Musings from Me on Kids, Preteens, and Teens » babies http://www.musingsfromme.com Seizing family time one dinner at a time. Fri, 03 Feb 2012 18:29:02 +0000 en hourly 1 http://wordpress.org/?v=3.2.1 Holiday Gift Guide: Lego Duplo Jams App http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-lego-duplo-jams-app/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-lego-duplo-jams-app/#comments Tue, 20 Dec 2011 15:06:13 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=5302 Music calms the savage beast…uh…I mean baby. If you have every sat in a car with a squalling crying baby for a long trip you will feel my pain. As the navigator-not-the-driver-on-family-trips, I am the designated hitter with any crises to do with the kids. As the kids moved from the babies and toddlers stage to preschooler and elementary school phases, our family trips improved immeasurably. Thank goodness! New from Lego…for toddlers…and moms and dads… The Duplo Jams app just launched. What is Duplo Jams? Duplo Jams is free music available on iTunes. Each month a new song is launched. Recommended for kids aged 2 to 5. The app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd and 4th generations), and iPad (requires iOS 4.0 or later at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lego-duplo-jams/id477095318?mt=8 .  A version for Android is in development and will launch soon. The Duplo Jams app provides an interactive, musical world for toddlers or preschoolers to discover the joy of creative Duplo building. Set to an original score of upbeat playroom songs that even parents will enjoy, the app helps children build their imaginations by clicking bricks to explore colorful worlds as they sing along to catchy tunes. [...]]]>


Music calms the savage beast…uh…I mean baby. If you have every sat in a car with a squalling crying baby for a long trip you will feel my pain. As the navigator-not-the-driver-on-family-trips, I am the designated hitter with any crises to do with the kids. As the kids moved from the babies and toddlers stage to preschooler and elementary school phases, our family trips improved immeasurably. Thank goodness!

New from Lego…for toddlers…and moms and dads…

The Duplo Jams app just launched. What is Duplo Jams? Duplo Jams is free music available on iTunes. Each month a new song is launched. Recommended for kids aged 2 to 5. The app is compatible with iPhone 3GS, iPhone 4, iPhone 4S, iPod touch (3rd and 4th generations), and iPad (requires iOS 4.0 or later at: http://itunes.apple.com/us/app/lego-duplo-jams/id477095318?mt=8 .  A version for Android is in development and will launch soon.

The Duplo Jams app provides an interactive, musical world for toddlers or preschoolers to discover the joy of creative Duplo building. Set to an original score of upbeat playroom songs that even parents will enjoy, the app helps children build their imaginations by clicking bricks to explore colorful worlds as they sing along to catchy tunes.

How can you get these cool Duplo Jams?

Download Duplo Jams through iTunes.

Got older kids? Gotta get these cool Lego apps!

I did not receive these apps nor was I compensated for writing this post. I posted about them because I love all things Lego. The views expressed in this post are my own. I follow the tenets of Blog With Ingegrity.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-lego-duplo-jams-app/feed/ 1 Holiday Gift Guide: Blok Squad Construction Site http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-blok-squad-construction-site/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-blok-squad-construction-site/#comments Mon, 19 Dec 2011 19:55:35 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=5304 When my son was born, my oldest was finishing up 1st grade while my youngest was finishing up her last year of preschool. As the school year began for both girls the following August, my son and I were left in a strangely quiet house. From 8:10 until 3:30 p.m. it was as quiet as a church. Well, as quiet as a little baby in a church. Soon, my son and I found our rhythm. He was awake most days to see his sisters off to school. Took two short naps, which became one slightly longer nap. Our day revolved around meals, the arrival and departure of the school bus, and vehicles. Over his 5 years at home, he and I played cars, read about cars, visited train museums, toured the fire engines at the local VFD, and sought out construction sites. He could never have enough vehicles. Large or small…it didn’t matter to my son. He was mesmerized by earth movers, cherry pickers (still not entirely sure what this machine does), steam rollers, and diggers of all kinds. Our local library became the site of the new community center construction project. We spent many a morning hanging our heads [...]]]>


When my son was born, my oldest was finishing up 1st grade while my youngest was finishing up her last year of preschool. As the school year began for both girls the following August, my son and I were left in a strangely quiet house. From 8:10 until 3:30 p.m. it was as quiet as a church. Well, as quiet as a little baby in a church.

Soon, my son and I found our rhythm. He was awake most days to see his sisters off to school. Took two short naps, which became one slightly longer nap. Our day revolved around meals, the arrival and departure of the school bus, and vehicles. Over his 5 years at home, he and I played cars, read about cars, visited train museums, toured the fire engines at the local VFD, and sought out construction sites. He could never have enough vehicles.

