle cycles, mild detergen t, no ble ach. Dry in low heat

Since this beauty showed up on my door step, Lil and I have not been without it for a second!! It is a must for the soccer fields and grocery store! With the many options for ways to wear, the Ergo is good for all situations. Lil is an extreme wiggler and grabber so on the back she goes!!

MY REVIEW

I must admit I have a slight obsession with carriers, and I could kick myself for not having this in my stash MUCH earlier!! While I can not tell you how great this carrier is while carrying a newborn- I can tell how MAGNIFICENT it is for babies and toddlers!! The padded straps and supportive waistband make the load feel almost weightless while back carrying! I can do any position all by myself, and is a must when I am chasing 2 other childre n around!! The Ergo allows me to bring her along for all the grand adventures the boys take me on!

I feel great knowing that she is surrounded with organic fabrics and right next to my heart!! I look forward to using the Ergo with any future children- I will have to buy a newborn insert for a newborn as well- it looks so comfy!!! Ergo also offers other accessories such as pouches, backpacks, changing pads and more to coordinate with your Ergo!

BUY IT: So you know you want one!! Ergo Baby carriers are available to purchase online or by phone at 1-888-416-4888. Carriers range from $105 for an original to $148 for a special organic carrier.

WIN IT: Ergo is giving one VERY LUCKY MAMA an Ergo Baby Carrier of her very own!

MANDATORY ENTRY
Become a fan of Ergo Baby on Facebook, and let them know I sent you!
You must be a Home Grown Families Google Follower to participate.

EXTRA ENTRIES
Must include email address if not listed in profile. Each entry must be a separate comment.

• Visit Ergo Baby and tell me what carrier you love the most!!!! - 1 entry

• Follow Ergo Baby on Twitter- 1 entry

• Sign up for the Ergo Newsletter! 2 entries

• Tell me why you love babywearing so much! 2 entries
  

• Become a follower of Home Grown Families on Twitter- 1 entry

• Tweet about this giveaway for 1 entry per day! Please include Home Grown Families in your tweet and leave me the permalink.

• Follow Home Grown Families on Facebook, and leave me a note! 2 entries

• Email this giveaway to a friend, and CC it to momtosprouts at yahoo. 1 entry
  

• Subscribe to Home Grown Families via Feedburner in the upper left corner- 3 entries
  

• Add my button to your blog, and provide a URL where I can find it.- 5 entries

• Blog about this Giveaway on your blog and provide post URL. Be sure to include Home Grown Families- 5 entries

• Enter any of my other giveaways and let me know which one you entered- 1 entry per giveaway.

• Vote for Home Grown Families on Top Mommy Blogs (link on the left)- 1 entry for vote

Good luck everyone! Open to U.S only- Giveaway will run until November 10th! I will use random generator to pick a winner and will email the winner and announce it here on the blog. The winner will have 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be announced.

DISCLAIMER: I was not paid for this post. I was given a product to review, and I have provided my own honest opinion. Thank you, Ergo Baby for allowing us to review your products and for the awesome giveaway. You can view our PR policies here.

SOFTBUMS WINNERS ANNOUNCED!!

The GRAND PRIZE Winner of the IPAD is:
Heather Scholten!
Her entry was randomly chosen off of the blog: mommato3blessings.blogspot.com

The First Place Prize of Birth to Potty Package of Softbums is:
Kristin Burr

Second Place prize of a $75 giftcard to www.softbums.com goes to:
knockedupandnursing@gmail.com


Third Place Prize of a $50 Amazon.com giftcard goes to:
what_mama_wants@yahoo.com

We also gave away 15 of our new Omni Diaper to:
kohines@gmail.com
sckatz@gmail.com
rasmith0506@gmail.com
jdeemarie@gmail.com
cgarrett15738500@aol.com
belljl24@hotmail.com
mcbrady13@hotmail.com
rasmith0506@gmail.com
livingsimplyNM@gmail.com
chicstyle.live.com
barefeetonthedashboard@gmail.com
myelevenreasons@gmail.com
bakergurl02 @ yahoo.com
diaryofmomma00@yahoo.com
lesalia17.zoominternet.net

We also gave away 3 pairs of babylegs leggings to:
c_guf@yahoo.com
tageorge6386@xipline.com
angela_heffner@yahoo.com

If you won you should have gotten an email with directions on how to claim your prize, if you have not please email meganschultz@gmail.com and let me know!

This was by FAR the biggest giveaway we have ever done here at Softbums! Thank you all so much for all the hard work you put into your blogs, reviews, tests, and entries! We are so thrilled with the thousands of entries that were posted and all the help everybody gave with making the Omni reveal a HUGE success!

If you didn't win, please don't be discouraged because we are giving away another Omni in our new print! Can you guess the print?!