As soon as the word “Fall” hit the calendar, it was like everyone expected the leaves to change colors and the fragrance of the season to come in full swing. But, that didn’t happen.

No, on the first day of Fall here in Ohio, I think it was around 80 degrees. Not exactly what gets you in the decorating for the harvest season, huh?! Nonetheless, I got my few decorations out and was going to will the cooler temperatures and colored leaves to come our way. I like to think it helped some :)

For any season, I truly keep my decorating simple. That serves two purposes, really. It saves money since I’m not buying tons of decorations that we won’t use or need. And, of course it saves time since we (mostly hubby) aren’t bringing boxes of stuff from our basement to decorate for a short season too.

For my birthday, one of my besties got me a candle warmer. You know the kind, you just stick any candle inside and it melts it to create the scent rather than lighting the wick to create the aroma. I have been wanting one since last Christmas when she got my other bestie one, so I was happy!! I turn that on every morning and it really is like the hidden decoration. The aroma of pumpkin, spice and an autumn harvest fills the house. It’s amazing how the scents make you want to eat too, isn’t it?!

Last week I visited Walmart to do some “research” (aka, shopping). Since I’ve been working with Glade to help promote the Fall Fragrance line, I had a Walmart gift card to use to try the other Fall flavors. One of the fragrances, Harvest Medley, is sold exclusively at Walmart. I realized that’s why I hadn’t seen it in any other store!! I figured if I was there I may as well to do some sniffing :)

As my nose went to work, I immediately knew that the Cashmere Woods scent is the flavor of all that matches our home perfectly. It is warm and earthy and not too overbearing as it burns (or melts in my case). I’ve noticed hubs has even turned the candle warmer on before I get to it. This is truly odd since he is not really a candle guy. It’s his favorite scent in the line-up as well.

There is still time to print your $1/1 Glade Fall Fragrance Collection coupon so you can grab these scents too! With the coupon, the four ounce candle jars are just $1.33! Great price for gifting others as well!! The coupon doesn’t expire until the end of November, so I’m sure they will go on sale for even less!

Do you use candles and scents as a backdrop in your decorating?
What are your favorite scents for decorating in the seasons?

As mentioned above, this post is part of my role working with Glade to promote the Fall Fragrance line. My time has been compensated for this campaign. I do love Glade for many reasons, coupons being one of ‘em, so the thoughts are pure ME! See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

I’ve had this idea for a really long time. Long before Savings Lifestyle officially came to be. I wanted a way where I could share various blogs I read, who truly have been an inspiration to me.

I have been impacted greatly by many blogs. Reading REAL people share tips, images or stories is an inspiration. To count the many blogs we all collectively read on a daily basis, I’m guessing it’s in the hundreds of thousands (it’s probably more in the millions considering my reader has a LOT!!). So many I don’t even know about yet and NEED to know about because I’m sure I could benefit from!

I’m excited to introduce Reader Inspiration.

The word reader has a few meanings so let me explain ‘em to ya.

I’m a reader. That one is pretty straight forward. I read blogs and have been, and continue to be, inspired by what is shared.

These blogs are in my reader. A reader is a RSS or digital way you can read many blogs at once. For example, you can read Savings Lifestyle in the reader of your choice, but you have to subscribe to get the RSS. I personally subscribe to my fave blogs via a Google Reader.

So, it just made sense to name this Reader Inspiration as you can clearly see :)

Reader Inspiration will be a weekly post I share each Thursday. I can’t possibly give you inspiration in areas of decorating, because, HULLO I need lots of inspiration in that area myself. But, I have some FABULOUS blogs I read who can! So, even though I don’t share that here, I still want you to have resources to help. And, extra bonus, while it’s not always the case, many will have a savings component because while I do believe in helping you “save on what you need so you can spend on what you want” I think there’s ways you can be inspired to get ‘r dun.  Blogs are the best place to give you inspirational ideas for this!!

With Reader Inspiration, I will share one blog that has been an inspiration to me each week. I’ll categorize it for you so you know it’s about design, organizing, domesticity, faith, whatever the main focus of the blog is. Then, there’s no value in just saying “they’re good, go read them”(well, sometimes there is :).  The point in sharing this Reader Inspiration blog with you will be to share what’s truly inspired me. Since it’s virtual, it will be posts that I’ve read from them that have helped with an area in my life – that have truly been an inspiration.  Then you can dig through their archives at your leisure and find something (I’m positive) that will inspire you too!

If you are a blogger, I would LOVE for you to also to participate in this with me each Thursday. I will publish the post and have a linky for you to add your own Reader Inspiration. I think our readers will love this as they will be introduced to your site, as well as a site you love and have learned from! So please consider participating.

So please join me here on Thursday. My first Reader Inspiration coming Thursday is one I’ve read since the day I started my own blog. The site has been a true inspiration and I’m still inspired each time I visit!

My friend, Erin, you know – $5 Dinners, and her husband have entered the Dave Ramsey EntreLeadership Contest. If they were to win, they would get to attend Dave’s EntreLeadership course for FREE! I have great respect for Erin as a friend, and now, colleague. She is one of the good ones in this blogging world.

Steve and Erin are amazing people. They share some of their story on the entrant page. When T and I visited the DR, I had questions for Steve and Erin since they served as missionaries there for years. I know if they were able to attend this leadership session, they would offer up information they learn as well. As you know, I’m a huge Dave Ramsey fan!!

The contest ends tomorrow, and they are down by a bit. But, it’s nothing that I know that can’t be caught up so please just take a quick second to vote. You don’t have to register to vote. It’s just a simple click over and then click the Vote button.

Thanks so much!!

I became a mother.

I began to understand love I have never known before.

I became more sensitive.

I learned more about compassion.

I watched in adoration how my beloved changed instantly into a daddy.

I became less selfish.

I finally knew what my mom said when this love was unexplainable.

I birthed you from these birthin’ hips and pushed you out for 1 HOUR!!!

I saw tears well up in your papaw’s crystal blue eyes as he turned into a ball of mush the second he held you.

I didn’t realize how a child could look EXACTLY like his daddy!

I immediately loved your daddy more than I ever thought possible.

I became your mother.

+++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++

Happy Birthday to my precious baby boy T, who is today turning 11 years old. You really drive me nuts on a constant basis. I’m hopeful these gray hair I have will eventually show wisdom in you (and me too…or I can hope).

