tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-63717228968259866302024-03-13T11:01:59.379-05:00Rattled MomThe blog formerly known as "mombalance" - still written by a balance-seeking working mom of three.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.comBlogger71125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-56291518815378455092015-03-11T23:36:00.004-05:002015-03-11T23:36:59.098-05:00Urbini Dream Nursery Contest<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small; text-align: center;"><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_26421">I participated in a Blog Blast Activation on behalf of Influence Central for</i><i> Urbini</i><i id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_26429">. I received a promotional item to thank me for my participation.</i></span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">One of the best parts of welcoming our little ones into our home was designing a beautiful space for them to sleep. Now that I'm in the midst of designing three "big kid" rooms for our new home, I'm reminded of that lovely time spent picking out their first cribs, bedding and decor. </span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX43GbSU81TvHgol3tCdscuhejSGqpq_LADKld4VKqmZmC6FuBRnfrWRgfiqw14Dibbn8c1I3KyHb_Czzz4dI7OhCrDS3-t0rw9F1M1puO7qp4dtXv4AEPyCHW5FsXRfWCxa-aozYm1c1I/s1600/Sweetli_Walnut.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiX43GbSU81TvHgol3tCdscuhejSGqpq_LADKld4VKqmZmC6FuBRnfrWRgfiqw14Dibbn8c1I3KyHb_Czzz4dI7OhCrDS3-t0rw9F1M1puO7qp4dtXv4AEPyCHW5FsXRfWCxa-aozYm1c1I/s1600/Sweetli_Walnut.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">For those parents who are planning a room for a little one, you can enter to win a "dream nursery" redesign of a room in your home, or a nursery update if you are welcoming another child. If you're no longer in the nursery stage of life, you can still enter to win a daily $50 Walmart gift card by spreading the word. </span><br />
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<span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">The grand prize winner will receive Urbini furniture including a crib, changing table, dresser, Cubi play yard, and a home visit by Urbini designer Rachel Dacks to outfit the newly designed nursery. You just supply the baby! There is a second prize of </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;">a choice of one Urbini Crib, and third price wins an Urbini Cubi play yard. </span><span style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"></span><br />
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<span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14476" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14475">To enter the Urbini Dream Nursery Contest to win the Grand, Second, or Third Prizes, contestants must post an Instagram photo of the room they want to redesign<b id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14491"> <u id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14490">to their personal Instagram account</u> </b>tagging #UrbiniDreamNursery and #Contest. For all other entry information, including entering to win the daily $50 Walmart Gift Cards, please visit </span></span><a href="http://www.urbinidreamnursery.com/" id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14480" rel="nofollow" style="background-attachment: initial; background-clip: initial; background-color: white; background-image: initial; background-origin: initial; background-position: initial; background-repeat: initial; background-size: initial; color: #196ad4; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin: 0px; outline: none; padding: 0px; text-align: center;" target="_blank">www.UrbiniDreamNursery.com</a><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14493" style="background-color: white; font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; text-align: center;"><span id="yui_3_16_0_1_1426132866416_14492">.</span></span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><a class="e-widget generic-loader" href="https://gleam.io/UxwvS/urbini-dream-nursery" rel="nofollow">Urbini Dream Nursery</a></span></div>
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Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-19616342903067070022011-06-27T14:36:00.002-05:002011-06-27T14:42:19.402-05:00It's a technology cleaner. It's a toddler toy!Last week I attended a training to learn about the iPad and its implications for classroom instruction. It was a fantastic training and I'm super-excited to take this technology for a spin in the classrooms I work with next fall. <br />
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I got a nifty prize - this fun microfiber mitt for cleaning the iPad screen. <br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO59NI_lPaxc9jARmwD_ew25-c7coAvCx1JiLXMr-sg1Lj3j6EZeGO2v0K7RP1B7qckwO2q7iMy8Th_eRKHHzEVRYEvlcpCW0NHYkDYi7PoFTs77PkFfHPxMalEz4M7oiJ7NKOMl8Mbv/s1600/IMG_20110620_145916.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="240" width="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjEkO59NI_lPaxc9jARmwD_ew25-c7coAvCx1JiLXMr-sg1Lj3j6EZeGO2v0K7RP1B7qckwO2q7iMy8Th_eRKHHzEVRYEvlcpCW0NHYkDYi7PoFTs77PkFfHPxMalEz4M7oiJ7NKOMl8Mbv/s320/IMG_20110620_145916.jpg" /></a></div><br />
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It also works great as a toddler distraction device for cranky little ones with a hurt arm at the pediatrician's office. :)<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErWiAxaqvdbLfEBQXNgXFalNNaTirmVoAQycgiQbDash_4D3-pMV9osHOJD-R9M-CERlxEqrgCH0EYMUEOxvuXtyvmUQ5nY4_O-Cpr0fxsOb7mek0fNdtX3WSUVL_Dn_MKDvtGQKmtdhf/s1600/IMG_20110616_171315.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear:left; float:left;margin-right:1em; margin-bottom:1em"><img border="0" height="320" width="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgErWiAxaqvdbLfEBQXNgXFalNNaTirmVoAQycgiQbDash_4D3-pMV9osHOJD-R9M-CERlxEqrgCH0EYMUEOxvuXtyvmUQ5nY4_O-Cpr0fxsOb7mek0fNdtX3WSUVL_Dn_MKDvtGQKmtdhf/s320/IMG_20110616_171315.jpg" /></a></div>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-85803887226135717192011-06-14T13:47:00.003-05:002011-06-14T14:03:39.277-05:00It's summer!Woo-hoo! Summer vacation is finally here! I love this time at home with my kids, and the chance to take on some other projects and new learning. This week I'll be doing some learning about iPads in the classroom. <br /><br />Summer also means renewing my blog. I've got some plans up my sleeve, and can't wait to do more writing, idea sharing, and some remodeling of my little project on the web. I look forward to chatting with you in between days filled with sunshine!Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-19493285741846650802011-05-01T22:35:00.005-05:002011-05-01T23:19:00.814-05:00Taking Care of Mom: Crest Invigorating RinseI have not had the best of luck with my teeth. I've always enjoyed soda, and coffee (LOTS of coffee!) and although I consider myself a healthy person, my teeth are starting to show some wear. One of my resolutions this year was to devote a little time to taking better care of myself, so that I can feel better and be a better wife, mom, daughter, and friend.