Large or small…it didn’t matter to my son. He was mesmerized by earth movers, cherry pickers (still not entirely sure what this machine does), steam rollers, and diggers of all kinds. Our local library became the site of the new community center construction project. We spent many a morning hanging our heads out of the van window watching paint…uh…tar dry. He loved it. I loved watching him. Any question he asked that I didn’t have the answer to…see above question about “cherry pickers”…was answered by a quick walk to the library.

My son was a happy kid as he boarded the school bus that first day. I kinda of miss the sounds of kids playing as I toil away in my basement office. One sad part of having three kids in full-day school is that we have to cram a whole lotta stuff in to the evenings. Sports practices, occasionally games, music practice, homework, and even play dates with friends can only occur between 3:30 p.m. and bedtime, and of course weekends, but we’re still busy.

Many nights my son must occupy himself while his sisters finish up homework as they have more homework than he does. A key source of entertainment for him is construction toys. From building with bricks to erector sets, he wants to do them all. A recent kit that arrived in our home had him jumping up and down with great excitement. What was the toy you ask? Mega Bloks’ new construction set from the Blok Squad line.

Unlike me he was not daunted by the “395 pieces.” Quite the contrary he dove in to the box and started constructing the Blok Squad Construction Site one vehicle at a time. By the looks of his finished products, the Blok Squad Construction Site includes a Workers’ Truck with Optional Trailer, a Track Loader, a Road Roller, and a bunch of construction workers with shovels, wheel barrows, cones, and guard rails.

Want to learn more about Mega Bloks Blok Squad Construction Site?

  • Item #2462
  • 395 pieces
  • Recommended for 5+
  • Price: $19.99
  • Where can you buy it? A link on the Mega Bloks site says that this product is not available yet at offline retailers. You can leave your email to be notified when it is available. But, I found it at Walmart.com…though it was out of stock. Other Blok Squad sets were available at Walmart.com. Until then you can buy it through my amazon affiliate link.

Get connected with Mega Brands.

Other finds from Mega Brands.

  • I saw a very cool 3D puzzle at Time To Play.
  • You’ve seen the Board Dudes dry erase boards, I’m sure? This mom needs a Board Dudes board in every room of her home. Got to get more organized for 2012! Note: If you saw my kitchen wall with its bulletin boards and calendars, you’d think I was highly organized. You would be partially right. I can always put a dry erase calendar board to good use!
  • Moshi Monsters in your house? Build these Moshis.
  • And don’t forget RoseArt — Color Blanks, Fun Dough, Smart Easel, and more.

I was given a Mega Bloks Blok Squad Construction Site to facilitate my review by Mega Brands and ChildsPlay PR. I was not compensated for this review.  I follow the tenets of Blog With Integrity.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-blok-squad-construction-site/feed/ 0 Holiday Gift Guide: Duplo My First Fire Station [Giveaway] http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-duplo-my-first-fire-station-giveaway/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-duplo-my-first-fire-station-giveaway/#comments Sun, 18 Dec 2011 21:11:34 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=5287 There are certain toys that your children need. I say “need” because from experience kids are more likely to find ways to entertain themselves with certain toys. And yes, I know that kids’ needs can be many and varied, but let’s look at toys. If a child is playing with a toy, mom or dad will have time to make a phone call, tidy up a room, write a blogpost, etc. You feel good seeing your child’s developing independent play skills. Your child will be engaged in playing with a new toy. It’s a win. As a mom of three who has worked from home for two-thirds of the last 16 years and volunteered at school and church for the other third, I can vouch that while kids love playing with mom and dad, kids love playing independently, too. My kids knew that throughout the day I would read to them, do crafts, play with puzzles, and play with toys or games. If one of the children received a new toy, I would first engage my toddler and preschooler’s interest as we played with the toy together. Over time, my children learned to play independently with the following open-ended play toys: [...]]]>


Lego Duplo My First Fire Station

There are certain toys that your children need. I say “need” because from experience kids are more likely to find ways to entertain themselves with certain toys. And yes, I know that kids’ needs can be many and varied, but let’s look at toys.

If a child is playing with a toy, mom or dad will have time to make a phone call, tidy up a room, write a blogpost, etc. You feel good seeing your child’s developing independent play skills. Your child will be engaged in playing with a new toy. It’s a win. As a mom of three who has worked from home for two-thirds of the last 16 years and volunteered at school and church for the other third, I can vouch that while kids love playing with mom and dad, kids love playing independently, too.