Thanks to my friend, Jessica who captured a picture above during the World Vision Dominican Republic trip that T and I got to experience together.

Visit Home Depot this Saturday to make a Soccer Game your kiddos at the Kids Workshop. The Workshop runs from 9a-12p.

Each Kids Workshop participant will receive a kid-sized orange apron (similar to a Home Depot associate apron) and an achievement pin. The idea is that you will take the apron back each month to get your new achievement pin.

All Workshops are free, but you should probably show up early to ensure you have a kit for your kiddo(s).

How many achievement pins do your kids have?

Visit Home Depot this Saturday to make a Picket Fence Planter with your kiddos at the Kids Workshop. The Workshop runs from 9a-12p.

Each Kids Workshop participant will receive a kid-sized orange apron (similar to a Home Depot associate apron) and an achievement pin. The idea is that you will take the apron back each month to get your new achievement pin.

All Workshops are free, but you should probably show up early to ensure you have a kit for your kiddo(s). I may *encourage* our husband to take the boys out for this project. I’d love to have this on our patio this summer!

Visit Lowe’s this Saturday to make a Mini Baseball Game with the kids at the Build and Grow Clinic. The Clinic starts at 10a.

Each Build and Grow Clinic participant always receives a free apron, goggles, project-themed patch for the work apron, and a certificate of completion. All Clinics are free, but you need to register on the Lowe’s Build and Grow site first to ensure you have a spot.

Visit Home Depot this Saturday to make a Butterfly House at the Kids Workshop. The Workshop runs from 9a-12p.

Each Kids Workshop participant will receive a kid-sized orange apron (similar to a Home Depot associate apron) and an achievement pin. All Workshops are free, but you should probably show up early to ensure you have a kit for your kiddo(s).

Visit Lowe’s this Saturday to make a Kaleidoscope with the kids at the Build and Grow Clinic. The Clinic starts at 10a.

Each Build and Grow Clinic participant always receives a free apron, goggles, project-themed patch for the work apron, and a certificate of completion. All Clinics are free, but you need to register on the Lowe’s Build and Grow site first to ensure you have a spot.

Visit Lowe’s this Saturday, March 13, to make a Tabletop Basketball game at the Build and Grow Clinic. The Clinic starts at 10a.

Each Build and Grow Clinic participant always receives a free apron, goggles, project-themed patch for the work apron, and a certificate of completion. All Clinics are free, but you need to register on the Lowe’s Build and Grow site first to ensure you have a spot.

And, just when I thought basketball was over! Well, you know how that goes :) Of course, it’s never over when you have kids and you’re the house on the cul de sac that has the Basketball goal! It does help to keep my eye on ‘em at least!

Visit Home Depot this Saturday to make a Rain Gauge at the Kids Workshop. The Workshop runs from 9a-12p.

Each Kids Workshop participant will receive a kid-sized orange apron (similar to a Home Depot associate apron) and an achievement pin. The idea is that you will take the apron back each month to get your new achievement pin. I will say that we may have a few aprons since they *may* have been misplaced (and later found). (=:

All Workshops are free, but you should probably show up early to ensure you have a kit for your kiddo(s).

Thanks, Bargain Briana!

Visit Lowe’s this Saturday, February 27, to make a LoweBot at the Build and Grow Clinic. The Clinic starts at 10a.

Each Build and Grow Clinic participant always receives a free apron, goggles, project-themed patch for the work apron, and a certificate of completion. All Clinics are free, but you need to register on the Lowe’s Build and Grow site first to ensure you have a spot.

Our boys always enjoy these events when we are able to make them! I remember the very first Clinic we went to. I actually went by myself with our oldest son and I was around 7-months pregnant with Caleb. We made a bird house. HELLO – I am NOT crafty and that was advanced! Needless to say, I wasn’t the most help for our son (who was four at the time), but it was definitely a great memory!

Thanks, Moms Need to Know!

I feel that way right now.

The devil has been hard at work in our lives in so many ways over the past several months. It’s totally obvious it’s the evil serpent trying to slither into a crack with all of our relationships. He wants to beat us down spirtually. Unlucky for him, God built me with a strong will so he’s not going to get through.

But the slither of his words do get in.

When I realize this is happening, I focus on the Word. I meditate on praise and worship songs. But above all, I praise God in THIS storm. There will be many, many more in our lives. It’s a matter of how we choose to handle this, I know for sure.

No.

It’s how we choose to allow God to handle this. THAT is the only thing that I am truly sure of.

It’s not about me, it’s about Him.

Do you have any scripture recommendations for me to pour into when this hits me?

I enjoy when the kids play outside. I’ll be honest: there is very little clean up with wet clothes. Pop them in the dryer and we’re all set! But, when we do indoor crafts like I did with our scrapbooking last week, I want them to be creative without my worries over the clean up afterwards. Especially when our boys like to draw *outside* the lines!

I have a solution!

Several years ago, I learned a thrifty tip to reuse paper grocery bags during craft time with the kiddos. We line the table, or wherever they are being messy, with paper grocery bags. I actually bought a large roll of brown Kraft Paper at Sam’s club so we are well supplied (it was inexpensive surprisingly). Before I found the paper to stockpile, I would request paper grocery bags during shopping and use those to prevent crafting mishaps.

The other day we created our scrapbook layouts, I lined the table with the paper in case the markers and crayons drifted off of the paper. They are kids. It always happens whether it’s intentional or not :) I’m sure you can relate.

Well, when we broke out the stamp with the messy ink, I was even more glad I had the paper down. Andon went a wee bit overboard with his drawing and stamping. He wanted to stamp everything. I see an Andon-version of Monet in his future. Only with ink and the number 3.

So, if you are like me and want your kids to enjoy indoor activities that are a little messy, get those brown paper grocery bags. The only cleanup afterwards are little hands. But, aren’t they so cute??!! That’s a sign of creativity!

Read more about how my kids love the snow, went coo coo for bouncy balls and helped to make double memories with our scrapbook pages all as part of my participation in the Campbell’s Winter Weather Fun project. This has truly been fun to document and share with all of you.

Working on these little projects with the kids has made me appreciate the time with them even more – even if we were snowed inside for two days this week! Having the bouncy ball kit maker has been a God-send!

So, do you have other Winter Weather Fun ideas you want to share? Or, quick clean-up tips I should implement?

Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.

Divine Caroline and Campbells was the sponsor of several posts over the past month similar to this one. The thoughts and ideas are all ME! You can review my Disclosure Policy for more information.

I opened my bible on Sunday, and this memory is what came out…

All I had was a conference call and I could head back home to go to the hospital. I mean, it was a conference call, I had to be in my office for that, of course…right?

I was leaving the subdivision, and slid. I almost hit the pole. Wow, that was scary. OK, I drive, listen to my music and think about how I can’t miss the conference call.

We were working on integration of HRIS for an upcoming acquisition. I was leading it. I had to be in the office for that conference call. I had high self responsibility, so of course I would go in and let the office know I was working diligently on this project.

Mom stayed with us, she had been staying with us for a few days, actually. She agreed to take T to pre-school since it was North and she was headed that way. I was driving South for that conference call I had to be in the office for.

My conference call was at 9a. I was gonna be there for it snow or not!

I walked through the building up to my office when I got a call asking for my mom. “Why would you want my mom when this is my cell phone, I thought?” I ask if everything was OK, and they wouldn’t say. They needed my mother. All the while, I needed to make my conference call.

I get into my office with lots of time to spare and prepare. But, instead of that conference call, I got another call.

It was my mom…

“Andrea, he’s gone. He’s gone, Andrea!”

Sobs, tears, pain on the other end of the line.

My head shook, the tears came flooding out, I couldn’t breathe. “Noooooooooooooo!”

My dad had passed and I was worried about a stupid call.

I panic, run into the copy room and break down freaking out about how I would get to the hospital. It was like I didn’t know where I was. The CEO was in there, and I felt like an idiot for sobbing like a little girl in front of the leader of our company. But, in reality, I was a little girl who just lost her daddy.

He immediately said “Someone will take you to the hospital, Andrea. You are not driving there yourself.” And, immediately someone stepped up – no questions asked. I remember getting to the elevator lobby and calling my husband. Then my best friend. I woke her up since she had just gotten to sleep from working the night before. I remember the people and the places that where I was present that day and knowing that those people are who God wanted me to be with oddly enough.

I call my mom back and beg her to tell them not to remove him from his room. I needed to see him there. I wanted to say my own goodbye.

I get to the hospital and walked directly back to the ICU, I didn’t even buzz. As soon as they saw me, they didn’t say a word. They knew.

There was my dad.

Dad as I knew him was gone.

His spirit, it was no longer here on this Earth.

My mom sitting there beside him just losing her soul mate. I was crushed for her. It tore me up inside to know that she would never have him again to share life with.

But, selfishly I knew I lost my dad and my boys lost their grandpa, one who was his namesake.

I have never embraced a dead body before. That seems too morbid just saying it. But, it was oddly comforting. I embraced my dad one last time. His cold, lifeless body who once would wrap his arms around me and our boys. I remember the way his 5 o’clock shadow face would prick my cheek when I gave him a kiss. And, his big *buddha belly* that we joked was the only thing he owned.

That was all gone. He was gone.

I wept.

++++++++++++++++++

I praise God for allowing a man who had denied him for 60+ years to accept him in the final week before he would eventually meet Him. I praise God for healing my heart for missing the last minutes with my dad. I praise God for helping me retain vivid details I could document for my kids so that they would know their grandfather who loved and adored him. And, while Dad never met Andon, I know he adores him from a mansion in Heaven.

I never truly embraced the name, Heavenly Father, for God until I lost my earthly Father.

Thursday, February 10, 2005, started like a day just like any other. My focus was on a call, something that was so irrelevant in the grand scheme of the day’s events. Sadly, it ended a day that took away a piece of who I was.

I will always praise God for never giving up on my dad, for giving me the courage to ask him the last few days of his life if he wanted to live for Jesus. And, for keeping a place for me so I can hug both of my Father’s one day and never have to worry about missing the things of the world ever again.

The picture above was, I believe, my dad’s last written message. We kept a picture of our boys in the room hung in the ICU room. Dad was in and out of consciousness. But, there were a few times he was completely conscious. One was when he opened his crystal blue eyes and showed me his affirmation to my question – that he was living for Jesus. The other was when I shared that message above and offered him a pen to write back, which I believe is his final “I love you” to me.

Both are a gift that words can’t really express. One is a piece I have here to remind me of his love tucked in my Bible. The other is a gift that I will see him again in Eternity. That reminder is written in The Bible.

I have so many behaviors just like my father: loyalty, compassion, assertiveness, stubborness, private. They may seem like an odd coupling but they fit perfectly for those whom I call friends. Whenever I am suggested to be any of those things – good or bad – I think of my dad.

So many memories, I have from that day that still hurt all of these years later. Time does heal a lot, but only if you let it. I, or we (my husband and I), grew closer to God because of my father’s death. And, it was because of a Son’s death that we can feel the Holy Spirit during times of great sadness and pain. But, even then, you can only sense His Spirit if you let it.

It was in May 2008, that I first shared some of my pain here on losing my dad. I am very private by nature with my emotions. That throws people off since I am pretty outgoing in general. But, I know that I heal each time I share about these memories from all those years ago. Sometimes I never realized I needed healing. If you have lost someone you loved, you know what I mean.

Life goes by so fast, and I do pray to draw closer to Him and be more aware of His Spirit. I continually seek to let it in too despite what else life also wants to throw my way. I try to use my trials for His Praise. Even if it means losing someone I loved or having a sick child. By His wounds we will be healed…

• A husband to show appreciation to for taking care of business on the home front (and his support).
• Kids to cuddle.
• Dear friends to thank profusely who have helped.
• A LOT of thoughts to process about actions, events and learning that occurred over this past week.

Be on the look out for the information posted tomorrow afternoon. Thanks for understanding and patience!

I am a scrapbooker. Or, I was. Well, I guess I still am. Honestly, I haven’t scrapped much since I started to blog. But, even when I was caught up with the boys’ albums, I never ever even though to get them to make layouts for their own books. It is a fantastic idea. Not only am I scrapping memories with pictures, bu I am using their art for my backdrop.

