Adventures at the Pumpkin Patch

Awww an adventure at the Pumpkin Patch… Fall is my favorite season of the year and I think my kids like it too!

What a better way to start our weekend than visiting our favorite farm, Holiday Farms in Ridgeland, South Carolina and just like they claim, "Just not a Holiday... an experience!"

Our family has visited this farm for a couple of years now and there are a few things I truly love about this farm, for example, they are family owned and operated, they transform the farm on each holiday and you are welcome to bring your own food and drinks.  We all now how expensive purchasing food and drink can be when visiting the local fair.   They also have a covered picnic area for all the visitors to enjoy. 

Holiday Farms offer many activities and my kids take advantage of every single one.  Well, let me take that back, they can no longer do the speedway since that activity is only for toddlers… 

As soon as we arrived we were able to see the welcome signs, the "fall" decorations and hay rolls sprayed painted with funny images of animals. 

 My favorite decoration was this perfectly shaped pumpkin painted in red... it looked so shiny!  

Not far from the entrance we were able to find a large group of colorful "mums".  Last year my best friend gifted me with some of her "orange" mums. I know, they don't last very long but they just look so festive!

And who can say no to their new Jumppad!  and guess what?  Adults are also allowed to jump on it too!!! Not that I got on it or anything... 

Our kids spent a good amount of time jumping and chasing each other on this pad.  Energy zapper at work!

Then we enjoyed some time playing with the cornhole boards!  This is when I realized my daughter has an amazing arm and aim.  Yes, they had 4 different sets of boards and they had to play on each one.  So we played this game for a w-h-i-l-e!

After playing with the conrnhole game, they moved towards the next game, "ring toss".   

When they realized the wagon was coming, they forgot about the ring toss game and ran towards the "Barnyard Zoo" in order to board the wagon! 

See, they ran.. we didn't.. because we knew that once they got closer to the barn, they were going to pet every animal before they actually got on the wagon.   And petted, they did! HAHA!

Their new covered wagon actually takes you around the farm to the back field which is where all the pumpkins are.  Another great thing about this adventure, everyone got to pick a pumpkin from the patch which was included in their $10.00 admission fee.

Pumpkins everywhere... big pumpkins, medium size pumpkins, tiny baby pumpkins, and it was so much fun trying to find that perfect pumpkin to bring home.  

Our only rule for the day was, if you can't carry it (pumpkin) then you can't take it. After all parking was at a good distance away from the grounds, so it made sense to put that rule in place, especially if you have to carry a pumpkin of your own.  But when you have daddy wrap around your little finger, who cares what mommy says! 

And we couldn't just leave without seeing a "pig race", that would have been an incomplete experience for them! 

It was fun to see all those little piglets running!

These are the faces of some tired and hungry kids!  Unfortunately, our kids waited too long to decide it was time for them eat.  

If you know me, then you already know that when I take the kids to places like this, I only go for one thing and one thing only, FOOD!  So, as soon as I got there I went straight to the extremely long line that promised to provide me with some good old fashion Funnel Cake, ribs and perhaps some good BBQ chicken.  Our children had other plans, they insisted that they were not hungry and there was no need for me to stand in line, so we decided to forgo the food and go straight for the activities.  

Let me say this, what a GIGANTIC MISTAKE that was! Since they waited until the last minute, all the greasy and delicious food was GONE and they had no other choice but to settle for snow cones and a small basket of french fries!  

But they had so much fun that not been able to get a funnel cake was totally okay with them.

We highly suggest you make plans to visit Holiday Farms.  Your little ones will enjoy participating in the many activities like barrel racing, duck racing, corn grinding, steer roping, cow milking and getting to know the animals at the Barnyard Zoo.  

Every Saturday you will be able to enjoy the food from their concession stands as well as live entertainment!

Don't forget to stop by their General Store while you are there and check out all of their items like their local honey, jellies, jams as well as soaps, candy and toys!

But our adventures are not stopping there... today we will be putting our costumes on and having some fun with the officers at SCMPD Precinct 5!