My kids knew that throughout the day I would read to them, do crafts, play with puzzles, and play with toys or games. If one of the children received a new toy, I would first engage my toddler and preschooler’s interest as we played with the toy together. Over time, my children learned to play independently with the following open-ended play toys:

  • toy kitchen or BBQ grill just like mom or dad
  • cash register, play food, and pretend money
  • box of dress up clothes…sparkly, glittery or just like mom stuff for girls…superhero, rescue hero or just like dad stuff for boys (Many dress up items can be enjoyed by boys and girls.)
  • puppets
  • cars, animals, and action figures
  • construction toys

Our playroom was fairly well stocked with all of the above by the time our oldest was not even 2. Two sets of grandparents, a nearby aunt and uncle, and a doting mom and dad who liked playing with toys as much as their toddler meant our daughter’s playroom was a treasure trove of stuff.

As our daughter’s second Christmas and second birthday approached, I began to scan the shelves for construction type toys. Many were too old for her. She was not a child to be easily frustrated, but I didn’t want to overtax her developing hand eye skills. Time and again I picked up Lego Duplo toys. These toys were bright and colorful. The bricks were molded for little hands. The set I bought her contained a Winnie the Pooh figure, a couple of flowers, a honey pot, and about 5 or so Lego Duplo bricks. Just enough bricks and stuff that she could build her very own Winnie the Pooh world, but not too many bricks that an instruction sheet and help from mom or dad was needed.

My daughter and I, and then my next two children had hours of fun with Lego Duplos. By playing with the larger Lego Duplo bricks and figures, all three kids were able at 4 or 5 to make the transition to some of the larger Lego sets. I’m about to post a giveaway for a Pirates of the Caribbean set. Until then, would you like to win a Lego Duplo set?? I thought so!

I have a Lego Duplo My First Fire Station Set for one lucky reader. Winning is easy. First, leave a mandatory comment. Second, leave one or more of the optional comments. Remember, you must leave the manadatory comment for the other comments to count. Oh and don’t forget to leave your email address in the comment. so I can contact you if you win!

Mandatory Comment — Leave a comment.

What was your favorite Christmas gift as a child?

Optional Comment — Leave a comment.

I was provided with Lego Duplo My First Fire Station for this review. All opinions expressed in this review are my own. Giveaway is open to U.S. residents only. Giveaway ends Wednesday, December 21 at 11:59 p.m. Any links in this post are affiliate links to my amazon affiliate account.  I follow the tenets of Blog With Integrity.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/holiday-gift-guide-duplo-my-first-fire-station-giveaway/feed/ 65 @Kneebouncers: Free Games for Toddlers [Giveaway] http://www.musingsfromme.com/kneebouncers-free-games-for-toddlers-giveaway/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/kneebouncers-free-games-for-toddlers-giveaway/#comments Wed, 12 Oct 2011 16:26:50 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=4879 A few years ago my friend told me about a game her toddler son played all the time. The game was a “simple tap of the keys and watch what happens” type of game. A simple concept to adults, but the game allowed kids to make choices and decisions about how the game would be played. Kids — even kids as young as 1 — crave power over their surroundings. The game was on a site called Kneebouncers. Ever tried to put a sock on a 1-year-old? Only to have him push the sock off his foot. Mom and dad are thinking why is he pushing his sock off? We have to go out for a walk. Why is he doing this? He needs to wear socks. Your one-year-old is not concerned with your agenda at all. He wants to wiggle his toes. Suck on his toes. Rub his toes against the carpet. He’s asserting his will to be in control of his environment. Little ones like making decisions for themselves. My friend told me that her husband created Kneebouncers for little ones everywhere to enjoy. Kneebouncers has grown from one single game to a site with numerous games for [...]]]>


A few years ago my friend told me about a game her toddler son played all the time. The game was a “simple tap of the keys and watch what happens” type of game. A simple concept to adults, but the game allowed kids to make choices and decisions about how the game would be played. Kids — even kids as young as 1 — crave power over their surroundings. The game was on a site called Kneebouncers.

Ever tried to put a sock on a 1-year-old? Only to have him push the sock off his foot. Mom and dad are thinking why is he pushing his sock off? We have to go out for a walk. Why is he doing this? He needs to wear socks. Your one-year-old is not concerned with your agenda at all. He wants to wiggle his toes. Suck on his toes. Rub his toes against the carpet. He’s asserting his will to be in control of his environment. Little ones like making decisions for themselves.

Who Says Moo?

My friend told me that her husband created Kneebouncers for little ones everywhere to enjoy. Kneebouncers has grown from one single game to a site with numerous games for the baby, toddler, and preschooler set…including Vroom, Bed Jump, Sight Words, and Run Puppy Run. My son loved tapping on these games. He was eager to start using the computer far earlier than when his sisters were his age. He wanted to do what they were doing…Kneebouncers games allowed him to have fun too!