<br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWeqIAfrSfVLl2XSF8oMu90hhlvoNUIKRl-If9Mq7K5JwnIDFY8b6CQ_jgq5aB2ubFMlN785uGNGj-YUNWFRvVyDH1U-M8Mc4wT-L9HK3l_6AGhUzfsCIkhP5gsDpFqKfjMSLE7dt-Vf3/s1600/cph+clean+rince.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 90px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5601964731153289042" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjWeqIAfrSfVLl2XSF8oMu90hhlvoNUIKRl-If9Mq7K5JwnIDFY8b6CQ_jgq5aB2ubFMlN785uGNGj-YUNWFRvVyDH1U-M8Mc4wT-L9HK3l_6AGhUzfsCIkhP5gsDpFqKfjMSLE7dt-Vf3/s320/cph+clean+rince.jpg" /></a><br /><br />For the last few weeks, I've added the <a href="http://www.crestprohealth.com/crest-products/invigorating-clean-multi-protection-rinse.aspx">Crest Pro-Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse</a> to my daily self-care routine, morning and night.<br /><br /><strong>My overall impressions are:</strong><br /><br />It's really easy! Even on the busiest days, 30 seconds isn't impossible to find. You can use a mouth rinse while doing other things to get ready. (Yay, multitasking!)<br /><br />It freshens breath - and that's never a bad thing!<br /><br />I felt like I was doing something positive to improve my oral health. Since my last couple of dentist visits have been more "eventful" than I would prefer, any action to improve my health feels like a positive step!<br /><br /><em></em><br /><strong>I wish:</strong><br /><br />I would love it if Crest considered making a version without artificial coloring. I think an "icy mint" clear version would be great, and since I'm trying to eliminate artificial colors from other products we use, this would be a good place to eliminate these additives as well. I would like it just as much without the bright green hue!<br /><br /><em>Disclosure Statement:</em><br /><em></em><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>“I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by </em></span><a href="http://www.momcentral.com/mcc"><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Mom Central Consulting </em></span></a><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a promotional item to thank me for taking the time to participate.”</em></span>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-38907697338627995672011-04-06T12:33:00.008-05:002011-04-06T22:29:18.291-05:00Crest Pro-Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse Test DriveI try to take good care of myself. But we all know, as moms, sometimes we come last. In between sleepless nights and taking care of my kids, my family, and my job, I will admit that dental care has not been the foremost thought in my mind most days. Even now, I'm often up too late and low on sleep. I brush, but I know I don't give it my all (or the entire two minutes recommended) many nights. I've never regularly used a mouthwash. And my dentist is nice enough to keep asking if I floss regularly, even though he knows the answer. <br /><br />(I do! For about three weeks after each dentist appointment. Really! Then...not so good.) <br /><br />I have a nice smile, and good intentions, but I'm not typically confident that each dental check-up won't result in two or three less pleasant follow-up appointments. <br /><br />So, I was excited to be invited to participate in the Crest Pro-Health Invigorating Clean Multi-Protection Rinse Test Drive (just try saying that 3 times fast!) <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe4N-U30dxOXg7uYbqY0M-OLsP-fWpMKOiggXgZhb4VDxMY1e0bqsFc2VsgECMqQ5JdKYoUw3naFB0W9EgXsB9OEWm-1sb_eCtI2QCm_fi2q1cwZ2gVo-wNNFqS98RPoDEZKx9dEr8Q0Z/s1600/cph+clean+rince.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 90px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 150px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5592671377232563554" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZe4N-U30dxOXg7uYbqY0M-OLsP-fWpMKOiggXgZhb4VDxMY1e0bqsFc2VsgECMqQ5JdKYoUw3naFB0W9EgXsB9OEWm-1sb_eCtI2QCm_fi2q1cwZ2gVo-wNNFqS98RPoDEZKx9dEr8Q0Z/s320/cph+clean+rince.jpg" /></a> <br /><br />I'll be adding this rinse to my daily routine for the next few weeks, and I'll update you with my results. I'm all for the invigorating sensation. Who can't use some more "invigorating" anything in their lives? Fresher breath can't be a bad thing either! It kills germs (which are bad) and keeps teeth cleaner longer (which is good.) I hope it's just the thing to help me take better care of...me! <br /><br />Disclosure: <em>I wrote this review while participating in a test drive campaign by </em><a href="http://www.blogger.com/www.momcentral.com/mcc"><em>Mom Central Consulting</em></a><em> on behalf of Crest and received a sample to facilitate my candid review. Mom Central Consulting sent me a gift card to thank me for taking the time to participate.</em>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-21025813235189150852011-04-02T00:00:00.000-05:002011-04-02T00:00:03.358-05:00Spring Sensory Giveaway from Soft and SPDBN!<div>It's World Autism Awareness Day, so it seems like the perfect time to share a great giveaway. <a href="http://www.softclothing.net/">Soft clothing</a> and the <a href="http://www.spdbloggernetwork.com/2011/03/25/spring-sensory-giveaway-from-soft-and-spdbn/">SPD Blogger Network</a> are once again sponsoring a sensory giveaway. My little lady (and sensory-input seeker!) would LOVE the items in this giveaway! </div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHI9hxvTH0pfS8JOKJ5FwcmvoFbwVoDPBy7jmVJteZb5LBArqrW1z_PwppOPLHm43tBy5UhdeXz7QWao-pKKu_SSLB7iINTctOBJM0PgYS40I92dO3hbDsk6WrdVMDXxNMJ7YsQc9mfML/s1600/spring_sensory_giveaway.jpg"><img style="MARGIN: 0px 10px 10px 0px; WIDTH: 400px; FLOAT: left; HEIGHT: 322px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5590810370915210130" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVHI9hxvTH0pfS8JOKJ5FwcmvoFbwVoDPBy7jmVJteZb5LBArqrW1z_PwppOPLHm43tBy5UhdeXz7QWao-pKKu_SSLB7iINTctOBJM0PgYS40I92dO3hbDsk6WrdVMDXxNMJ7YsQc9mfML/s400/spring_sensory_giveaway.jpg" /></a></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div></div><br /><div>Be sure to check it out if you have a child in your life with sensory needs! </div>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-13672793453925467002010-11-24T15:32:00.007-06:002010-11-24T15:48:58.149-06:00Holiday shopping for therapeutic toys!Well...I'm in full-swing shopping mode.<br /><br />Maybe not so much on Friday morning at 4 am, but I'm definitely on the lookout for things that will bring my children smiles this year, and help them learn and grow.<br /><br />My kids don't really need toys. At all. We seem to have toys coming out of every corner of our home, in fact. What I would like to do is provide my kids, and ask Santa to bring, some wonderful things that will help them make new discoveries and provide some new challenges and fun. For my daughter with autism, I'm shopping almost exclusively for "sensory-friendly" toys and materials that will support her therapy goals.