  

SALE ALERT: SinfulColors Guise & Ghouls Glowing Masquerade

Hello everyone!!

    I've finally found the time to visit my local Walgreens and the timing was perfect! 

    I found that all the SinfulColor Guise & Ghouls Glowing Masquerade are finally on SALE for $1.99 each!!! 

In this collection you will find:

* Cloak & Swagger

* Play Dead

*Nice Guise

*Deja Boo

*Hazel Moon

*Got a Bat Attitude

*Dead On

*Glow In The Dark Top Coat

*Let's Talk

*Courtney Orage

*Black on Black

Walgreen Exclusive:

*Where Oh Werewolf

I picked the Glow in the Dark for Ms. Bree and she is going to love it!!  Yes, my daughter loves nail polishes as much as I do.  (maybe more than me)

 The Glow In The Dark polish is a top coat and it promises to really get things "glowing".

I picked the above colors for me.  Unfortunately, Courtney Orange was not available but I was able to grab Cloud 9 at the same price.  Cloud 9 seems to be a bit lighter and brighter than Courtney Orange. 

If you have a Walgreens Rewards Card then don't forget to use it, instead of paying $1.99, you will only pay $1.50!!  

Stay tuned because I will be doing my own manicure and I will be using Cloud 9 together with Black on Black topped with a few accent stickers!

Are you planning to join the festivities by dressing up or maybe by getting a "wicked" manicure for the week??  If you decide to take advantage of this great sale, make sure you tell us which colors you picked!! 

A Review on Educents' Educational Products

(Affiliate Links are included)

Hello everyone!! 

As parents, we are the most important teachers our children can possibly have.  

I deeply believe that (the parents) have to work together with the teachers in order to assure our children are academically successful.  It is crucial that we keep an open and constant open line of communication with their teachers when it comes to our children's daily behavior and progress. 

I understand that being involved in your child's "daily" progress may seem impossible due to our own daily (and busy) schedule.  To make sure you are well informed, I highly recommend you communicate with your child's teacher at least once a week in order to check their daily progress.  Making a monthly "Parent-Teacher" conference to discuss progress and general curriculum is also another way of staying involved.  Whichever way you choose, staying involved will make a difference in your child's education.  

At the beginning of the school year, during our "open house" (or "meet & greet"), I always "warn" my children's new teachers.  I am that "parent", the type of parent that will call you once or twice a week if I feel my child is lacking in an area, if I have questions about an assignment, concerns about a test results and the impact that score may have in their grades. 

Allow me to include you on this I have never been told by a teacher that they don't appreciate my involvement.  (at least not yet right)

So, don't be afraid to get involved in your child's education, trust me, both, your child and the teacher will thank you for it.

Now, there are many different ways we can support our children's learning at home, whether during their vacation, or throughout the school year. 

I am constantly looking for ways to help my children learn their assignments.  During one of my many searches for new way to teach them, I found this amazing website, Educents that offers many education products at very reasonable prices. 

Now, our children started their 4th week of school today and I can see that our son is having a difficult time understanding long division. 

Long Division Worksheets

This is a 42 page PDF document that you can download as soon as you buy it.  The price you asked?  $1.95!! Yes, for less than two dollars you get 12 leveled long division worksheets on graph paper with the Answer Keys.  At the end you will also find two tests with answer keys and free posters highlighting the steps of long division. 

It also has long division with remainders, up to three digit dividends and two digit divisors. 

I review my son's notebooks and homework every night to make sure he has completed all his assignments.  I also do this so that I may know what he is currently learning in all his classes.  Been able to know the areas he needs extra help with also helps me prepare extra worksheets accordingly.

My son is not the only one who  needs an extra hand, after reviewing last week's class work and quizzes, I realized Ms. Bree needs extra help with "Compound Words". 

Compound Words Cut & Paste Activities

This Compound Words: Cut and Paste Activities was only $1.50!!  You read that right, I almost broke the bank with that one!! hahhaa  This product is also a PDF document and I was able to download and print right away. 