Here’s how it works…

  • Each week Kneebouncers offers about free games and stories to try out. This week your child can read “Who Says Moo? — a read long or read-to-me story?
  • If your little one is anything like my little one, you will want to go and activate all the Kneebouncers games. My oldest loved playing the same computer game over and over again. I still know the words to ALL the songs even years later! So for only $2.95 per month, your little one can play all the games on the Kneebouncers site. If you are not sure, that you and your little one will like Kneebouncers activate the free trial…one week of free access to all the fabulous Kneebouncers games.
  • And the yearly access pass, is a steal. The yearly fee for Kneebouncers of $19.95 is now only $11.97. This works out to only $1 a month for tons of fun for your little one. Offer good through end of October 2011. Great gift idea for the grandparents to buy for your child!

And for on-the-go access…

Kneebouncers first set of games includes:

  • Choo Choo: A train, a car, a tractor and LOTS of fun!
  • Big Top: KneeBouncers perform in a three-ring circus.
  • Pop-a-Lot: You’re little one will love what pops up next!
  • It’s Colorific: Bright balloons and amusing characters help make this intro to colors a whole lotta fun
  • The Alphabet Game: Is it a letter-learning tool or just plain tot entertainment?

Want to win a Who Says Moo? app by Kneebouncers? Entering is easy peasy! To be eligible to win, you must do the mandatory entry.

Mandatory Entry

Go to the Kneebouncers site and tell me what game looks fun. Don’t forget to leave your email so that I can contact you.

Optional Entries

Subscribe to the Kneebouncers blog, Kneeblogger. Come back and leave a comment.

Like Kneebouncers on Facebook.

Follow Kneebouncers on Twitter.

Friend me on Facebook.

Like my blog on Facebook.

Follow me on Twitter.

Follow my #onlinesafety account on Twitter.

Subscribe to my blog’s feed.

I was not compensated for this post. I happen to love the games. Giveaway ends October 28, 2011, 11:59 p.m. Giveaway is open to all readers. I follow the tenets of Blog With Integrity.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/kneebouncers-free-games-for-toddlers-giveaway/feed/ 5 What a Zoo…and Concert Dates… http://www.musingsfromme.com/what-a-zoo-and-concert-dates/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/what-a-zoo-and-concert-dates/#comments Tue, 12 Apr 2011 14:29:56 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=4264 Last year I was contacted by the PR for a hip young singer of kid songs.  I was at first skeptical since my experience with kid singers and their songs was of the treacly, saccharine variety. My avoidance of singers of kiddie songs led me to expose my children exclusively to the CDs from our Kindermusik classes. One listen to Joanie Leeds’ City Kid or I’m a Rock Star and I was hooked. City Kid is a fun, rousing burst of excitement — a music critic I am not, but I do know good music when I hear it. Joanie Leeds was the designated music-Mommy-can-tolerate-listening-to-in-the-car. I’m a Rock Star became a staple in our music activities when my son home from school. Joanie Leeds is a prolific artist with a new album coming out today! It’s called What a Zoo! is by Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights.You can buy it as an MP3 download here…using my amazon link. Are you like me and do you love a kid CD with tongue-in-cheek references that keep mom and dad amused? I never found anything remotely endearing to the ditties sung by Barney & Co., the Wiggles, and Yo Gabba Gabba. I would [...]]]>


Last year I was contacted by the PR for a hip young singer of kid songs.  I was at first skeptical since my experience with kid singers and their songs was of the treacly, saccharine variety. My avoidance of singers of kiddie songs led me to expose my children exclusively to the CDs from our Kindermusik classes. One listen to Joanie Leeds’ City Kid or I’m a Rock Star and I was hooked.

City Kid is a fun, rousing burst of excitement — a music critic I am not, but I do know good music when I hear it. Joanie Leeds was the designated music-Mommy-can-tolerate-listening-to-in-the-car. I’m a Rock Star became a staple in our music activities when my son home from school.

Joanie Leeds is a prolific artist with a new album coming out today! It’s called What a Zoo! is by Joanie Leeds and the Nightlights.You can buy it as an MP3 download here…using my amazon link.

Are you like me and do you love a kid CD with tongue-in-cheek references that keep mom and dad amused? I never found anything remotely endearing to the ditties sung by Barney & Co., the Wiggles, and Yo Gabba Gabba. I would leave the room when the shows/CDs were playing…not so with Joanie Leeds. “The Nightlights” is too funny of a name for her group!

O.K. so here’s the scoop…Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights have tour dates inApril and May are FILLED with amazing concerts all across the country…

What A Zoo! is available for purchase here.

