AVON: I Heart You Plush Singing Bear Just $16.99, FREE Shipping PLUS FREE Gift With Purchase!!

For everyone that loves Avon and their awesome deals here is one just in time for Valentines Day!!  Buy (1) I Heart You Plush Singing Bear - item #179-557 for $16.99 (reg priced $34.99) - He dances and sings to the popular Justin Beiber song "Baby." Click above to watch the video.  I bought this for my daughter last year and it really is super cute.  She turned 9 in November and she still loves it.  With the purchase of the I Heart You Singing Bear you will receive (1) FREE Break Away Mini Emery Board (valued at $1.99) (free with each $10 purchase of select products)PLUS....you receive FREE Shipping with code SNOWY until 1/15/2013!!  Please be sure to choose DIRECT DELIVERY when checking out.  
What is Direct Delivery?  It simply means the items you order on Avon.com will be shipped to the address you give.  Yes, that is correct.  They will be shipped directly to your doorstep!  How awesome is that!!

     

National Pancake Day...FREE Pancakes at IHOP Tusday, February 28th!!

What are you doing tomorrow?  Do you have time for some FREE Pancakes from IHOP?  You can receive a short stack of buttermilk pancakes for FREE. 
That's right, FREE!  In return, please consider giving a donation to the Children's Miracle Network Hospitals.  What a great cause!! 

HEY! I played With Dolls Until I Was Twelve!

Do you ever hear yourself saying, "I can't believe how things have changed."  or "Things were NOT like that when I was younger."  I don't think it matters if you are 25, 35 or even 55, things are different than how you remember them when you were a child.

I am 37 years old.  Born in 1974 and graduated high school in Iowa in 1992.  Grew up in the 80's and loved the 90's.  My daughter is in 2nd grade and I just don't understand schools now.  Although some of it might be due to living in St. Louis, but it just seems like she is off school A LOT!  Seriously, how many teacher meetings and half days does the school really need?  Plus, I remember half days meaning getting out at noon.  She goes until 1:10 and doesn't get home until 1:40.

This week she is on "Fall Break"  Are you kidding me?  Even Grace is confused.  She was bummed she was missing school.  Okay, let me explain.  Grace is a normal child she just really loves school.  Isn't that awesome?  Anyway, her Fall Break is a week long and is just because.  Oh and they are also off an additional Monday...just because.  No reason given.  I remember We had Thanksgiving break, Christmas break (which they call Winter break now, don't even get me started on that!) and Spring break.

I understand that things change over time.  Certain things need to change, but I feel too many things get changed by us, our society and just everything.  I remember how school was for me.  I did truly enjoy it.  Sure I did have some scary days, nervous days and even some days I didn't even want to go.  I think everyone has those days, but I fear how children and some of the school systems have become.  I think children, our sons and daughters have so much more to deal with today.  I just pray my daughter can stay young at heart and enjoy her innocence for as long as possible.

I know there are girls out doing things at ages 12, 13 and probably younger that I had not even heard of or talked about until high school.  It is scary, but I just hope my daughter can play with dolls until 12 or 13.

This picture was taken yesterday of Grace just chillin with her CPK.  

If Only Kids Listened all the Time...

Everyday Grace comes home from school and tells me about her day.  It is really the best part of my day.  We go through her book bag, talk and she then starts her homework.  She tells me that they learned that you should do things the first time asked.  Her direct quote was, "Mom, today I learned that you should do things the first time asked."  Right then and there the black cloud was lifted.  There was music playing and I was a happy mom!
 
Isn't it amazing, crazy and interesting how us as mothers, father and caregivers for our children we can tell them something 100 times, but when a teacher simply says the same word it's like the words of wisdom.  If only I could give Mrs. Klosstermann a list.  A list of just a few items that she could slip into her daily learning schedule. That would be awesome!