I wanted to do a few layouts for upcoming events for each of the boys. I wanted the layouts to match the timeframe in which I was taking pictures, essentially. To be honest, Andon is just a newborn in all of our scrapbooks so I didn’t want to have him make his own Hospital Page if ya know what I mean :)

Caleb has been playing Upward basketball this year. He loves it! They are the Cougars. Since the team colors are blue and orange, we chose the orange paper and blue ink to use for stamping the basketball hoop all over the page. Of course, we added his team name and a few stickers too. I don’t think I could have made this layout any more perfect. He did a wonderful job!!

Andon’s layout was for his upcoming 3rd Birthday (I cannot believe my baby is almost 3!!). I let him put the stickers on himself. As you can see his name is not exactly aligned. That’s the beauty in scrapbooking, imperfection is really perfection when I look at all of our past memories! He got a wee bit carried away with the stamp too.

This was fun to do with the kids. I’ve found myself saying that a lot as I have worked on this campaign with Campbell’s to create Winter Weather Fun. I won’t say I’m a crafty mom by any means (it would take more than a few weeks for that). I have found that the boys get along so well with one another when they are creative though. To me, finding and documenting these new indoor winter activities is totally worth it!

Stay tuned next week as I share a very simple idea to help with creativity and messes!

Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.

Divine Caroline and Campbells will be sponsoring several posts over the next month similar to this one. The thoughts and ideas are all ME! You can review my Disclosure Policy for more information.

Maybe you saw my tweet the other day. Well, YES, bouncy balls are a-flyin’ in the Mommy Snacks household!

Caleb’s birthday party was last weekend. It’s always tough to know what to get kids who have absolutely everything. But, lately he and T have been into science/hands-on projects. They received several MythBusters science kits for Christmas.

After running around doing errands with the boys (the norm, it seems) , Caleb and Andon were pleading to play with Caleb’s new bouncy ball making kit. Since we couldn’t play outside, I gave in. Plus, they were decent at the grocery store with me so I had a hard time saying no. I thought my encouraging the bouncy ball kit would be safer than going outside and setting off the MythBusters rocket kit. Plus, you know how I am more of a indoor spectator on outdoor activities as I shared last week :)

Several people asked where I got the bouncy ball kit. I purchased it at Target during Christmas for around $20. I’m sure they still have them, but I saw it and knew his birthday was close to Christmas so I purchased it back in December.

I was really surprised that the balls bounce – it is so neat! Andon actually did well with it too. We let him pour the compound into the ball mold too. Of course, it came out too fast and there was a mess, but that’s ok. It’s to be expected with kiddos, right??!!

You have to dunk the ball mold in water for a minute then remove it to dry. Andon enjoyed shaking his money maker to dry off the mold. I’m sorry, but he’s just too cute (yes, I know I’m biased!).

Since I am working with Campbell’s to help create 32 days of Winter Weather Fun, I am going to take some suggestions from last week’s post to have some more fun with the boys. I will share our project next week. While I did try to convince the boys to make Snowmen Rice Krispie Men as Kathy suggested, they weren’t having it. The allure of making a mess and bouncy balls had an intoxication not even sugar and eating a snowman could break!

This post is part of a paid campaign sponsored by Divine Caroline and Campbells. The thoughts and ideas are all ME! You can review my Disclosure Policy for more information. Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.

I have a confession to make. I cannot stand the cold! I’m not one of those moms who will make snow angels and the arsenal of snowballs for the boys. Whew, that felt good to get that off my chest!

Our boys love to be outside in any temperature, but even more so when there is snow! We are lucky to have a small hill in our backyard. It is a great location for the boys, their friends and our neighbors to go sledding. We haven’t experienced any broken bones yet!

I will venture out bundled up to ensure I get snapshots to remember. I do manage to get back inside quickly before the snowball war begins. The kids know better than to attack the “Snow Princess.” Yes, I have given myself that title, thankyouverymuch!

Just because I do not prefer to freeze my limbs off doesn’t mean I can’t help my boys with their love of the snow in my own way! One thing I always do {since I’m nestled in the warmth of inside} is to prepare something warm for their little bellies after stripping off the snowy clothes and socks. The kids look forward to this as much as playing outside. They always request Hot Chocolate with marshmallows. We are well supplied during cold weather!

If it is around meal-time, we will do something hot like Pizza or Soups. I always stockpile soup since it’s quick and easy and can feed masses. Or, we will order pizza since that’s a special treat for them. We usually have several people to feed so either warm food item can feed a lot and is filling!

So, no, I don’t do the outside snow wars with the boys. Someone has to man the stove (or the phone for delivery) to ensure their little bellies have nourishment to de-ice! I’m happy to see the rosy little cheeks enjoy the hot goodies and hear them discuss the snow adventures of the day.

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Given the first big snow has come and gone, I have a few snapshots to scrapbook (when I ever find the time). However, I would prefer to find some indoor activities for next time when the kids are cooped up inside. Do you have a great indoor activity you do with your kids on these snowy days?

I have mentioned several times before that I’m not the most crafty mom so give me some good easy ideas, ya’ll! The idea you share in the comments will serve as an entry for a $50 Visa Gift Card!

I will close the entries for the giveaway on Monday @ Noon. I will contact the winner directly and update the Giveaway Page with the winners name. Please visit Mommy Snacks.net to leave a comment for an entry.

Campbells Chicken Noodle Soup who wants you to know that 32 feet of fresh egg noodles go into every can. For lots of fresh ideas about how to keep your kids entertained and the chance to win $500, check out Wintery Weather Fun at DivineCaroline.

Divine Caroline and Campbell’s will be sponsoring several posts over the next month similar to this one. The thoughts and ideas are all ME! You can review my Disclosure Policy for more information.

On New Year’s Day, we enjoyed a great time with our dear friends. We usually do our Christmas exchange with them on New Year’s Eve, but since Gin was sick we decided to move the date. That’s not really the point though :)

We have been to Buca di Beppo many times. It is a fun restaurant to visit since there are themed rooms. We sat with the Pope, actually. It’s also nice because they offer family style portions so you can get a lot of food and just share. The best part is probably because the dining experience is kid-friendly since it’s loud to begin with. The loud children we had weren’t even noticed given the environment.

But, I think we went the last time as a family. )-:

When we first arrived, I walked into the bathroom with Caleb (who is 5). I remembered some of the *adult* photographs in the ladies restroom. I saw them on the wall as we were washing our hands. I was distracting him so he didn’t notice the explicit pictures.