<br /><br />Soft clothing and HL3B have a <a href="http://www.softclothing.net/products/sale/giveaways/">Sensory Friendly holiday giveaway</a> going on that would be so fun for my daughter to win. Check out the fun items they will be giving away:<br /><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjGsCNMsGOdOv_S6kzPDzLAXUW_GppfDu0AEz3kfzZHjyirQb71cbxaPIJQ4Ym85OJ3SG674zNyUbTUiRGLMI9ZdhjhyphenhyphenyeQ06ZRkhYov7Hs-b-ZPQlxdKgLNAkb052pjxC-OqFvVlMBAq/s1600/holiday_giveaway.jpg"><img style="WIDTH: 380px; HEIGHT: 400px; CURSOR: hand" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5543234507449981442" border="0" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhNjGsCNMsGOdOv_S6kzPDzLAXUW_GppfDu0AEz3kfzZHjyirQb71cbxaPIJQ4Ym85OJ3SG674zNyUbTUiRGLMI9ZdhjhyphenhyphenyeQ06ZRkhYov7Hs-b-ZPQlxdKgLNAkb052pjxC-OqFvVlMBAq/s400/holiday_giveaway.jpg" /></a><br /><br />I'd be delighted for her to have any of these play items to use in her therapy. She'd also look gorgeous in that yellow Soft party dress! No bothersome tag or seams, either!<br /><br />Wish me luck, or go enter the giveaway for a child in your life who would also benefit from some wonderful sensory-friendly materials like these.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-11889757325128351142010-11-07T21:10:00.023-06:002010-11-08T23:32:10.671-06:00Green is gorgeous! mini mioche review and giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBXR1NrP9pWWEdHRwqg3NyGaHybfrkMP1rw6QGz7AEegAkiLSgGi2AYlNH9etSlPXe05Gr3bmSvuPCK-26sjAhAAJ4yoLEP7ZXRsQCQwU6_j87uvNstPO20iwrg1ONjtRTINLpWVSvm4d/s1600/H5.jpg"><img style="float: left; margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; cursor: pointer; width: 213px; height: 284px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjBXR1NrP9pWWEdHRwqg3NyGaHybfrkMP1rw6QGz7AEegAkiLSgGi2AYlNH9etSlPXe05Gr3bmSvuPCK-26sjAhAAJ4yoLEP7ZXRsQCQwU6_j87uvNstPO20iwrg1ONjtRTINLpWVSvm4d/s320/H5.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537410110787058946" border="0" /></a>I've tried to "green" many areas of my life, especially where my children are concerned. We eat many organic foods, have used cloth, hybrid, and eco-friendly disposable diapers, made our own baby food, and we do what we can in our daily living to consume less and reuse.<br /><br />However - organic clothing just seemed too "something." Too expensive, too limiting, too "crunchy" or un-cute. I don't know. I've just never been able to go there.<br /><div> </div><div> </div><br /><div> </div>So I really admire the efforts of <a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tiny.cc/bdgpw">mini mioche</a> founder, Alyssa Kerbel. When she had her first daughter, she realized how difficult it was to find great stylish, comfortable and affordable fashion for her little one without the often tacky traditional colors and patterns. She also wanted to find an alternative to the negative environmental footprint left by traditional clothing manufacturing. Mini mioche was created out of these ideals.<br /><div><br />The premise for mini mioche is simple:<br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZKXUaHCX74QPQWFgM4acQxsM3QHtL42lzcUNsKAj9UUIU7mUWYblIoviXEHHdgv90owp_TqSKNPR0NohTN1ucTuDASQ06kFHEYTYkHFx0YmA6FlAkpw6Q3E0-6TlWnxLP4OllcufSMSp/s1600/H1.jpg"><img style="float: right; margin: 0pt 0pt 10px 10px; cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj4ZKXUaHCX74QPQWFgM4acQxsM3QHtL42lzcUNsKAj9UUIU7mUWYblIoviXEHHdgv90owp_TqSKNPR0NohTN1ucTuDASQ06kFHEYTYkHFx0YmA6FlAkpw6Q3E0-6TlWnxLP4OllcufSMSp/s320/H1.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5537412087974499346" border="0" /></a><br />Amazing basics and fashion styles<br />The absolute softest organic cotton<br />Great fitting products<br />Interesting and difficult to find colors (no pastels!)<br /><br />Each baby and toddler clothing piece from mini mioche (pronounced “Mee-osh," meaning "little one") is designed and made in Toronto, Canada, from 100% organic cotton and reusable dyes.<br /><br />The company uses 100% recycled paper in its hang tags and catalogs, and eliminates unnecessary packaging by shipping online orders in reusable organic cotton drawstring bags.<br /></div><br />It makes me so happy to know that there's an option with <span style="font-style: italic;">fashionable</span> organic cotton clothing that doesn't break the bank! It's the sort of style I'd wear (if it came in my size, that is) and I can feel really good about putting this soft and safe, organic cotton next to my little ones' skin. I absolutely love the bold colors!<br /><div><span style="font-weight: bold;"><br />Win mini mioche for your little one! </span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Visit the </span><a style="font-weight: bold;" href="http://tiny.cc/bdgpw">mini mioche</a><span style="font-weight: bold;"> website and take a look at their gorgeous Fall collection. Tell me which piece is your favorite and why. </span>Easy-peasy! Please leave your email address if it is not readily visible in your profile. I want to be able to reach you if you win! One winner will be selected and notified by email on December 1st, and will have 72 hours to respond or a new winner will be selected.<br /><br />And if you just don't want to wait, the code "MCFALL” is good for a 20% discount on online orders at <a href="http://tiny.cc/bdgpw">minimioche.com</a>! This discount is good through November 30.</div><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;"><em>Disclosure - I am participating in a mini mioche ambassador program by Mom Central on behalf of mini mioche. I received an outfit as a thank you for my participation. The opinions on this blog are my own.</em></span><br /><div> </div><br /><br /><div> </div>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-24998673694199015022010-08-01T12:13:00.004-05:002014-02-20T20:00:49.374-06:00Tiny Prints honors teachersI've been lucky enough to have a number of teachers who were influential and inspiring. As my own path shaped, and I became a teacher myself, I've reflected on many of the people who helped shape my life and love of learning. I'm grateful to these educators, who gave me opportunities and experiences to learn about myself and the world.<br />
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One teacher who was particularly memorable to me was Mrs. T, my 4th grade teacher. She used a quiet, calm voice that commanded respect (and got it!) She had us use our skills to do interesting, relevant activities like designing our own dream bedroom on a budget, and the universal 4th grade project: 50 states reports. (I think all 4th grades do some version of that. I studied Wyoming.)<br />
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To honor teachers everywhere who are preparing for their school year, Tiny Prints has designed greeting cards just for them! Teachers can send each student a personalized welcome greeting card, connect with their student's parents with a thank you card and celebrate their students with award cards. In support of building a connection between teachers, students and parents, <em>Tiny Prints is offering these personalized teacher greeting cards for free starting Monday, August 2nd through October 31, 2010.</em> Teachers will just need to apply the code: <strong>Apple2010</strong> at checkout.<br />