I do know that in the past few days Grace has been listening better.  I ask her to do something and amazingly  she has done it the first time.  Teacher's truly are wonder and amazing people.  Not only for this, but for what they help teach out children and the roll they play in our children's lives.  Thank you to all the fabulous, amazing teachers that have touched my life, my daughters and are soon to be in her life.

Ba-Nutty Buddy Shake - This Shake Is For Sharing

My daughter has a subscription to Highlights Magazine.  Do your kids ever read Hightlights?  It is such an awesome magazine.  I am sure you have picked one up while in the doctors office or the dentist.  The subscription can be a little pricey, but the stories, games and adventures inside are great for the child's mind.

In the October 2011 issue there is a wonder recipe I would like to share with you in the hopes you share it with your family.  My daughter and I had a fun time making these Ba-Nutty Buddy Shakes together and I hope you can find joy in making them too.

Ba-Nutty Buddy Shake

1. Peel 1 ripe banana, break it into chunks and drop it into the blender.
2. Add 1 cup of iced cream or frozen yogurt, 1 teaspoon of vanilla extract and 1/2 cup milk.
3. Blend the mixture until it's smooth.
4. Add 2 tablespoons of peanut butter.  Blend the mixture again.  Pour into cups.  Makes two 1-cup servings.

I did not have any vanilla extract, but I thought it tasted good without it.  It still had a very good flavor to it.  I love cooking and baking with my daughter.  It helps her with reading when reading the recipe.  She learns measurements, math and it helps her concentrate while following the directions of the recipe.  Cooking with your children is a fun way to spend time together and have them learn at the same time!

Make It Your Own Totebag - Now Only $9.99

Tae Kwon Do - Green 1st Belt

Last Saturday my sweet, fierce and independent Grace tested for her Green 1st belt in Tae Kwon Do.  Have you ever been to one of these testing events for children?  It is simply amazing and heartfelt to watch.  It doesn't even have to be your own child and you can get emotional, at least I can.  So many emotions can be felt.  Excitement, fear, joy hope and pure love and happiness. 

It is so awesome watching you little girl breaking a board with her little hand!!  I love it!!  Here are a few pictures I took with my iPhone.  I wish the quality was better, but you get the idea. 

 Grace with the boards she broke.  This picture makes me smile. 

Grace with her Grandma and Grandpa, my parents.

 Grace waiting to get her new Green 1st belt today in class. 

Master Prinkey shaking Grace's hand.  What a great picture! 

Strange Dances And Long Flights By Patricia M. Stockland

Today Grace and I learned about which type a squirrel uses their tails for shade, which type of fish swim as far as 930 miles to have their babies and other fun & fascinating facts about animals in her new book from the library.

The book is called Strange Dances and Long Flights A Book About Animal Behaviors.  Written by Patricia M. Stockland and Illustrated by Todd Ouren.  Grace and I had a lot of fun reading this book.  The pictures were great and the information was awesome!  There were some facts I was not aware of.  We had a fun time reading it together. 

Her favorite part was the back of the book.  There were quizzes, fun facts and glossary words.  I love books that give you fun ways to learn and remember the facts and information your children just read. 

It also gives you a web site to visit to learn more about safe, web sites related to the book.  If interested you can check out the Facthound home page. 

While Grace and I were checking these pages out we came across a web site that was pretty cool.  It is called Capstone Kids.com    There are word searches, games, puzzles, projects, recipes and many more activities.  Grace loved it for the word searches.  We didn't get any further than that.  It was lunch time.  I encourage you to check it out with your kids. 

What Do Your Kids Get In The Mail?

I am 36 years old and I still get excited when I get a piece of mail. (happy mail, no bills please)  It's the excitement and pure joy to know that someone is thinking about you.  One of my favorite memories as a child was at Christmas time.  My grandparents from Nebraska would send one giant package for the entire family.  As a child it looked huge.  It was the best day that time of year when that package arrived.  I remember we always had to wait to see if my brother and my gift were wrapped.  Sometimes grandma would just put everything in the big box and not wrap it. 