We were seated and chatting around the dinner table. In the Pope Room, there is a Michaelangelo-esque painting on the ceiling with little boy angels. They were anatomically correct and all. That didn’t even bother me. I have boys so it’s all equipment they have seen before. My nieces on the other hands hadn’t, but we just laughed it off.

Then, T said he needed to use the restroom. I didn’t even think about it whatsoever. “Go,” I tell him. He comes back and says “That bathroom was disqusting, Mom. You should have seen those pictures on the walls.” CRAP (figuratively)! He saw inappropriate pictures!!

We are not prudes, by any means. We can laugh about stuff. Yes, even Christians can do that. But, when it comes to exposing my children to images that are not meant for their young eyes, I’m not cool with it. I will protect their eyes from things like that for as long as I can. If that means they are 30 before they see it, so be it!

We talked about the pictures for a minute at the dinner table. I wanted to allow him to express his thoughts since I knew he did nothing wrong. We dropped it after a while. As we walked out, I started scanning the pictures on the walls of the hallways leading to the exit. Of course my eyes were more receptive to the images and what they actually were. I’d passed those same images several times before when we visited and never saw them as I saw them when I knew my child was going to see them. If that makes sense.

I was mortified!

It’s p0rn0graphy, period! I’m not naive to think that my son will never see images like this. But, I am in control of the environment that we place him in at his young, impressionable age. I am happy to hear him say the things he saw were disqusting to his eyes. He even said it as we were heating up leftovers the next day. But, that meant he remembered the images too.

I know many cultures look at the body as beautiful art. Many of these images are not what I would perceive as beautiful art. Actually, I saw a few that were down right cruel.

Let this post serve as a warning: Visit Buca di Beppo without children. Actually, don’t even take individuals with addictions that may be tempted by images such as these. I think Maggiano’s does family style dining too, right? Maybe that will be our next Italian experience (outside of Olive Garden, of course (-: ).

And, I can honestly say I’m glad it’s almost over. I’m really looking forward to a fresh new year.

I have been hearing this a lot lately, how we should be grateful for trials. How we should thank God for each new challenge. How it will make us stronger. You never think that how the small things in life can mushroom into something much bigger than you could ever control. And, that’s the thing – we don’t control anything.

With 2009, from a personal picture, we have faced a lot that has caused us to look to the one who is control. Close relationships have been severed. I still feel mom guilt. Our decision for a place of worship hasn’t been validated yet.

Yet, we still pray.

We still have hope.

I am convinced God will use us to be what He wants, not how others perceive we should be.

I believe in forgiveness. I believe in redemption. I believe in answered prayers. I believe we are allowed to hope because without that, in my heart there is nothing else that matters. I know 110% that my Rock will stand firm when I am shattered. God is good all the time, all the time God is good. I hear that – I see that – and I know that it’s true. No matter what challenge I face, it is well.

I listen to that song on high volume to make it sink in. I want my soul to be still so I can hear Him speak.

The world throws us curve balls. Um, I’m sorry Lord, but I’m not really a baseball fan. The balls hit me and it hurt. But, the bruises heal. Maybe that’s forgiveness? Maybe it’s just a matter of letting God take control – real control. Have I mentioned I’m a control freak? When it comes to this world, I’m confident that God knows what He’s doing yet I still want to give my $.02.

So, as 2009 closes, I am hopeful for what each new day brings. Whatever it brings. I will be His stubborn and beloved child.

Photo Credit

“Hey, we both love Jesus. Is your Jesus the Savior? Cause, ours was just born yesterday to a virgin. These Wise Men said they saw a star that brought them here and everything.” Matthew 2

“Oh no, is that Caesar?!! He has power issues.” Luke 2:1

“Safe for now! My life is a gift for you from our Father. Let’s Party!” John 3:16

This is totally cute. I just read about it over at Mommin’ It Up, who ironically learned about it from Doritos for Dinners.** {Yes, we all know each other here in Ohio}.

Anyway, you can go to the Portable North Pole and have a custom video from Santa made for your child. I just did this for Caleb, our 5-year old. We watched it and the look on his face was completely priceless. I may play it again and record his reaction for my benefit. It was precious!

Only, I recommend really knowing what your kid wants. In one of the parts of the video, Santa suggests a gift your child may actually receive. Even though Caleb told me he wanted a Zhu Zhu pet, turns out he doesn’t this week. Go figure! Overall, he was just excited that Santa emailed him!

I was going to try to embed the video, but it doesn’t look possible. You can see Caleb’s video from Santa here.

** Parent friendly blog but there may be some age sensitive material (-:

It seems I have said this to so many people lately but Christmas is such an emotional time for me. Maybe it is you too. While there is some sadness in the midst of the memories, there is far more joy and smiles as I look upon our Christmas tree.

As the ornaments are taking their positions on the tree, we talk about them. Our boys ask questions and we go back…waaaaay back! The memories that come back to me are so vivid! It’s as though they happened just hours before. I am amazed that an ornament can do that to my heart!

I look at the very first ornament Paul and I had as a married couple. It takes me back to that Christmas in 1998. Then, there is also that “Expecting” ornament we purchased that same Christmas since we just weeks pregnant. All in our very first Christmas.

I see Caleb’s little face staring back at me in between the glisten of the bulb. His day care made that ornament for us when he was just 11 months old. That was a tough year for us as we were transitioning to a new city, I had a new job, and we were struggling with my dad’s hospitalization and not having him home for Christmas. Little did we know that was his very last.

Then, to mourn dad’s passing, the following year I bought myself the “Comfort” Willow Tree ornament.

Of course, we had a lot of celebrating to do with Andon’s first Christmas. After he faced his health ordeal, he was fully recovered from his kidney surgery just months before. That, indeed was an ornament no one in our family will never forget.

We also do the annual ornament as a family with all of our names. It is so weird too but I can almost describe the day we purchased each one. I know that may sound crazy, but that is the memory I have when I look up at each ornament.

My fondest holiday memories are the ones that are shown on the tree. Each ornament means something to us – they tell the story of our family, our joys and tears. They are our memories all wrapped up in the glitter and glass of a tiny decoration.

Target is the sponsor of this post. The thoughts and memories are all ME! For lots of fun festive stuff – including a gift finder gizmo and the chance to win a $500 Target gift card – check out Happy Holiday Help on DivineCaroline.

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Please leave me a comment and tell me about one of your ornaments. Why is it so special to you? Your comment will enter you in for a chance to win a $50 Target Gift Card!

