Four Months

Surro-Baby Zachary

I know it has been a while since the last one month update and I wish I could say there was a good reason why I've been quite.  But quite honestly, there hasn't been a surrogacy update because every time I would sit down to write, the tears would start falling, just like they are now.  Because I didn't want to deal with the emotions and the deep … [Read more...]

Something for the Adults at Your Summer Lemonade Stand

International Delight Iced Coffe Stand

Summer is finally here and children around the U.S. are rejoicing! We are only eight days in to our summer vacation and the kiddos are livin' it up. We've gone to Florida for a mini-vacation, we've made our own pizzas for lunch, we've watched way too many movies, we've played way too many video games, but we've thoroughly enjoyed … [Read more...]

Try Collage.com! Giveaway + Exclusive Discount

collage.com review

Product provided for review. Please see below for full disclosure. Forty-Seven.  Nope, not my age next month on birthday (although some days I feel like it), but the number of picture albums I have uploaded on my Facebook page.  Many of those albums have dozens, if not hundreds, of pictures.  Then there are the thousands of pictures stored on … [Read more...]

Tips for Fun Summer Celebrations + Giveaway

4th of july cupcakes

This is a partnered post. All thoughts, opinions and experiences are that of the writer. How do you celebrate summer?  Soak up extra sunshine, vacation with your family, commit yourself to sandal-wearing for three months?  I love it all! If you're looking for inspiration to make your summer celebrations extra special, Nestle has you covered. … [Read more...]

Temp-tations Cookies and Cakes

temp-tations wedding cookies

Product provided for the sole purpose of this review. Please see below for full disclosure. Growing up with my enormous family, the center of our house's activity was the kitchen.  Even today, that's where we gather, where we chat, where we spend time with Mom.  Those happy memories of my siblings helping her cook (mostly just getting in the … [Read more...]

Slightly Spicy Chicken Strips

slightly spicy chicken strips recipe

This is a sponsored post with SocialMoms and Carbonell blogging program. The opinions and ideas expressed here are my own. To read more posts on this topic, click here. Preparing a kid-friendly meal for your family doesn't have to be hard and time consuming. With a family of five like mine, it may take a little beforehand planning, but by using an … [Read more...]

Decade of Kissimmee Memories Big Reveal

a decade of memories winner Shuff kids

I attended a press event to cover the winner announcement. Most travel related expenses were covered by Experience Kissimmee. All thoughts and opinions are my own. How would you feel if you just found out you won ten years of free vacations from Experience Kissimmee?  That’s exactly what we all wanted to know when they announced that Brooke … [Read more...]

How to Help End Child Hunger

child hunger ends here logo

While this post is part of a sponsored series with ConAgra Foods and the Child Hunger Ends Here Campaign, all thoughts and opinions are my own. It's so hard to believe that there are so many who go through each day without knowing where their next meal will come from. Nearly 17 million children here in the US will go unnoticed, silently suffering, … [Read more...]

Season 2 of I’m Having Their Baby Starts Tonight

I'm Having Their Baby Logo

This post is part of a sponsored series with Burst Media. All thoughts, opinions and experiences are my own. I was excited when I heard I'm Having Their Baby was coming back for a second season.  After following season 1 and getting an intimate look at adoption through the eyes of the birth mother, I was absolutely in awe of these moms and their … [Read more...]

The Power of Dad

mom and dad

This is a partnered post with Oral-B. All thoughts, opinions and experiences are my own. I'll be honest and admit that I was not an easy child growing up (although I hear I was a great baby)! I guess you could call me a rebel of sorts.  I did things my way, or at least I tried to.  I didn't do good with authority.  Authority got in the way of … [Read more...]

Ding Dong Diaper Ditch

ding dong diaper ditch

I am a Pampers Baby Board Member and was provided free product coupons. No other compensation was received. I try to teach my children about giving every single day.  Whether it be just sharing a piece of candy with their sibling, or making a special card for their teacher, or giving to someone in need, children need to learn how to be a cheerful … [Read more...]