I can assure you that you child will have fun while learning with this fun activity book.  Our daughter loves coloring, cutting, gluing stuff, therefore, this activity is right up her alley. 

I am enjoying this amazing website, Educents.com.  As I stated before, some of the items are on PDF format that can easily downloaded into your computer and printed upon purchase.  Some of the bigger items (kits and books) have to be shipped.   

I placed my order ad within an hour I received an email stating that my order had shipped!!  We will review and show our next item, Magic-School-Bus-3D Journey Through the Solar System as soon as we receive it!!  It's a 3D book and it comes with 3D Glasses!! 

Easy to print (inespensive) worksheets and fast shipping are not all the things Educents offers... They also have FREE items, for a limited time of course, but Free none the less.  They have a large selection of free items that any teacher or parents can use.  

Free Addition Word Problems

Make sure you browse thru all their products! 
Educents.com

End of the Year Awards....

So much to share.... First, a big CONGRATULATIONS to our baby girl for achieving her first Honor Roll!! (yes, first, she's only in first grade) :)

Today, my husband and I attended a second "Award Ceremony" for our daughter.  Their official ceremony was this past Monday.  Unfortunately, due to some miscommunication in within the staff, some students were overlooked, including our hard working daughter who had only one B (88) in Language Arts.

Both of my children are hard working kids, but this girl... she is the definition of "committed".  You may remember her monthly illnesses and her second surgery which forced her to be out more days that any child is allowed.  If you have not, you can read about her struggle here: A Little Girl's Journey to Surgery: Tonsillectomy

Ms. Bree studied very hard even during the days she was sick.  She would often take two tests in one week because it was important to her to make up all the work and tests she had missed while she was absent.  Ms. Bree never cared for scoring anything lower than a 90, and whenever she would score anything in the 80s (which is still a B by the way), she would be very upset, to the point of tears but it also made her more determined to do better.

There were times, when she couldn't stand knowing she didn't get an A, she would beg me to talk to her teacher and asked her if it was possible for her to re-take the test, "because I wasn't ready mama, I was sick for three days and I couldn't remember it all, I got confused".  What kind of kids does that??  I sure didn't!! I would just put extra patting on my butt and pray my mama beating would be a quick one!!   

Imagine our surprise when she received a "Reading Award"!! I was informed that her Lexile Level is 460!! (In Georgia, 2016 Lexile Gateway Requirements in order to be promoted, students in the 2ND Grade must meet a 345 Lexile Level)  Well, let's just say that I don't anticipate her having any problems in the reading department.  Regardless of her level, she will continue to do lessons from her Common Core Language Art Book and we will continue to practice dictation and spelling through out the summer.

Now, all of you know I'm a planner, and my entire week was consumed by the planning of "Summer Lessons".  Yes, I'm that kind of mom that makes her kids work even during the summer.....

I had already compiled a list of possible titled for Ms. Bree to read this summer but now I have to pick new titles.  We were under the impression her reading level was in the 200s... Boy, did she have us fooled!! Her list of books must be in the 400 to 500 range.  Jeesshhh!

Continue the good work my mini me, mommy and daddy are so proud of you!

We will continue to give you all the tools you need to do better in school, but remember that it's really your hard work and your determination to be an amazing student that made this possible!!  

Ideas for the Perfect Mother's Day Gifts!

With Mother's Day a few days away, we decided to put together a list of special ideas to help you find the perfect Mother's Day Gift.  Whether you are shopping for Mom, Grandmother, Sisters, Aunts, or friends.

Why not help her keep her skin looking radiant and young with some of these products.  Our friend, Korrie has some fabulous products that she promises will make that special woman a very happy one.

Here is what Korrie has to say: 

Hey Ya'll, give her what she wants!! Mother's Day is a few days away.  Every woman I know loves to feel cherishes, nourished and wants beautiful glowing skin.  Why not do it without breaking the bank ?!!

Everything is under $25.00, Buy 5 and get the 6th free.  These are natural based products, cruelty free AND you can earn perks fro every $1.00 you spend on her!  