I will close the entries for the giveaway on Saturday @ Noon. I will contact the winner directly and update the Giveaway Page with the winners name. Please visit Mommy Snacks.net to leave a comment for an entry.

The holidays can be quite stressful. You have the gifts to buy, cookies to bake, decorating to impress, holiday parties and the list goes on. Well else could possibly add to the stress? Travel. What else could make travel even more challenging? Traveling with children!

Aye yai yai! We are lucky to live not too far away from family. It’s only 1.5 hours. But, that 1.5 hours with kids can increase blood pressure in a heartbeat. Well, of course you can sing carols and play fun games. But, we’re not *that* family. I wish we could be, but our boys have a mind of their own. Did I mention they are all boys and like to torment one another? Yes!

They get in the car looking all snazzy.

T and Caleb are just big Hams! And, Andon is enamored with his body parts. Whatever keeps them happy and clean!

But, in order to keep them looking slick and special, there are a few essentials that are required for any traveling with our children (maybe you can relate):

A favorite DVD
Yes, even if it means listening to iCarly for the one hundred billionth time. It keeps them somewhat compliant.

Snacks (Suckers, Candy or Cookies)
In the event the above DVD does not satisfy their need to squelch brotherly *love* (aka, yelling), then a good ole’ sucker in the mouth always works to keep the *loving* to a minimum! We also let them snack on the drive just so they don’t run into Grandma’s saying “OhMyGoshGrandmaWeAreStarving.” Maybe you have heard that one a time or two!

Mom’s Ear Buds
Yes, I realize this one is for me, but I can only handle so much iCarly!! And, they work quite well when the above phrase comes out upon arrival to Grandma’s (-:

Paper Towels or Wipes
While we do stay well equipped with those items above whenever we travel, the most important – no exaggerating here – are paper towels or wipes! I always have the van stocked with ‘em even for a 2-minute drive to the bank! You just never know with kiddos.

And here’s why…

What is worst than putting effort into your kids so they look precious in their holiday clothes and slicked up hair? Well, it’s seeing that they got crumbs all over the clothes, sucker goo in their slicked up hair and um…where did that mud come from since we’ve been in the van the past hour and a half!

So, to strike a balance, we allow all of the traveling essentials – including messy snacks. We ensure we have enough stuff to clean up! Less stress that way!

Before we arrive to Grandma’s, we do a quick wipe to the hands, face, nose and clothes to ensure they are snazzy as they were that 1.5 hours before! Crumbs and goo are taken care of with a good ole’ motherly spit bath and a few paper towels.

Viva Towels is the sponsor of this post. The thoughts and memories are all ME! For fun, fork-free recipes – including videos – and snappy entertaining ideas, get over to the VIVA® Diva Café.

Do you travel during the holidays? How do you cope with kiddos and messes without *loving* too much too!

Photo Credit

With Christmas around the corner, it’s time to get my shopping on. While some of the names on my list are fairly simple to buy for, I always try to find that *special* gift for the gals above – my best friends!

My friends are so much more than friends to me – they are truly my family. Considering I have grown up with them since pre-school, we are very close. We also share family holidays together. We always have, and now we include our own children in the festivities.

I love my friends dearly, but they are the hardest ladies to buy for! You know the type – they have everything and couldn’t want for anything. This makes gift giving especially challenging. Each year, I am on a quest to find a unique and creative gift for them. I want the gifts to be meaningful and something they can hold on to in between sizes (know what I mean :).

That picture above is from us last year. I was especially excited about the gift for them. I found these beautiful necklaces whose design interpreted sisterhood (which they both put on and are kinda visible in the picture). While they aren’t my sisters, I feel like they are even better than sisters – they are part of my soul.

I gave each her gift and they loved them. Honestly, I could have given them a new scarf and they would love it the same. That is also the type of friends I am blessed with. The necklace they have is one they will have through the years. Reminding them – and me – that we will be soul sisters forever! And, that is truly the best gift I could ever give – or receive – myself!

Target is the sponsor of this post. The thoughts and memories are all ME! For lots of fun festive stuff – including a gift finder gizmo and the chance to win a $500 Target gift card – check out Happy Holiday Help on DivineCaroline.

What is the best gift you have ever given or received for your girlfriends? I am on a shopping quest to find yet another fab and meaningful gift for them. So, Sue and Gin, don’t read the comments because you might just be opening something that someone suggests =)

Jewelry…jewelry could make it better! This past weekend, I hosted a jewelry party. Several good friends came over to oogle over jewelry and enjoy some yummy snacks!

I love parties like this because it means there are typically appetizers. Truth be told, I could just eat appetizers and no dinner. I guess that’s why they have Tapas restaurants!

For the party, I made several dips. My best friend and I were discussing the line-up and she suggested I had one too many dips. What can I say, I’m a dip kinda gal ;) I did add a few other finger foods to make it more balanced (you’re welcome, Sue).

I made my yummy Buffalo Chicken Dip, a Taco Dip, Veggies and Dip (you see, lots of dips). I also made cocktail weiners in a tomato-based sauce, a Veggie Pizza, brownies and fruit dipped in chocolate. I was going to make a Fruit Pizza, but we thought that may be one too many pizzas too. Aren’t you glad you have friends to discuss these types of things with??!!

As any party, we hung out, ate and looked at some beautiful jewelry. Since Jewelry plus messy dip hands doesn’t go together, I ensured there were plenty of paper towels around to clean up! Then, with clean hands, we tried on the jewels. It was a fun night. How can you not have a good time with friends, food and jewelry, right??!!

Oh, and that chocolate dipped fruit (above) may not look all picturesque, but it tasted delicious. That is the hardest stuff to dip. I was a MESS! When I was finished, I *trashed* the rejects in my belly!

The upside to getting chocolate all over your hands doing something like that is using fewer paper towels to clean up! I was full before the party started! Don’t worry though, I did actually wipe my hands too – that would just be gross not to! :)

Viva Towels will be sponsoring several posts over the upcoming months, including this one. The thoughts and ideas are all ME! For fun, fork-free recipes – including videos – and snappy entertaining ideas, get over to the VIVA® Diva Café.

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My BFF is hosting a similar party in a few weeks. And, given our dip dilemma I need to find some other great appetizers to make that aren’t dips but are fast and easy. Do you have some faves to share?