Tour Dates for Joanie Leeds & The Nightlights What a Zoo! Tour
4/16 – Brooklyn Children’s Museum – Brooklyn, NY
4/19 – Children’s Museum of Manhattan – New York, NY
4/23 – Off Broadway – St. Louis, MO
5/07 – Kennedy Center – Washington DC
5/14 – Wold Cafe Live at the Queen – Wilmington, DE
5/15 – 92Y Tribeca – New York, NY
6/04 – Madison Sq Park – New York, NY

Want to learn more about Joanie Leeds and her music? Follow on Facebook and Twitter.

I was not compensated for this post. I received the City Kid and I’m a Rock Star! CDs for a review and giveaway last year. The views expressed are my own. I support the tenets of Blog with Integrity.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/what-a-zoo-and-concert-dates/feed/ 0 Babies? Yep, There’s an App for That http://www.musingsfromme.com/babies-yep-theres-an-app-for-that/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/babies-yep-theres-an-app-for-that/#comments Thu, 03 Mar 2011 17:25:21 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=4130 The scraps of paper. Notebooks purchased with the best of intentions. Writing on my hands and arm. Telling my sleepy spouse the time and praying that he remembered when I started nursing as I knew I was too sleep-deprived to remember. I tried these and more to keep track of my baby’s feeding, diapering, and sleeping schedule. But, my methods were hit or miss. Babies got fed, changed, bathed, and put down to sleep for naps or nighttime. I craved a routine…a schedule with my infants and babies. I needed to know that I was doing everything I could to keep my baby on a schedule, but whatever method of tracking was short-lived. I was contacted about an app — The Similac Strong Moms app — which looked like a great way to keep track of your infant’s schedule. I was anxious to give it a try. The Similac Strong Moms app works with iphone, but also with an itouch. The app was easy to download. Once downloaded, I got to work recreating a day-to-day or really hour-by-hour feeding and changing routine for Baby Jordan — my pretend 4th child, He’s a sweet baby…no trouble at all! I created a [...]]]>


The scraps of paper. Notebooks purchased with the best of intentions. Writing on my hands and arm. Telling my sleepy spouse the time and praying that he remembered when I started nursing as I knew I was too sleep-deprived to remember.
I tried these and more to keep track of my baby’s feeding, diapering, and sleeping schedule. But, my methods were hit or miss. Babies got fed, changed, bathed, and put down to sleep for naps or nighttime. I craved a routine…a schedule with my infants and babies. I needed to know that I was doing everything I could to keep my baby on a schedule, but whatever method of tracking was short-lived.
I was contacted about an app — The Similac Strong Moms app — which looked like a great way to keep track of your infant’s schedule. I was anxious to give it a try.

Similac Strong Moms app -- download from itunes

The Similac Strong Moms app works with iphone, but also with an itouch. The app was easy to download. Once downloaded, I got to work recreating a day-to-day or really hour-by-hour feeding and changing routine for Baby Jordan — my pretend 4th child, He’s a sweet baby…no trouble at all!

I created a routine and carried out the feeding, sleeping, and diaper changing via the Similac Strong Moms app. The app was super useful. I did not forget to record or omit any steps in my daily routine with Baby Jordan.
I was compensated for my post by Similac through Collective Bias. The views expressed in the post are my own.
]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/babies-yep-theres-an-app-for-that/feed/ 0 Question: Can I Call Myself a MommyBlogger if My Last 10 Posts Are Product Reviews??? http://www.musingsfromme.com/question-can-i-call-myself-a-mommyblogger-if-my-last-10-posts-are-product-reviews/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/question-can-i-call-myself-a-mommyblogger-if-my-last-10-posts-are-product-reviews/#comments Fri, 08 Oct 2010 18:06:34 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=3799 Can I Call Myself a MommyBlogger if My Last 10 Posts Are Product Reviews??? If a random reader happened upon my blog. That reader might wonder if I have kids or a husband. I get in to ruts where all I do is product review followed by a giveaway followed by the product review. For instance, my children have been back at school since August 30…and I have yet to write a back-to-school post! So, here’s a little bit about the Musings from Me family. To prove that I do have kids. By the way, my kids and husband help me with reviewing/playing with/listening to the products I reviews. Without them I would be further behind than I am! The Teen Just started high school. Made the school volleyball team as a freshman. Will try out for her travel volleyball team late 2010. Very much a daddy’s girl. Loves reading. Reread entire Harry Potter series as she last read HP books from 1st grade onwards. Yep, she was a very early reader. Hanging out with friends. Texting. The teen would definitely prefer to spend time with friends than with her family. I’m sad, but it is a natural progression…a kind [...]]]>


Can I Call Myself a MommyBlogger if My Last 10 Posts Are Product Reviews???