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How cute are these? And what a great way to promote authentic reading and writing!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpMGNo5JKBR_m7ebZc2x1lPG1X7to92lSJ20x8omJDuXvxuCTw_O02W8NLrEAR5nhnIYSdXHzd0OBnFr7gJMp7OlFIVPBUlFWIkz4gCfeFM65Izs7PF1nU0bpdWC_KUBxMCNGMS_QtRio/s1600/430.jpg"><img alt="" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmpMGNo5JKBR_m7ebZc2x1lPG1X7to92lSJ20x8omJDuXvxuCTw_O02W8NLrEAR5nhnIYSdXHzd0OBnFr7gJMp7OlFIVPBUlFWIkz4gCfeFM65Izs7PF1nU0bpdWC_KUBxMCNGMS_QtRio/s320/430.jpg" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5500493431171159346" style="cursor: hand; height: 320px; width: 320px;" /></a><br />
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If you're available this Wednesday, there's a Tiny Prints Teacher Greeting Card Twitter Party with the tag #makeitpersonal this Wednesday from 4:00 to 5:00 p.m. ET/1:00 to 2:00 p.m. PT. <br />
Enjoy this great freebie teacher find! Spread the word!<br />
<em><span style="font-size: 85%;">I posted this information as part of a Global Influence contest for the chance to win a gift card, and because I think this is a great find for teachers! I'll absolutely be creating some of these gorgeous cards! No compensation was received for this post.</span></em> Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-58018290801283210462010-06-23T10:00:00.003-05:002010-06-23T11:23:44.918-05:00Take 1,312...I'm pretty sure that's about how many times I've started a post, and then deleted. I know, it sounds like another "so-sorry-I-haven't-blogged-in-a-while" type posts, but I think it's a symptom of another issue.<br /><br />I don't know how to reach out.<br /><br />Except for a few (good) close friends nearby, I don't know how to tell people about my daughter, her diagnosis, and my needs right now. Worse, I don't know how to talk about anything else. Small talk is excruciating. I really want -need- advice, support, opinions, and smiles, but I'm not one to draw attention to myself, I'm pretty private by nature, and I don't know how to tell people that what I'm really thinking about are autism and sensory processing disorders while they are talking about all of the rain we've had lately. <br /><br />I want to be positive, and I don't know how to share the news and stay up while doing it. But I want people to know, and care, and listen. I'm needing that right now.<br /><br />So, thanks for listening.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-51381546205680949172010-05-28T21:26:00.003-05:002010-05-28T22:33:57.753-05:00My new realityMy blog has been empty, empty, empty, but my heart has not. My heart is full to bursting. My head has been pretty full, too. And I have lots of thoughts but very few words for the last few months. <br /><br />I have a new reality.<br /><br />My 2 year old daughter's recent diagnosis of an autism spectrum disorder has mostly been a gift of open doors for lots of help for her to learn to play and talk with others and share the ideas locked up inside her beautiful head. We are sure she thinks great thoughts, and I ache to hear her voice. <br /><br />I hadn't decided, for a long time, if it was the sort of thing I could blog about. But I haven't been able to think or talk (much) about anything else for a long, long time. <br /><br />I wanted words to come, beautiful, poetic words about hope and love and more hope. I wanted to be inspired by my own strength. I think I will be, someday, but right now I'm going to be okay with being okay. <br /><br />And we're okay.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-43568274673909469012010-04-09T13:44:00.005-05:002010-04-09T17:33:49.847-05:00Ultimate Blog Party 2010!<a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/19667/ultimate-blog-party-2010/"><img src="http://i89.photobucket.com/albums/k210/5m4m/buttons/events/blog_party_banner_horiz.png" title="Ultimate Blog Party 2010" alt="Ultimate Blog Party 2010" /></a><br /><br />It's UBP 10 time! The Ultimate Blog Party, hosted by 5 Minutes for Mom, is a great way to discover some great new blogs and friends in the blogospere. Last year, I found a few fun new reads by participating. And although I'm just getting my feet wet in blogging, it's fun to "get out there a bit." So here I am! Welcome, partiers!<br /><br />I'm Sarah, and I'm a wife and mom of three in Wisconsin. That's enough of a job, for sure, but I'm also employed full time as a reading specialist. I love teaching kids to read, and I'm fortunate to work in a profession that is so rewarding. I have big plans for some posts that will spotlight some of my favorite literacy sites and resources. (Stay tuned!)<br /><br />I look forward to meeting many of you as well!<br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">And, oh yeah...there's prizes! If I were so lucky, I'd love:<br /><br />the grand prize (of course!) Or maybe:<br /><br />3 – a $150 shopping spree at <a href="http://www.a-rocking-horse-to-love.com/" target="_blank">A Rocking Horse To Love</a> (for my toddler girl!)<br />USC 17 - $200 Apple Gift certificate (iPhone, iPhone, iPhone!)<br />72 – Your Shape for Nintendo Wii (that would be for me. 3 kids takes a toll.)<br /><br />(or USC 8, USC 3, USC 15, USC 13, USC 39 or 35, 71, USC 49, 91, or anything for young kids, baby, or Amazon to feed my addiction to children's books.)</span><br /><br />Nice to meet you!Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com25tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-3751539576286230002010-04-08T10:55:00.003-05:002010-04-08T11:04:46.170-05:005-isms<span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">A recent exchange between me and my 5 year old:</span><br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> Please take your foot out of your mouth.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Son:</span> Why?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> Well, it looks kind of gross, and your feet have been on the floor and aren't for eating.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Son:</span> But, I have dry skin!<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> That happens. It's okay. I'll get some lotion if you'd like.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Son:</span> Great. What is dry skin, anyway?<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Me:</span> Your skin peels a bit when the top layer is dead, and it naturally becomes loose and falls off.<br /><br /><span style="font-weight: bold;">Son:</span> Wow...so this is what I'll taste like when I'm dead??<br /><br /><span style="font-style: italic; font-weight: bold;">And....I'm speechless. Yet again. </span><br /><span style="font-style: italic;"></span>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-15289747544457068952010-02-15T21:42:00.002-06:002010-02-15T21:48:03.785-06:00I have a new header!And a new name! Cute, right? I think it fits. <br /><br />The header is awesome, but I can't take credit. Kathleen of <a href="http://katydidandkid.com">Katydid and Kid</a> is responsible for this beautiful work. You can go pay her a compliment, or ask her nicely and I'll bet she would design something beautiful for you, too! She was absolutely wonderful to work with. <br /><br />It's like getting a new haircut. I just can't stop staring at it.