Next, the exciting part when all the gift were brought out.  So much fun!!  I love reliving such happy memories.  Can you see me smiling? 

I see that same joy when Grace gets a letter, card or anything in the mail.  She has two magazines that we always hear a Whoop or Awesome when they arrive. 

The first is Highlights for kids.  What a awesome magazine!  This is certainly not one of the cheaper subscriptions, but to me it is totally worth it.  Just today Grace and I did a page in it and it really got her mind thinking about money.  It was a fun, tough problem for her that I even enjoyed doing.  Her favorite is the word search. 

There is also a Highlights website packed full of activities.  If the ordering the book isn't an option or if you child wants more activities, try the website.  Grace hasn't been on there too much.  Let me know what you think if you and your child go exploring.

Her second monthly arrival in the mail box is the LEGO Club Magazine.  She has gotten this for several months and really enjoys it.  Her favorite part of the LEGO Magazine is when they have How To build different projects.  This last issue was packed full of Star Wars and comics.  The best part is it is free! 

Arm Socks Are Awesome She Says!!

Today was a pretty exciting day for my sweet Grace.  I had ordered her a little something from Avon and she has been waiting patiently for them to arrive.  I must admit, they are pretty cool. 

They are Avon's new Mix and Match Arm Socks.  They are $9.99 each pack and come 2 to a pack.  One light pink and the other bright colored stripes. (my favorite)   (499-833)  One size fits all and that is so true.  I tried them on and they fit me.  That certainly made Grace giggle.  I kind of liked them. 

Here's Grace before school.  She loves to pose.  She wore the stripped ones.  Aren't they totally awesome?  

If interested in buying these please contact me today or shop my online store.  I would appreciate your business and any questions I would be happy to answer. 

Grace

I am many times reminded how lucky I am everyday.  I have had several hurdles in my life that I, us, my family has overcome.  I am so thankful everyday for the joys that I have.  One of those joys is my sweet daughter, Julia Grace.  She is my life, my sunshine she is my fancy-dirt loving girl.

Many times when people hear her name, Grace they pause and comment on what a beautiful name she has.  At 3 months old we decided to call Grace by her middle name.  Julia just seemed like such a big name for a tiny little sweetheart.  She now goes by Grace.  (Julia at the tense times) 

I decided to put "Grace" into google and see what came up.  These were the pictures that stood out for me. 

Enjoy their beauty!

Grace by Eric Enstorm

My favorite find!  As a child I remember this hanging in our kitchen.  I never knew it was called Grace.  I always liked this painting. 

This picture can say so much! 

Warm Weather, Spaghetti and Big Ouchies

Weather in St. Louis can many times be unpredictable.  Last week the temperatures were below 10 and the ground was covered with snow and ice for miles across and down.  This week, the temperatures slowly climb from the 30's 50's and today we hit the mid 70's.  Seriously?  Are we once again being teased by this beautiful weather? 

I don't care what it was, I was enjoying as much as I could.  Well, as much as a mother with tons of housework and a day off can.  I had the shades pulled, windows opened and I was airing this house out.  Now, not that our house has issues, I just love the first time you can open those windows and feel the fresh air, don't you? 

I did 4 loads of laundry, swept and mopped the floors and cleaned the bathrooms.  I felt pretty good about my day.  When Grace came off the bus I was ready to take her bike riding.  Let's enjoy this weather together!  She was excited too! 

Doug decided he would take her out while I finished up dinner.  I honestly didn't mind.  I was out for a bit today and really just wanted Grace to enjoy the weather.  I continued on the cooking of one of Doug's favorite meals, Spaghetti. 

  She was set and ready to go.  Helmet on and smile glowing as always!

First daddy has to pump up the tires.  She is taking the new big bike out. 

Yes, we had a bit of an accident.  The tears and blood are all gone.  It was my sweet girls first big crash.  She ran into a curb. 