If a random reader happened upon my blog. That reader might wonder if I have kids or a husband. I get in to ruts where all I do is product review followed by a giveaway followed by the product review. For instance, my children have been back at school since August 30…and I have yet to write a back-to-school post!

So, here’s a little bit about the Musings from Me family. To prove that I do have kids. By the way, my kids and husband help me with reviewing/playing with/listening to the products I reviews. Without them I would be further behind than I am!

The Teen

  • Just started high school.
  • Made the school volleyball team as a freshman. Will try out for her travel volleyball team late 2010.
  • Very much a daddy’s girl.
  • Loves reading. Reread entire Harry Potter series as she last read HP books from 1st grade onwards. Yep, she was a very early reader.
  • Hanging out with friends. Texting.
  • The teen would definitely prefer to spend time with friends than with her family. I’m sad, but it is a natural progression…a kind of letting go/preparing to leave the nest.
  • Does advanced courses in school — insists on keeping a challenging schedule.
  • Takes after mom as far as housekeeping skills…her room is a mess.
  • Would rather dress well or sleep later than eat breakfast…yes, mornings are fun, fun, fun in our house!

The Tween

  • In middle school. Can’t wait to join the teen at the high school.
  • Loves reading — especially anything that is a series, Sisterhood of the Traveling Pants, Twilight, Pretty Little Liars, etc. Loved Junie B. Jones books as a little kid. Never got in to Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings. Any series that your tween loves reading? Leave a comment!
  • Loves hanging with friends at our house or theirs.
  • Will do chores willingly, but often needs a reminder to clean her room. I suspect that unloading/loading the dishwasher is easier than tackling her room.
  • Takes after mom…can recite lines and lines of dialogue from movies. Our favorite family film is the Simpson’s. Lots of lines to recite!
  • Volleyball player for her recreational and volleyball team. She is a a terrific server.
  • She is my go-to person for school happenings. She knows everything about school. It’s a shame that I don’t have a clone of her at the high school and elementary school.
  • Loves science. Works hard at all her subjects.
  • Is rocking Spanish this year! Very few kids opt to take a language in middle school.

The Kid

  • He’s all boy. The kid has kept me on my toys since he was able to crawl. He could move the kitchen table before he could walk. Climbing! Messes! Gray hairs for mom!
  • He wanted to ride the school bus from about 1 years old. He started preschool without a tear. Loved finally going to school. He was in heaven when he got to ride the school bus!
  • He’s a talker…we’re working on this.
  • He’s a spy-in-training…which means he can be sneaky and stealthy. It was a sad day for me when he realized that his sisters got to stay up later than he did on weekends.
  • As a direct result of staying up later on weekends, he has watched a number of films that are probably not age-appropriate for a young kid…Jurassic Park, Star Wars, Robin Hood.
  • He watches too-scary movies, but also loves anything Disney. I draw the line at the ABC Family shows.
  • He loves being read to. He and his dad are reading the 1st Harry Potter together. He reads a couple of pages. His dad reads a couple of pages.
  • He’s a builder…Lego…blocks…K’Nex. If you can build it, he will play with it. He has amassed a collection of Star Wars Lego guys. Have you noticed how tiny the weapons on the Lego guys are? Why aren’t there more Lego gals? Are there any Lego gals?

The Husband

  • I call him Coach dad on this blog.
  • He reads my blog! Go Coach Dad!
  • He puts up with/understands/tolerates my “blogging as a hobby leading to blogging as a job” career.
  • He is my go-to guy when I travel. He will go in to work late so that the kids get on the bus.
  • I love that he has instilled a love for learning in our children. School is of paramount importance to him — he’s a teacher.
  • He is a huge supporter of whatever sport or activity the children do. He’s there at the band concerts, open houses at school, swim meets, and volleyball/lacrosse/football games.
  • Housekeeping is not at the top of his priority list, but I appreciate that he does a load of laundry every now and again.
  • The lawn is another matter. He takes pride in mowing our very large yard. It’s the type of yard that screams “PLANT MORE TREES,” “BUILD SOME STRUCTURE” so there is less to mow!

Do you blog about being a mom or blog about products? Both? How do you balance the two?