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-72865063539713115052010-01-24T14:13:00.005-06:002010-01-24T14:28:21.908-06:00He's a finalist!Just for fun, I entered <a href="http://mombalance.blogspot.com/2010/01/yoplait-strong-and-happy-kids-drawing.html">my son's beautiful drawing of himself playing soccer</a> into <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/15153/our-strong-and-happy-finalists/">5 Minutes for Mom and Yoplait Kids' "Strong and Happy" Drawing Contest</a>. His work was chosen as a finalist! Hooray!<br /><br />Would you please consider giving him your vote? All you need to do is check out the <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/15153/our-strong-and-happy-finalists/">post at 5 Minutes for Mom</a>, and <span style="font-weight: bold;">below the post click the button next to #6 - Play and Shine, then click the vote button</span>. There is some beautiful artwork there, and most is done by older kids. <span style="font-style: italic;">For a 5 year-old, I think my little guy's drawing is fantastic! </span><br /><br />For the record, my son doesn't realize there is anything at stake here. He is just excited that his artwork is on the computer with other kids' because he did such great work on it! It would be fun to win, too, and help supplement some fun summer classes (and the next soccer season.)<br /><br />Voting ends at 3 pm, eastern time on January 30th. Thanks so much!Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-35750369491287393022010-01-18T23:06:00.004-06:002010-01-18T23:32:38.340-06:00Yoplait "Strong and Happy" Kids Drawing ContestHonestly, it was the name of this contest, "Strong and Happy," that drew me in more than anything else. (No pun intended - really!)<br /><br />Isn't that just exactly what we want for our kids? For them to be healthy and strong in mind and body, and happy? I want to feed my kids well, and give them opportunities to play and shine and grow.<br /><br />So when I asked my 5 year old son to draw a picture of himself, strong and happy, I was <span style="font-style: italic;">delighted</span> when he gave me this:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX_IhkWsB5WxcdZ-rvvtP3aNSeTZhfARYvR3VVLHweiXneCe-PevoIAlQkh5jqu0SY2k8O-jV_hMLaXk6IDx8gvWQRCIMKrBSYHmSO9jmb0KJLeMtSKnKoPl-Ully-dtbGdvVoQR430j7/s1600-h/100_4263.jpg"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 300px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJX_IhkWsB5WxcdZ-rvvtP3aNSeTZhfARYvR3VVLHweiXneCe-PevoIAlQkh5jqu0SY2k8O-jV_hMLaXk6IDx8gvWQRCIMKrBSYHmSO9jmb0KJLeMtSKnKoPl-Ully-dtbGdvVoQR430j7/s400/100_4263.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5428317871535156866" border="0" /></a><br />Don't you love the smiling sun? And his ears?<br /><br />Most of all, isn't it nice that he sees himself as strong and happy? I hope to teach him to take care of his body, by choosing healthier foods and enjoying outdoor play with friends. We can't wait for spring, and warm sunshine, and the start of another soccer season!<br /><br />Fortunately, we don't have to wait for yogurt. That's a treat we can enjoy all year round. We even freeze them with a stick, and have healthy frozen treats that are WAY better than popsicles...even in the middle of winter in Wisconsin. <br /><br />I really appreciate that <a href="http://www.yoplait.com/products_yoplaitkids.aspx">Yoplait Kids</a> has less sugar in their yogurt. And how nice of them to partner with 5 Minutes for Mom to sponsor <a href="http://www.5minutesformom.com/14669/drawing-contest/">this fun drawing contest</a>!Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-24663301564607599112010-01-18T22:35:00.002-06:002010-01-18T22:38:42.757-06:00Today, I am......grateful for Martin Luther King, Jr.'s contributions to our world.<br /><br />...hopeful for more positive change to continue.<br /><br />...worried about my sick little boy, sleeping upstairs.<br /><br />...grateful for our general health and safety, and concerned for others not as fortunate.<br /><br />...wondering when I'll have time to update the look of this blog (new name, new look, coming soon!)<br /><br />...glad that the time I have, is spent with the people I love the most.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-30536304183425816662009-12-01T22:17:00.008-06:002009-12-02T20:49:14.889-06:00Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters - Review and Giveaway<a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVuH0YvZPWBC7lAbK0WX52ZkJKg3dHCvWm-gOXXQzL6kDlIojGsY5yqtFRg5nowZdd-ql3UKkLwo6IEt7w1E1ZbBFa-snGJuegNri4l_9cDMwpzZ9_zYkKBLhGJh6OwL2TfkAZKF1PWRt/s1600-h/nature_valley_logo.png"><img style="margin: 0pt 10px 10px 0pt; float: left; cursor: pointer; width: 200px; height: 193px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUVuH0YvZPWBC7lAbK0WX52ZkJKg3dHCvWm-gOXXQzL6kDlIojGsY5yqtFRg5nowZdd-ql3UKkLwo6IEt7w1E1ZbBFa-snGJuegNri4l_9cDMwpzZ9_zYkKBLhGJh6OwL2TfkAZKF1PWRt/s200/nature_valley_logo.png" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410834669857821826" border="0" /></a>Thanks to <a href="http://www.myblogspark.com/">MyBlogSpark</a> and <a href="http://www.naturevalley.com/Products.aspx#aNutClusters">Nature Valley</a>, I was sent some free samples of the yummy Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters to try. In the interest of full disclosure, I should tell you - I was already a fan! I was at a friend's house a few weeks prior who had purchased a bag, so I had tested these out even before I knew I'd be given an opportunity to try them.<br /><br />Interestingly enough, I'm not a fan of crunchy granola bars at all. I just don't care for the texture or excessive chewing involved. The Nature Valley Granola Nut Clusters are crunchy, but surprisingly light considering the size of each cluster. They are satisfying, salty and a bit sweet, and (I'm telling you from experience) it's pretty easy to put away half a bag if you're not careful.<br /><br /><strong>Want to try them?</strong><br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSoJu2v5lwy2uDPblF7DdFVxCyhR0W2epBZBxaySdBa3OMCe7W9z5-ncq1ssmP6sL9OzWPkJwt472hSRAx68VYBR-1np3wEjsV1v2sXFzrEGwZPMwSuWu8rtMVdJpaqGky4sSefIcYS8g/s1600-h/NVGNC_Prize_Pack.JPG"><img style="margin: 0px auto 10px; display: block; text-align: center; cursor: pointer; width: 400px; height: 252px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSoJu2v5lwy2uDPblF7DdFVxCyhR0W2epBZBxaySdBa3OMCe7W9z5-ncq1ssmP6sL9OzWPkJwt472hSRAx68VYBR-1np3wEjsV1v2sXFzrEGwZPMwSuWu8rtMVdJpaqGky4sSefIcYS8g/s400/NVGNC_Prize_Pack.JPG" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5410835102534524482" border="0" /></a>One person will win a nice box full of some protein-packed snacks of their own, and a few cute stocking stuffers besides! Check out these goodies, perfect for some winter outdoor fun (or spy gear indoors, at my house.) Are you a fan of peanuts, cashews, almonds, or do you have to have them all?<br /><br /><strong>To enter - please leave one comment letting me know which of the 4 varieties: Roasted Almond, Roasted Cashew, Honey Roasted Peanut, or Nut Lovers, would be your favorite. <br /><br />(I like the cashew ones, but there is no extra credit for agreeing with me.) </strong><strong><br /><br />Be sure to include your email address, or make sure it's visible in your profile. Contest will close at midnight, CST on December 3rd.</strong> <span style="font-weight: bold;">There may not be too many entries, so your chances are good!