A few little scraps up here too mom.  Are we going back out tomorrow?  You bet!!  You have to get right back on that bike! 





New Invention To Make Life A Little Easier With Kids

Check out this pretty awesome invention by St. Louis man, Michael Turk. I was scrolling down Facebook and came across it from a local St. Louis Channel, Fox 2 News.  They have a segment called, Tim Ezell on Fox 2 News.  Anyway, Michael Turk created a device that you can connect between two, three, or how ever many Umbrella Strollers you have.  Now, you don't have to lug around those huge double strollers plus it could save you more money when buying a stroller. 

I only have one child, but her stroller was at least $100 - $150.  It was a gift plus 7 years ago.  I can only imagine what the double or triple strollers cost.  Uggg!  The Umbrella Stroller go anywhere from $10 -$20, depending on the brand and character. 

Tell me you thoughts, but I think Michael Turk of St. Louis is certainly onto something. 

Chili's - Kids Eat FREE Every Tuesday In February

Every Tuesday in February kids Eat FREEbruary at Chili's!  Kids 12 and under get a free meal with the purchase of an adult entree.  Click HERE for more information. 

At The Bank - Written by Julia Grace

Grace has entered her first writing contest.  We are both very excited!!  Grace loves to read and write.  Maybe it's just because I am her mommy, but I think she is pretty good.  Is she going to be a famous author?  Who knows.  Will she write some famous novel?  One came dream.  I do know it is important and inspiring to see her writing as she does at age 7.  She loves to sit and write story after story.  Her mind is full of thoughts, excitement and dreams just waiting to make in onto the paper.  I am just waiting to she it written.  How exciting is that! 

If you want to check out a pretty cool kids website click HERE.  Imagination Cafe is a fun site for both kids and parents.  Something you can feel safe about sitting down at the computer with your child and have some fun!  If you want to submit  a story or check out the contest, click on the "creative contest tab."

She had an assignment for school.  Write a silly story.  Here is her silly story. 

At the Bank

 Once I was at the bank putting money in the bank. Then they needed some ink so they could print me a check for home. Then they started to think and think how would they get the ink when they are working there? Then they finished thinking about it and came up with an idea! My family could help the bank to get some ink for the printer so it could work. Ans then we finally we could go home and watch t.v and play and do anything.



Written by Julia Grace

Punishment By Writting Sentences

Today when I sent my sweet Grace to school I wasn't sure if I sent her with enough to wear.  The morning temperatures started in the low to mid 30's.  I knew as the day progressed it would get warmer, but Mr. Sunshine (aka the sun in our home) wasn't out and warming us like it was the day before. 

I dressed Grace in a short-sleeved shirt with her favorite Adidas hoodie.  One of the think warm ones with the stripes on the sleeves.  Than I topped it off with a vest from Children's Place.  No sleeves, more for fashion spring time. 

I specifically told Grace to leave the sweatshirt one.  I knew it wouldn't be warm enough to take that hoodie off.  Usually I leave it up to Grace to determined when she is hot or cold.  I feel she has good judgement and is old enough and smart enough to judge. 

Well, today I am talking with a neighbor and waiting for the bus.  Off rolls Grace with just a t-shirt and just the vest.  The sun is down, so no warmth there.  I had a light jacket on and was chilly, so I knew she was cold.  She just went right by me smiling and running towards the house.  Needless to say I was not happy. 

Is it just horrible? No, but when I say something, I mean it.  Meaning, there are always, always consequences for your actions.  I believe this is how children learn.  One form of punishment I have tried and has worked is making Grace write sentences. 

The first time I did this I almost felt like I was stuck inside a episode of the Simpson's.  I know not even close to a good roll model for young children, but I still can't help but love this show.  I must admit, Grace has watched a few occasions with me. 

Anyway, making Grace write these sentences really does help!  Today her sentence was " I will wear my clothes all day long."  Sounds pretty funny, but I had to shorten it.  I didn't want to make it too long and torture the poor girl.  lol  I have her sit down at the counter and write the sentence 10 times.  I write one practice sentence for her.  If she complains I add 5 more sentences.  That puts a stop to the complaining real quick! 