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/question-can-i-call-myself-a-mommyblogger-if-my-last-10-posts-are-product-reviews/feed/ 4 Don’t Buy Junky Toys…Buy Classics http://www.musingsfromme.com/dont-buy-junky-toys-buy-classics/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/dont-buy-junky-toys-buy-classics/#comments Mon, 04 Oct 2010 23:11:33 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=3795 As a mom-to-be, I spent hours, days, and months searching for the perfect baby equipment form my baby. I am a fossil so all my searching was done by actually driving to stores, walking up and down the aisles, and asking questions of salespeople. Quite retro I know. Oh, we did have a home computer, but in 1995 we were stuck in the death valley of dial up. Getting on to the internet was hit or miss at best. It was quicker to drive to the store! Not all baby stores are made alike are they? Babies R Us and Target while stocked with a plethura of fabulous baby goodies were lacking in one key ingredient…salespeople who could tell a crib mobile from a crib busy center. As a one of the Founder OpenSky sellers…I am proud to be able to offer a range of baby and toddler and preschooler toys. Melissa & Doug Decorate a Picture Frame — Cute gift idea! Baby Diner — A plate that suctions to the table for easy eating for baby and minimal cleanup for mom. Buy Now Stainless Steel Baby Bottle — Start with stainless baby bottle with nipple…transition to sippy cup using [...]]]>


As a mom-to-be, I spent hours, days, and months searching for the perfect baby equipment form my baby. I am a fossil so all my searching was done by actually driving to stores, walking up and down the aisles, and asking questions of salespeople. Quite retro I know.

Oh, we did have a home computer, but in 1995 we were stuck in the death valley of dial up. Getting on to the internet was hit or miss at best. It was quicker to drive to the store!

Not all baby stores are made alike are they? Babies R Us and Target while stocked with a plethura of fabulous baby goodies were lacking in one key ingredient…salespeople who could tell a crib mobile from a crib busy center.

As a one of the Founder OpenSky sellers…I am proud to be able to offer a range of baby and toddler and preschooler toys.

Melissa & Doug Decorate a Picture Frame — Cute gift idea!

Baby Diner — A plate that suctions to the table for easy eating for baby and minimal cleanup for mom. Buy Now

Stainless Steel Baby Bottle — Start with stainless baby bottle with nipple…transition to sippy cup using same stainless steel bottle. Bottles are dishwasher safe. — Check it out!

Bracelet for Mom…and Teething Toy for Baby — Buy Now

Stay tuned! I plan to add more toys to my OpenSky Store.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/dont-buy-junky-toys-buy-classics/feed/ 1 Transitioning Your Toddler to a Big Kid Bed http://www.musingsfromme.com/transitioning-your-toddler-to-a-big-kid-bed/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/transitioning-your-toddler-to-a-big-kid-bed/#comments Fri, 01 Oct 2010 13:17:18 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=3765 Transitioning a toddler to a big kid bed can be challenging to parents and child. I know it was for our family. My toddler fought tooth and nail to get her crib back. The toddler may not be ready to give up the crib, but the new baby’s arrival is on the horizon. We transitioned our 2.5-year-old about 1 month before I was due with our second child. In retrospect we tried to do the transitioning too quickly. Our toddler was giving us signs that she was stressed about the new baby. While she didn’t have to give up her bedroom, she did see us working in the new baby’s room. The crib was a huge issue. She didn’t want to give up her crib. She liked her big girl bed, but felt cozier in her crib. After trying our toddler in the big girl bed, I quickly noticed that her sleeping was off. We left the crib in her bedroom. she would start in the crib, insist on moving to the bed, want to go to the crib again. It was a nightmare. Transitions in our house are hard. I have found that when you are frustrated it is [...]]]>


Transitioning a toddler to a big kid bed can be challenging to parents and child. I know it was for our family. My toddler fought tooth and nail to get her crib back.

The toddler may not be ready to give up the crib, but the new baby’s arrival is on the horizon. We transitioned our 2.5-year-old about 1 month before I was due with our second child. In retrospect we tried to do the transitioning too quickly. Our toddler was giving us signs that she was stressed about the new baby. While she didn’t have to give up her bedroom, she did see us working in the new baby’s room.

The crib was a huge issue. She didn’t want to give up her crib. She liked her big girl bed, but felt cozier in her crib. After trying our toddler in the big girl bed, I quickly noticed that her sleeping was off. We left the crib in her bedroom. she would start in the crib, insist on moving to the bed, want to go to the crib again. It was a nightmare.

Transitions in our house are hard. I have found that when you are frustrated it is good to take a break for a short period. My advice: Let your child nap/sleep in her crib for a few more weeks aftet you make the decision to transition her to a big kid bed.