Please leave me a comment with your favorite appetizer recipe. Your comment will enter you in for a chance to win a $50 Visa Gift Card! I’m going to get her to try a few for the party :)

I will close the entries for the giveaway on Saturday @ Noon. I will contact the winner directly and update the Giveaway Page with the winners name. Please visit Mommy Snacks.net to leave a comment for an entry.

Photo Credit

What do you get when you add marshmallows, chocolate and graham crackers? Well, of course you know what these amazing ingredients will make…S’mores!!!

Last weekend we visited a local corn maze with friends and all of our families to celebrate. At this farm, there were private party areas set up with a campfire. We enjoyed some food before we ventured into the never-ending corn maze. It was mid-day and the perfect Fall weather. These are truly the perfect ingredients to enjoy a campfire and friends!

The boys playing in the creek. What’s a creek without water and mud, huh? They loved getting messy!

Any fire necessitates foods that, well, requires setting on fire! We enjoyed barbecue, juicy hot dogs (with mustard), yummy and messy S’mores and some salty chips – the saltier the better! So much yummy food and messy hands!!

But, the S’mores, let me tell you they were yummy! Do you know how hard it is to eat a S’more without getting your hands completely sticky messy? Near impossible! Do you know how hard it is to keep your kids’ hands from getting completely sticky messy? Completely impossible! Their hands, mouths and somehow their heads were all sticky from the gooey goodness of the roasted marshmallow and melted chocolate!

When you have any of these messy items, especially barbecue, you need something to clean up the hands and face (and apparently with children around, their sticky heads). While I firmly believe in the normal motherly cleaning, a little lick to the thumb and cleaning to the face, my friends don’t necessarily liked to be groomed like a mother cat grooms her kittens. Their children, on the other hand, don’t know the difference :)

Despite the protest of the adults not wanting to get a spit bath, I decided to use a wet paper towel to clean up our mess. Any outdoor grilling experience necessitates a paper towel that is strong enough to scrub off the char of black railroad ties! It also seems when a melted marshmallow hits the face or hands, it becomes part of your anatomy! So, a paper towel that won’t shred at the first swipe is important to ensure you get all excess S’more remnants off.

But, if a paper towel isn’t available, you could always try to clean up faces as I suggested before. Just make sure you are really good friends with the people you are trying to clean in this way, otherwise, it could just be awkward and gross :)

Oh, and definitely don’t wipe your hands on your clothes! Especially if you may have forced lovingly suggested that your spouse wear matching shirts. That would completely ruin the look!

His shirt says *My Wife Rocks* on the back (and front). My shirt says *My Husband Rocks*. Yes, we rocked them out!

Viva Towels will be sponsoring several posts over the upcoming months, including this one. The thoughts and memories are all ME! For fun, fork-free recipes – including videos – and snappy entertaining ideas, get over to the VIVA® Diva Café.

This parenting thing just doesn’t get any easier.

As you know, we have three sons. T is 10 years old and in the 5th grade. Caleb is 5 years old and just started Kindergarten this year. Andon is home with me (running me ragged) and is 2 years old.

The thing I have learned with our boys is that they each need a different type of parenting.

T has so much initiative and drive. He is getting to that age where he is really testing waters with how he speaks to us. There are some things I won’t tolerate and that’s a mouthy/back talking child! He’s not overboard, but he’s just trying to see what he can get away with.

I have NEVER had to be on T for doing school work. He has always just kind of done it. And, even when we agonized over whether to send him to Kindergarten as a *young* 5, we still went ahead with it. It wasn’t until last year (4th grade) that we were OK with that decision. Up until then, he was trying harder than most kids to be an average (or sometimes above average with A’s :) student. I am so proud of how he does in school. He certainly has areas to work on, but at least he recognizes that himself and tries harder to improve.

Andon, well, what can I say, Andon is our monster child! He has the terrible 2′s on STEROIDS! He has similar behaviors as T, but Andon is more hard headed! Talk about strong willed! I think even James Dobson would get a run for his money!

The kid undresses himself to spite me. He runs away from me at the drop of a dime. Seriously, we’ll go outside and “SWOOSH” he’s gone! We have to parent him very differently than the other two boys because they were not at ALL like this! I think they had some strong willed behavior, but not until they were at least 3 years old. I’m just praying that his monster-ness dies down at 3 (seriously, pray for that :).

Caleb, he is SO different! His personality is just plain different. He is laid back, likes being a clown and just overall *meh* when it comes to doing anything related to sports or school work. Now, he did play soccer a few seasons and he was more into looking at US to make sure we were watching him rather than watching the ball and competing. We just figured he wouldn’t be like T, and we don’t want him to be like him. We want Caleb to be himself.

He was in pre-school for two years. I sent him to a pre-school because I knew he needed socialization and we wanted to prepare him as much as possible for Kindergarten. I guess we wanted to give him a head start so he wouldn’t have to work as hard as T to *make the grade.* But, Kindergarten has been tough on him.

It all started out fun as he got to ride the bus. But, then he was crying before he got on the bus every morning. That has since stopped thank goodness. He has struggled with number/letter recognition. It’s not all his fault, I haven’t worked with him like I should. Even though we sent him to pre-school, he didn’t learn that much. I should have worked with him more and I should have talked to his teachers but I/we didn’t.

Shoulda, Coulda, Woulda…

Last week we were told Caleb is going to be in a Reading Intervention class. It will be to ensure he stays up with his classmates. I am glad that our school has a program like this, but still feel like a failure as a parent. I mean, I remember as a child I was in a similar class and I turned out fine, but I wonder if my parents felt the way I do.

Anyhoo, I gave you all that to ask you this. What types of materials have you used to encourage reading and help with letter/sight word recognition for your young child (since he is in Kindergarten)? We are doing what the teacher has suggested by reading small book sight words, but what have you found to be effective? Have you had this struggle with your kids?

From one parent to another…

Photo Credit

While I briefly mentioned why I thought Nestle may have invited me, let me share something personal with you before you start slamming me and the millions of other Americans who use the brand because we want to save money. Yes, I saw your tweets being negative towards those who were tweeting me during the event to win coupons.

My Participation

Our youngest son was born knowing that he would need surgery. I started couponing heavily around the time of his surgery. A year after his surgery we had saved MORE than the cost of our out of pocket, which was quite a lot for our middle class family. Yes, we used Nestle – we also bought SEVERAL other brands because using coupons for those products made my grocery bill considerably less.