So, let me know if you either already have tried this technique and how it works for you OR if when you try it how did it work for you?    A very important point to remember when parenting is following through.  No child is going learn responsibility or respect if they have a parent or caregiver who does not follow through.  If you tell your child to make their bed, they should.  If they choose not to there should be consequences.  Obviously the bigger the poor choice, the bigger the consequence.

Madame Alexander® Doll in Outlet SAVE 30% While Supplies Last

Madame Alexander® Dolls are in clearance.  Only Gracie (370-154) and Natalie (063-352) are left.  Erica is sold out.  These dolls are an Avon exclusive and each dolls includes certificate of authenticity. 18" posable doll from the world-famous dollmaker. Ages 3 and up.
These dolls are no longer available to buy through Avon or my Avon website.  If you have a Target close to home they have similar dolls to the Madame Alexander dolls and some Targets online have the Madame Alexander dolls available.  They are priced from $24.99 - $35 in my Target in St. Louis.  


SAVE 30% While Supplies Last    Reg. $49.99Sale $34.99

Avon exclusive. Includes certificate of authenticity. 18" posable doll from the world-famous dollmaker. Ages 3 and up. Imported.


Alexander Doll Company was founded 80 years ago by Madame Beatrice Alexander Behrman. She has created dolls in honor of royalty and celebrities. Favored by collectors, they are known for their detailed, handcrafted quality.

Please visit my online store and shop under the Outlet tab or contact me today to place you order.

40% Off Your Entire Purchase At Justice

Grace just started shopping at this store this year and they have such cute things.  I signed up to receive email alerts and I have started receiving some pretty good coupons. 

Click HERE to print your 40% off your entire purchase at Justice now through 1/24/2011.  Hurry!  This coupon is only valid until Monday.  Can be used online or in-store.  See coupon for complete details. 

Go HERE to sign up for email alerts.  You will receive fashion previews and discount via email. 

Through My Child's Eyes...Random Photos

The adage "A picture is worth a thousand words" which we are all familiar with.  What does this really mean?  Basically, a picture tells a story just as well as a large amount of descriptive text.  A picture can tell many different stories.  Pictures can say so many different things, but to me sometimes a picture is one of the best ways to capture memories we all love and try to hold on to.

For Christmas we got Grace her own digital camera.  We bought her a cheap camera when she was four and she played with it until the day she opened her new one.  Grace loves taking pictures!  I love that!  I think one of the best things you can do is give a child a camera and see where it takes them.  Seeing what a child really sees.  I love seeing the pictures Grace takes.  Grace also has a DSi which has a camera.  Some days she will take up to 100 pictures.  Love it!!

Random Photos
by Julia Grace Sutton

The Pig Out of It's Home by Julia Grace

As part of Grace's homework she had to write a story. Here were the guidelines she had to follow:

• Write about a pig that does not live in a pigpen. What would their life be like?
• Use some of the spelling words from this week.

Pretty simple, right? Grace just needed some paper, a pencil, an eraser and some sweet imagination. I really wanted to share her story with you. I always love when Grace brings home writing. She loves to write stories and I (as I'm sure all you parents do) love to hear them! I wish you could see the words better. My copier is not hooked up to my laptop and well, I just had issues. The picture you see is from a camera. I will type the story Grace wrote:

The Pig Out of it's Home

The pig wanted to go to the store to find a dress but instead he found a triangle diamond and at night he tried to find a pool to splash in but he did not find one so he tried to find his home and he could not! And he was sad! So he found his car and he drove home and he might pick something up to eat, but he got tired of driving so he stoped at a hotel to sleep. And then he found his family and he was safe and sound at home.

I typed it exactly how she wrote it. I put the spelling words in bold type. I thought the story was pretty cool and I loved how she used the vocabulary words.