</span><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">I did receive a bag of each of the four varieties of Granola Nut Clusters to try, free of charge, to allow for an informed review. They also included a few goodies like a pair of binoculars that my son thinks are the coolest, a bag, a flashlight, and a stainless steel water bottle. No other compensation was received, and the opinions expressed within this post are my own. I can't tell you what <span style="font-style: italic;">you'll </span>like, though. You're going to have to try them for yourself!</span>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com8tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-32087759034042871582009-10-17T12:54:00.003-05:002009-10-17T14:49:27.595-05:00And two months go by.......in the blink of an eye! <br /><br />Wow.<br /><br />The trees are putting on their fall display, pumpkins and scarecrows peek from around every corner, and here I am, two months after the start of my new job and Kindergarten. <br /><br />I feel good about the time away. Sometimes, you're too busy living life to blog about it.<br /><br />I've made time for my husband and kids. I'm still working on finding time to keep up with everything else. <br /><br />It may be a lifelong pursuit.<br /><br />I'm not done blogging, though. I've been working with a few great products, and have some fun fall learning activities to post. Look for some new ideas and a giveaway or two this week. <br /><br />Thanks for being patient with me. I hope you're finding time to do the things that are most important in your life.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-57789274092199104362009-08-26T21:50:00.002-05:002009-08-26T22:15:18.276-05:00Why is it that I always have things to say......on Wordless Wednesdays? <br /><br />I'm back to working outside the home, full-time. I feel like talking about it. But there aren't too many blogging mamas who work full time (for good reason!) and so I feel a bit alone right now. <br />And, I'm behind on a lot of things. The week before school starts is like that for teachers, and it's a bit amplified when you're in a new job. The dishes are piling up, the counter is getting cluttered, and I have a couple posts (and a great review and giveaway) that have been waiting. When I get home, all I want to do is put my attention where it is most needed - with my family. <br /><br />So, the posts will have to wait until the weekend. I have a baby to play with!Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-59315405664003552182009-08-17T23:43:00.007-05:002009-08-18T00:33:19.817-05:00Monday Fun! Create an "Art Jar"If you're looking for a quick project that will pay dividends on the next rainy day, think about creating an "art jar." We took a few minutes today to put together some crafty items, and my son spent over an hour exploring and experimenting with the materials inside.<br /><br />I assembled a few items that were purchased inexpensively at back-to-school sales and Target's dollar section. I know that Michael's and other craft stores are great places to find inexpensive, small bags of crafty items. Or, you may find some great materials already around your house. Be creative (and your kids will, too!)<br /><br />Here's what we used:<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yaGgYTTcSiYMQmM6YmA6JnqXGKLr1xYziuIa2nollOkiw1U2rpGRs7t6QzSZA5zjwMaTL2YNdStbJ54x0PKwuPj-q2eRUpVdglbT0bENGWX8zWH2nOSMVd3WuURPbmP1Gk_rhuQl4xEf/s1600-h/100_3798.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi7yaGgYTTcSiYMQmM6YmA6JnqXGKLr1xYziuIa2nollOkiw1U2rpGRs7t6QzSZA5zjwMaTL2YNdStbJ54x0PKwuPj-q2eRUpVdglbT0bENGWX8zWH2nOSMVd3WuURPbmP1Gk_rhuQl4xEf/s320/100_3798.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371161947466237106" border="0" /></a><br /><br />The total cost of these items was about five dollars. The jar was purchased for 10 cents at a garage sale. The scraps of colored paper were from extra envelopes I cut apart.<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7OiWztSPCzgkeUwp5JGhB7ktXizdGfl0TDT1954iZ399fh7avH5Db0f9TrnSFwDMSNXcbL5oGa_tm57LXMhBaAd34-_lMOkj_VISf_IRUpxK-jGgGWSfAax-ekAUvUCkoG-VtXUWhtEq/s1600-h/100_3799.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZ7OiWztSPCzgkeUwp5JGhB7ktXizdGfl0TDT1954iZ399fh7avH5Db0f9TrnSFwDMSNXcbL5oGa_tm57LXMhBaAd34-_lMOkj_VISf_IRUpxK-jGgGWSfAax-ekAUvUCkoG-VtXUWhtEq/s320/100_3799.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371162595403743810" border="0" /></a><br /><br />I tried to snap a quick picture, but he was already reaching for the jar!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPXRhFPrOB_CKzNk-nlsRP8AxYkf7XU71ZUcTrXSWQoKchATHdtAj2bzOzs50yoJhXwyXYdSRNv-8e0eI-ROAjkJeL0BWO2F29QCaV8FguaaKHbBVqRaAc266nq_PAs9hcdo4KbK9nttk/s1600-h/100_3800.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 240px; height: 320px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXPXRhFPrOB_CKzNk-nlsRP8AxYkf7XU71ZUcTrXSWQoKchATHdtAj2bzOzs50yoJhXwyXYdSRNv-8e0eI-ROAjkJeL0BWO2F29QCaV8FguaaKHbBVqRaAc266nq_PAs9hcdo4KbK9nttk/s320/100_3800.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371162604363566050" border="0" /></a><br /><br />Here's our art jar without an excited hand in front!<br /><br /><a onblur="try {parent.deselectBloggerImageGracefully();} catch(e) {}" href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIafoJevPAjwz4z4SzQvlZGAT7pBVPQ-5voaYJ17thUGbVuZuQMQQRkYwuGBP1_LFFHZrQLkEl0L_-EHZ9u0lEYSeTLHKwsMFSedvga3n2h4CG3vjOpo8aln95dbQgQ5gPGX9LLslizxN/s1600-h/100_3805.jpg"><img style="cursor: pointer; width: 320px; height: 240px;" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSIafoJevPAjwz4z4SzQvlZGAT7pBVPQ-5voaYJ17thUGbVuZuQMQQRkYwuGBP1_LFFHZrQLkEl0L_-EHZ9u0lEYSeTLHKwsMFSedvga3n2h4CG3vjOpo8aln95dbQgQ5gPGX9LLslizxN/s320/100_3805.jpg" alt="" id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5371162612901942242" border="0" /></a><br /><br />And here's his first creation. He went for a piece of paper to add to the kit, and created a caterpillar - entirely without direction. I'm hoping that as he continues to experiment with the materials he'll think about creative ways to use the items inside, and maybe will suggest other things he needs. I plan to change the materials periodically, to keep the contents exciting.<br /><br />There are lots of things that would be great for a school-ager's art jar. (Preschoolers may need different materials that are safe for their use.) Think about adding some of the following to your jar:<br /><br />buttons <br />colorful feathers<br />craft (popsicle) sticks<br />pieces of curling ribbon or yarn<br />stickers (circle labels can be fun)<br />gems<br />foam shapes<br />natural (found) items like leaves, small sticks, acorns, etc. These could even be in their own jar - a Nature Art Jar!<br /><br />If you plan to create an art jar, just remember to use craft materials that are safe for your child's age and experience. Be sure to stay nearby to provide guidance for safe use of the materials, but allow your children to explore and create without too much direction. Children are often given the chance to create crafts, with an expected outcome in mind, but need time to experiment and express themselves freely with art materials, too.<br /><br />Are there any items that your children especially love creating with that we can add to our jar?Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-71888185969028654162009-08-05T15:59:00.009-05:002009-08-05T21:38:29.131-05:00Wordless Wednesday - Easily entertained<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB36bG4MFsCkJ62I3z_s3X4jec74tqvLZtesbW-5q0yK5yFdkLXr9ZCGfvGh3-X2pIQ1dL8iAk8VQJqx3dRSPOda5smSopa02RdJnDUvU1w3VWvZaBKm5RCUx-6D41HASyObOzX2mJCjLi/s1600-h/100_3650.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366673408841598898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjB36bG4MFsCkJ62I3z_s3X4jec74tqvLZtesbW-5q0yK5yFdkLXr9ZCGfvGh3-X2pIQ1dL8iAk8VQJqx3dRSPOda5smSopa02RdJnDUvU1w3VWvZaBKm5RCUx-6D41HASyObOzX2mJCjLi/s400/100_3650.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltNbS5lE8XFEIlBdJD8xX0sBnAoaj6aJSrvDyoYOaSP9ibkQwyAgzYRmrCB47vxFPUB2EU7rN4L6TPFArutSugA4BCmChQnndiqWFTKJ-J7rLjp633j8XTg2sEyC4lxJlV-EZRV5KZvrR/s1600-h/100_3647.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366673406264654530" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjltNbS5lE8XFEIlBdJD8xX0sBnAoaj6aJSrvDyoYOaSP9ibkQwyAgzYRmrCB47vxFPUB2EU7rN4L6TPFArutSugA4BCmChQnndiqWFTKJ-J7rLjp633j8XTg2sEyC4lxJlV-EZRV5KZvrR/s400/100_3647.jpg" border="0" /></a><br /><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1wtFhOLN7-_glm2xFRcDDzoz1DTYk3HXYU1ATShy9ZnLkRbTngaSqvalKY4N2ON64nMClIB-4nbCy3j4wGiNOO49tBO5DRXicC6Gm9nCSzi3kM3ori6vnytDZTGQLU01u21jt7AaLvMK/s1600-h/100_3644.jpg"><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5366673397170624274" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 400px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 300px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEir1wtFhOLN7-_glm2xFRcDDzoz1DTYk3HXYU1ATShy9ZnLkRbTngaSqvalKY4N2ON64nMClIB-4nbCy3j4wGiNOO49tBO5DRXicC6Gm9nCSzi3kM3ori6vnytDZTGQLU01u21jt7AaLvMK/s400/100_3644.jpg" border="0" /></a> Pictures taken at the <a href="http://www.countryinns.com/bloomingtonmn">Country Inn & Suites, Bloomington at Mall of America</a>, during our recent <a href="http://mombalance.blogspot.com/2009/08/who-stole-cookies-from-cookie-jar">family road trip adventure</a>.Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-89385094644469196602009-08-04T00:46:00.009-05:002009-08-06T14:39:34.472-05:00Who stole the cookies from the cookie jar? (And other things we loved about Country Inn & Suites)Who me?<br /><div><br /></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365987241580915570" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBNJMxxoFi8tmqIpA_vkm7c9PgU3eiFBXqCDn618THkn-CsOz3XifVD1ggjIh1guoyl6ZPyNpuk917y2mRYpW3pCaFkEfEsWJj_EI1iWLoazq79QREguVvA5M9hBBZ8emOusLflZVxMmge/s320/100_3785.jpg" border="0" /></div><p>Yes, you! </p><div>There are a lot of things to love about the <a href="http://www.countryinns.com/bloomingtonmn">Country Inn & Suites, Bloomington at Mall of America</a>. <span>The room was beautifully clean and comfortable. Now that we're traveling with small children, we spend quite a bit more time in the hotel room. It's so nice when it's a relaxing and worry-free spot for the kids to play and rest. I love the roomy nature of the suite. The bedroom area was available for napping children during the day, while we could play games, read, and watch TV in the living space. The fold-out sofa in the room was really well designed, too, in all one piece that didn't require moving cushions (or finding strange things under them.) It had a strap and folded forward easily to become a bed that was perfect for our 5 year old. When we needed a travel crib, one was delivered to our room within 10 minutes of our request, and "Smallest" slept well and happily in it.<br /><br />The free breakfast included something for everyone (just give me another one of those waffles and I'm a happy gal!) Breakfast was served until 10:30 a.m. even on weekdays, and there were plenty of highchairs available, even when the breakfast area was at its busiest.<br /><br />The hotel staff was friendly and incredibly helpful. The pools and fitness area were nice (okay, no workouts on this trip, but it looked nice), the on-site TGI Friday's and IHOP restaurants came in handy, and the proximity to the Mall of America was amazing. The only concern that this location may present for some was a little bit of plane noise now and then because of its proximity to the airport. It didn't bother us, though, and being so close to the mall and a short ride from other activities in and around the Twin Cities was well worth it. </span><span style="font-size:0;"><br /></span><br />And cookies!</div><p>The fresh-baked cookies in the lobby were a wonderful treat enjoyed each day of our stay. In fact, it was pretty hard to pass by the jar any time we happened to be in the lobby...and I'll admit to making a few extra trips down there just to check on the cookie status. The chocolate chip cookies were good, but the sugar cookies were my favorite. Cookies in the lobby were a sweet surprise, and a nice indulgence while on vacation. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365998705928754786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRZq1C22lqPWwQufwWV93rnERJMkF6tpRdbyhYYexbDDlDFFAOQqVIn7LJKZFp3oOCNTUnhEARBXLkiII5db09HeQzv22idkl4v07kRiwK0ifma2joecXRg-GxT9vnR7thHYwm4ofScTUc/s320/100_3784.jpg" border="0" /><br /><p>Another thing we loved about our stay here was the <a href="http://www.countryinns.com/feature.do?feature=riar">Read It & Return Lending Library </a>that Country Inns & Suites features. As a school literacy specialist, I love innovative programs that put books in the hands of children and families. Each Country Inn & Suites has a library of adult and children's titles that guests are invited to borrow. </p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365990928150327298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjq4A62y_ogIwQPKfE8Ic__Llfs1N5y8adbCyLfAIlWaCpWGk45t-a-3ImX7zKcQfw5mnJYY142jkQy1ogXIf3MpOtsRccGgRsN27MFCB34quyVf6J9qP8XiR1Q1f0-POYyj5Spln0wMI9U/s320/100_3769.jpg" border="0" /><br /><br />If you can't finish the book during your stay, you are encouraged to take it with you and return the next time you are at a Country Inn & Suites. How cool is that? We didn't have to pack bedtime stories, and enjoyed a board book for the girls, and my son and I started reading <em>Stuart Little</em>. Country Inns & Suites also makes a donation to Reading Rainbow for every book returned. We enjoyed a book right in the hotel's lobby.<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365991906468234402" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgd1c-539JypigutUBgHG9GjD5aI5S9w_W9OacGBiPZR1VbEjnbR0J4PRQUkaTQunNFrLsrwR7hcFxlZl6244DcosjviCEYBxDccdCOw3Uy4TskQda_cWdkJhnVntl3_3SISyMq_O_e85rX/s320/100_3763.jpg" border="0" /><br />We were also really impressed by this little find at the front desk. In addition to ice cream treats available for purchase, we found cold bottles of water always available on ice. The cost for the water was a minimum $1 donation to the World Childhood Foundation. How refreshing (pun intended) to see a hotel provide a way for its guests to contribute to a cause it supports, and have the opportunity to enjoy cold water without paying something outrageous like $3 for a bottle. (But...you could if you wanted to, here. It's for a good cause!)