Fast forward to today, where my blog is nearly 2 years old. Our son is now healthy (praise God!). Because of the various brands offering coupons allowing us to purchase more for less, we didnt go into debt to ensure our child would have two operating kidneys. I will continue to use these brands in order to save even though our financial situation is different. We choose to put that savings towards causes or ministries that we feel moved to support.

Inappropriate Behavior

The Golden Rule is obviously thrown out the window when people debate online. Honestly, that is why I don’t discuss such items. You cannot change someone’s mind, especially when someone has been boycotting an issue for 30 years. It’s just not going to happen.

Name calling is so juvenile and middle school. We heard we were corporate shills, sell-outs, cheap brand ambassadors, we like *shiny* stuff, we would do anything for a FREE trip, name dropping well-known bloggers as to have their name associated with the controversy in an attempt to bring your message more status. I have a LOT of integrity and for people to make such claims was disheartening. It makes me think that people will do just about anything for a pageview, which is quite unfortunate.

Another good one was discussions about our compensation, or lack thereof, for the event. How is that anyone’s business? Oh, that’s right..it’s NOT!! There is no rule book on blogging! Besides, I haven’t seen any market data to say what we, as bloggers, should be paid in the first place!

Even though I disagree with the approach some activisits took to share the cause, I commend you for being passionate about a cause enough to drum up support. There are many who stay neutral on so many topics and don’t want to voice their issues. There were inappropriate comments from many people that were unnecessary and made people lose credibility.

Nestle Key Takeaways

And, some may call this *Corporate Speak* but I don’t see it as that. Nestle admitted their own naivete with the lack of social media presence on Twitter or Facebook. Part of the reason the bloggers were invited was to learn more about the company, but also share our ideas on how they can engage more in social media.

Executives were surprised that the Formula Marketing debate was still as heated. Key word is as – they knew it was there but didn’t realize how twitter could magnify it to the nth degree. Having that information, the first question out of our mouths to the CEO was if Nestle complies with the WHO code for countries who adopt the code. You can see my response in the previous video I shared.

I understand that many think we were told what we *wanted to hear* and you are dead wrong. We asked questions and we each will choose to decipher the responses as individuals. What I will say is that they gave me responses that were satisfactory to the questions.

I didn’t see these as rehearsed messages either. I have worked with Executive staff, up to the CEO and Chairman of the Board. I think I am good at deciphering the BS (forgive me ;). Honestly, an executive is the great mouthpiece and strategist. It is the employees beneath him/her that take the heat and usually know the more detailed answers. It’s his/her job to hire the talented individuals who know their stuff. We did meet a lot of those people that know their stuff and have passion about this topic. I care more about integrity almost to a fault (and if you read my site, you know that). I met a lot of people who have integrity.

Community Awareness

I am bringing this up in this debate because the claims are quite relatable. Nestle does a LOT for the community. But, I specifically asked what they are doing in other countries to ensure there is clean drinking water. That seemed to be a large issue with the formula issue. But, even leave the debate of marketing formula aside, my larger concern is the lack of clean drinking water. Not just for babies who are using formula but for everyone.

Nestle briefly shared their work they are doing in Africa building wells. They also do quite a bit in the community and Feeding America. Again, since we were speaking with Nestle USA, there wasn’t much time to get into the global awareness and we weren’t with the appropriate audience to give us the answers.

The *So What* of It All

Despite what Nestle has or hasn’t done, there are broader issues I see from reading briefly on the claims against the company: childhood education, clean drinking water, mother/baby education. I’m not taking alleged ownership off of Nestle. I’m just saying that if your boycott and twitter storm doesn’t work, find a more effective way to make a difference. If you are interested, check out this massive list with World Vision to consider donating funds. I’m sure you have your own organization that would do this too.

Nestle isnt perfect. Nestle didnt profess to be perfect. We asked them the questions that others sent to us when bloggers were attacking us. Nestle offered to answer questions to those on twitter, and even have a phone conversation to answer questions. The twitter dialogue went on and I honestly don’t know if anyone felt satisfied with the responses they were given. I don’t think any of those activists for this cause would be happy with any response, honestly.

Future Nestle Support/Relationship

Looking back, after seeing all the names I have been called I would still make the same decision to attend this event. There, I said it. And, its for the very reason I introduce above: my site is about saving money and Nestle is a brand that I promote each week (if the stuff is on sale and has a coupon, I’m going to promote it).

And, I know this is the part that many are waiting to see and then blast judgements. I use Nestle products and will continue to, and continue matching sales for the brand (and the hundreds of other brands I match) here on this site. My support does not condone any alleged misconduct, my support is for a greater purpose. One that, if you have not been in financial hardship or without hope, you may not understand.

As I mentioned, Nestle supports causes in the US that I support. I see a relationship with Nestle going forward for me – blog aside – to make an impact on my community. I dont know what will come out the event, but I am open to getting support from them for the greater good. I’m not talking about giveaways or personal gain in any of this.

Key Takeaways

• The internet creates false sense of safety for people to behave in ways that would make their mom probably slap them in the mouth!
• People will judge you before they know you.
• People like to provoke irritation. It doesn’t even matter what it is, they will do it. Telling them to *Lay Off PLS* doesn’t work either :)

Again, these are merely my thoughts…as someone who was actually there. As someone who saw the comments in between tweets, gasping to see some people behave the way. I may have tried to make light of the situation, but when people call you a *baby killer* that is kinda hard to do.

Going Forward

At the end of the day, just ask yourself this: are you using your influence and energy to do something productive? Take a step back at the bigger picture and see how you can make a difference. If boycott is the answer, than boycott away! But, find a better strategy and share it with those who are passionate about this topic since their efforts have not worked in 30 years.

After reading some of the issues brought up and you feel called to do something productive to help the world be a better place, dont rely on Nestle. Rely on yourself! I know when I get where I’m going, I cant reason with God that I tried to do *XYZ* and couldn’t because of someone else. It’s all up to how I live my life and being the child that He wants me to be.

Disclaimer: Nestle did not ask me to write this post, I wanted to write this post! All travel, incidentals and products were paid in full/received for this event. That does not affect the content I share with you here – the views and thoughts are all ME! My disclosure can explain anything you could ever want to know about anything that may need disclosing :)