At the end of the 2-3 weeks,

  • Start talking about your child’s new bed.
  • Make it sound awesome and exciting. My toddler started showing iuterest in trying the “new” bed.
  • Let your child choose sheets.
  • Let your child arrange her stuffed animals/blankies on the bed.
  • Check out a book from the library on the new baby and siblings. We loved the Berenstain Bears and the New Bed. It’s all about Brother Bear getting a new bed before the birth of Sister Bear. Papa Bear makes him a bed as his crib is too small. Click Here! for books.

Once you are ready,

  • Suggest that your child nap in the bed.
  • A couple of days later, let her choose crib or bed at bedtime.
  • If it’s going well have her help take down the crib. Toddlers love using tools to do a job — mom and dad tools are golden to them. My toddler liked helping to take the screws out of the crib. 
  • Put the crib away for a few weeks, then bring it out for the new baby. Hopefully your toddler will be so in love with her new bed/big girl room that she won’t notice.

With my 2nd child the transition out of the crib was seamless. My second child was almost 3. I was not yet pregnant with her brother. My daughter was anxious to move to a crib to be more like her big sister who slept in a bed. With the 1st child it was awful. I wish we had done the gradual transition with our oldest child.

Once our child was in her new big girl bed. Napping essentially ended for her. She took a cat nap every now and then, but napping was over.

If you are struggling with transitioning your child from crib to bed, take a break, take a breather, and when you are ready go for it.

]]> http://www.musingsfromme.com/transitioning-your-toddler-to-a-big-kid-bed/feed/ 1 Wallables — Super Cute Wall Decorations http://www.musingsfromme.com/wallables-super-cute-wall-decorations/ http://www.musingsfromme.com/wallables-super-cute-wall-decorations/#comments Wed, 11 Aug 2010 19:55:06 +0000 Jill http://www.musingsfromme.com/?p=3611 Before our oldest was born, my husband and I spent many hours looking at nursery furnishings. We had moved in to our new home 1.5 years before our daughter was born. We knew we would use one of the spare bedrooms as her room. The decision on what room to use was the easiest. Not so easy was how to decorate. Builder’s grade off white paint is perfectly acceptable for adults, but a child’s room needs a little splash of color. My son loved Toy Story 3. He’s a little young to have gone through a Toy Story phase when the second film came out. He’s now a Buzz Lightyear guy. He’s 7 and has strong opinions about what goes on his wall. When I received the Wallable of Buzz Lightyear for review, I knew just which of my children would love. When a Buzz Lightyear wings his way in to our house there are advantages to being the only boy in the family. All review toys for boys are his. A Wallable is a 3D wall applique. The Buzz Lightyear Wallable looks as though he is launching himself to infinity and beyond. The whites and greens on the Buzz [...]]]>


Before our oldest was born, my husband and I spent many hours looking at nursery furnishings. We had moved in to our new home 1.5 years before our daughter was born. We knew we would use one of the spare bedrooms as her room.

The decision on what room to use was the easiest. Not so easy was how to decorate. Builder’s grade off white paint is perfectly acceptable for adults, but a child’s room needs a little splash of color.

My son loved Toy Story 3. He’s a little young to have gone through a Toy Story phase when the second film came out. He’s now a Buzz Lightyear guy.

He’s 7 and has strong opinions about what goes on his wall. When I received the Wallable of Buzz Lightyear for review, I knew just which of my children would love. When a Buzz Lightyear wings his way in to our house there are advantages to being the only boy in the family. All review toys for boys are his.


A Wallable is a 3D wall applique. The Buzz Lightyear Wallable looks as though he is launching himself to infinity and beyond. The whites and greens on the Buzz Wallable are crisp. Buzz’s spacesuit is true to the film as far as detailing and color go.

My son pealed the Wallable off the cardboard backing used for packing. Once peeled off Buzz was ready for action. I peeled the backing off the top part of a two-part Velcro disc on the back of Buzz Lightyear. My son stuck the disc to the wall. I checked to see that I could peel the disc off the wall. As the packaging stated, you can remove and reapply the Velcro disc without leaving a mark on the wall. After spending days painting my son’s room…actually my dad painted his room, but I still do not want to leave marks on the wall.

Once the top part of the Velcro disk was applied to the wall, my son stuck Buzz to the wall by matching up the disk on the back of the Buzz Lightyear Wallable to the Velcro disc on the wall. Houston, we have connection!

Buzz is positioned in such a way that he looks ready to spring in to action. To infinity and beyond. My son liked taking the Buzz Wallable off the wall to go on adventures. Creative and pretend play is essential for kids of all ages.

Wallable wall decorations can be purchased online or at the following retailers: Toys R Us. If you want to see what Wallables look like, check out your local Toys R Us.

SP — This is a Sponsored Post. I am a member of the WB Word of Mouth Marketing Team. The views expressed in the post are my own.

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