<br /><br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365992825576874706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGvKU8J9rHtB7-bjnOBeEbx_QepeBkxu26Mf3dXzWkNiFj7AwYL72-Thi22xXHClvoEprGaVzVi6uOgA9OzsnAQsg-kWQIoOXTNWcgBQhzCSjMKjZ4FBs9A-wuDJTULzLRqbyJfs9b6bZC/s320/100_3783.jpg" border="0" /><br />We really appreciated some of the innovative things that <a href="http://www.countryinns.com/home.jsp?s_cid=L8640144">Country Inns & Suites </a>is doing to make sure that your stay there is comfortable and fun. We're looking forward to a few more fun adventures in <a href="http://bit.ly/z2ExO">Streams & Shores Country </a>before our return home tomorrow.<br /><br /><br /><span style="font-size:85%;">We were given a free stay at Country Inn & Suites, for the purpose of reviewing their family-friendly road trip itinerary and hotel features. No other compensation was provided, and the experiences and opinions presented are my own. </span>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-1594830903330016462009-08-02T00:24:00.015-05:002009-08-05T22:40:41.892-05:00We shopped 'till we dropped at the Mall of AmericaWe took in the first of our destinations on the <a href="http://www.countryinns.com/roadtrip">Shores and Streams Itinerary</a>. We went to the Mall of America. Although the Country Inn & Suites offers a shuttle every hour, we loaded up the stroller and walked right over there! It was an easy, 5 minute walk from our hotel.<br /><br /><div><div><div>The Mall of America is amazing - and a bit overwhelming. You can shop, see a movie, eat a meal (or a day's worth), ride a roller coaster (or a bunch of coasters), play with legos, and see sharks all under one roof. </div><div></div><div>Wait...Did she say "sharks?"</div><div><br /></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365399104368310786" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Wri4YpX9Redd5WFQfvpI5ZnYF-qG9WYkO9DXKB__9B4p3jJPUoeuH_HS5SUBDa66-RYAMRXeOBqY3_9FVWRe2RsaY9RVWov985NvXGrlInUC52xXGxG5jCsriwJkCdBpbNOGYzivy-xU/s320/100_3690.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div></div><div>Yup...and they are swimming right over your head. </div><div></div><div></div><div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365398428172706610" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjarjucdBGTg1XU66Jq0b2ztQVkTQnRsvzD-8eaFXANoLSdw2XXbGjHHFbxaQL39ep0ioNW2k0z9zqkFEmr_wGTyg5ja_0gHown_-FLMYVUW9D3P4Pvdlk2_ZYppm5Q6Kc-hXCczyJOsXox/s320/100_3692.jpg" border="0" /> </div><div></div><div>We also were able to touch starfish and giant crabs....reluctantly.</div><div></div><div></div><div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401017415679298" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRowaofDkyz57yAgr-OnvdkD1COPt425MGot4zNw-4sKzxv5sr_3gdVwOTIhdxYWwqfBk8uNqsSZj1PWXUotyXCGtlTWmkwANX9rfHvhhCz0GU40wQbEQImv9tmNKhJL4asRPVtbIH_x7M/s320/100_3716.jpg" border="0" /><br />When we were done at the aquarium, we spent some time experimenting with vehicle design:<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401270501750050" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-y7oRqIiXoempHYLsz0M-vYrVaMciRsojDDl99tvZVeAoge3iKwim-ELnMF6O2s3UZB78No6hwLAbmt2zsOblS_sOH2_GyJ_pl2TrOetTX3UfLe9r3dA7LpR5T0MWlEAIe8quda6nUQbY/s320/100_3718.jpg" border="0" /><br />Then we walked back to the hotel and enjoyed dinner at the TGI Friday's right inside our hotel. After a quick stop in the lobby for a snack of bedtime cookies, we were ready to wind down and recharge for tomorrow's adventures. It was so nice to be able to do all this within close walking distance of our hotel. </div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><div></div><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365401651129162706" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgkL8_rm7pF-vfmXVOynthB6DX915gJZFsqqiWSWY8ZYUkHaCWj8DAkv-giqhdLr38U-5z4q9YyO0zN1eRgN8nX4VfqWdFS0GETrXebTi53-zIvIpr79ZmkbPbaScKDC_dg1PlVI8dbQhNO/s320/100_3725.jpg" border="0" /> </div><br /><p>It was a great day!</p>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6371722896825986630.post-67512572922966961362009-08-01T09:58:00.012-05:002009-08-01T10:57:02.952-05:00Enjoying Road Trip Country at the Country Inns & SuitesWell...we're here! The drive was pretty uneventful, with blue skies, very little construction, and lots of naps.<br /><br /><br /><p><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365020740293559234" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhoqHsToXmNr8mY_iPw0aC1KUDj2NhTaWdm-UxlE6_FseSSvLp0hjwLQqzsvZBPRZx1DwYRJ1oAsFChyphenhyphenCFnJT57YECioHcYPcr9risR-m8f6QmEA7SA6n6isOZmKAL8Qb0AFcpQHPRR9Huq/s320/100_3626.jpg" border="0" /><br />We've actually spent night one already in our home-away-from-home, <a href="http://www.countryinns.com/bloomingtonmn">The Country Inn & Suites at Mall of America</a>. When they say "at" - they mean it! This is the view from the front of the hotel.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365022651626129954" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPLKYRMz1EHCYe_DTMKOuKkpG27ClTCpJXk4H0rreRSSM7qjYsYBY-eOjxc7aZ_tDgyWfRpzDHvMQMmWtJ641dmVqoJ9hPJlKmhMkhYvCmaQnROfgEgsNoE6lUxKvDRQjPqWxT9bfhvPBP/s320/100_3627.jpg" border="0" /><br />See? It's close! We could walk over there, but the hotel also offers a free shuttle every hour, and I've heard it's worth saving your feet. That's one big mall.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365022758441467970" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 240px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 320px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVYl3-aAuVq1YZHE9Yvd1SDTC82wnyp5m7hP1jTCFiVlUvpe4ofbILZvHQuTpUt8y2QrghBmN1PpF7Tp8ANHY1Wa5AHCKktMgYy6aFyC7VUVv3PNo5rhZ89mMGnm_JBPVkcbiU4bORLZz3/s320/100_3628.jpg" border="0" /><br />We had WAY more luggage than this.<br /><br />We got settled in last night, and unfortunately, I came down with something. Bad. Very, very bad. So, I ended my evening very early, and everyone else enjoyed the yummy cookies and had dinner and some winding down time in the room. My son and his daddy popped a bag of popcorn with the microwave right in the room, and were nice enough to close the door so I could rest and didn't have to smell it. Staying in a suite is wonderful.<br /><br />I'm sure we'll eat at least one meal in the TGI Friday's that's right in the hotel, and if the kids are not experiencing a restaurant-behavior friendly evening, they deliver to the room, too!<br /><br />I did feel well enough this morning to have a waffle for breakfast. They were a big hit with the kids, too.<br /><br /><img id="BLOGGER_PHOTO_ID_5365021642186324898" style="DISPLAY: block; MARGIN: 0px auto 10px; WIDTH: 320px; CURSOR: hand; HEIGHT: 240px; TEXT-ALIGN: center" alt="" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHjUw_5ftZNIWTGtVSY4SJlyZbx6p4vUEKnz-pSVLHKkw56AyV3bXdCy7eTTl-cbaHrQpcNUeDC4YkB4Il9CpYqhy28wm6TLeI3B2yIhucVxboTR9UAoUY1UumLnGgu2R1AJw6DUSBEseb/s320/100_3638.jpg" border="0" /> </p><p>We're off for some adventure today! We're going to go look at the <a href="http://bit.ly/z2ExO">Streams and Shores itinerary</a>, and we'll figure out what to experience first. Any suggestions?</p>Rattled Momhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/05424716824424652825noreply@blogger.com3