Wow, I would love to get pampered with these products!  To place your orders click on her party link: Korrie's Korner Perfectly Posh

Let's continue shall we.  

For Mom who enjoys a good cup of tea.... 

Primula Daisy Glass Tea Pot, Clear and Rishi Tea Turmeric Ginger Bundle

Kitchen Aid Quart Kettle with C Handle

 For Moms who love to entertain!

Royal Albert Devotion, Gratitude and Joy 3-Tier Cake Stand 

Designed by Miranda Kerr

Royal Albert New Country Roses Pink Teaset, 3-Piece

Wilton Chocolate & Candy Melts Melting Pot

For Moms who love to be outdoors...

Woven Willow Picnic Basket (for 4)

Vivere Double Hammock with Space-Saving Steel Stand, Tropical

For the wine lovers...

BigMouth Inc Ultimate Wine Bottle Glass

BigMouth Inc "How Was Your Day?" Wine Glass

From the kids' heart.....

For this particular section, my kids helped picked the gifts they felt any Mother would love to receive.  Willow Tree is an intimate line of figurative sculptures that speak in quiet ways to whoever receives them as a gift.   

Willow Tree Mother and Daughter Memory Box

Willow Tree Mother & Son

Amlong Crystal Mothers Day Gift "I Love You Mom" Lighted Crystal Cube With Gift Box

Mother's Day Personalized Engraved Cutting Boards

For the Fit Mom...

FitBit Blaze (Plum-Small)

My husband recently gifted me with a FitBit Blaze of my own and I'm completely in love with it.  FitBit Blaze comes in three different colors, Black & Silver, Blue & Silver and Plump & Silver and it also comes in two different sizes, Small & Large.  

If you cannot decide which of the above gifts will be perfect for that special woman, you can always let her celebrate this special day her way by giving her GIFT CARDS or how about a day at your local Spa... 

Either way, the most important is to celebrate her, show her how much her work is appreciated and how thankful you are for having her in your life.  

Happy Shopping! 

The Amazing SCAD Sidewalk Art Festival

Hello everyone! 

Daddy is finally home and we are so happy that our little family it's back together... Yes, Hubby had to travel to Columbia, South Carolina and had to remain there for an entire week!  

Was it hectic? Absolutely! Having to drive the kids to all of their after school activities, making sure their homework was completed as well as my house chores had me begging for mercy by Friday.  I have always thought magnificent things of single mothers, I've always praised their ability to juggle it all by themselves, but after spending a week alone with all the responsibilities, my respect for single mothers have increased by a thousand percent.  

There is no better way to relax than to enjoy a beautiful day at  the park admiring some mind blowing colorful pieces of art, created with chalk by SCAD students, alumni and high school students as well!! 

S.C.A.D. (Savannah College of Art and Design) hosted the 35th Annual Sidewalk Arts Festival which took place at the beautiful Forsyth Park this past Saturday, April 23, 2016.  

This event is always free and the public is always welcome to witness these artists creating their masterpieces for a chance to win prizes at the end of the show. Artists at the top of the different categories are awarded a special prize.  

IN REMEMBRANCE OF PRINCE:

It was amazing to see not just one but many colorful creations done in memory of the magnificent and talented Prince, who sadly passed away on Thursday.

But this was by far our favorite!  This was created by the talented Ariana Fletcher!  When we inquired about her art, we discovered that it took her nearly two and a half hours to complete.  Let me say this, these pictures don't do the artist justice.  

  

Here are some more murals dedicated to Prince that were created by different artists. 

These are some more of our favorites: 

Little Man's favorite was this dinosaur, "more specifically, a velociraptor".. 

"Lemon-aid" was my favorite for so many reasons:

1. Bree was dressed in this "lemon-"lime" color, and 

2. I enjoyed the joke in the title of this piece. 

We had a great time viewing the art and even go to see some of these talented artist create their art, it truly was amazing.  There is nothing better than spending "family time" on a lovely sunny day in the park   The way God intended us to enjoy each other.