Tag: "cj"

Wordless Wednesday - Bedtime - Somebody Is In My Bed And It’s Not Me

shortly before CJ’s bedtime last night it got awfully quiet. I crept around the corner and found him in my bed, with the PBS Kids channel on. When he realized I was there he closed his eyes and pretended to be asleep with a fake snore. I took this when he couldn’t keep his eyes closed any more.

wordless wed cj in our bed

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May 19, 2010 | 22 comments | View Post

Deal Alert - All In One Mens Grooming Kit

buycom norelco all in one grooming kit

CJ has alopecia areata. Male pattern baldness. His hair doesn’t grow in evenly and he ends up with bald spots all over the place so generally we buzz his head. A few days ago the hair he had was getting long, so I told RB it was time to buzz it.

Into the bathroom we went. I sat CJ on the countertop and got out RB’s grooming kit. I turned it on and it barely buzzed. We tried charging it. It didn’t get better. It had died, leaving us with a problem and the need for a new grooming tool.

I found a sale for reasonably priced solution to the problem - the Philips Norelco G485 All-In-One Grooming Kit. This trimmer has more features than our recently departed groomer. The trimmer works on beard, mustache, nose and ear hair. The trimmer has nine cutting lengths and comes with a several blades, a cleaning brush and eyebrow comb. There’s also a charging stand with storage spots for all of the attachments. This trimmer takes ten hours to get a full charge and will run for up to 35 minutes.

The Philips Norelco G485 All-In-One Grooming Kit regularly sells for $69.95 and is currently on sale for $39.99. There’s a $5 coupon on top of that, bringing it down to $34.99. And, it qualifies for free shipping. This would make a great gift for any guy. And don’t forget, Father’s Day isn’t all that far away.

Apr 30, 2010 | 0 comments | View Post

Affirmation And Answers Through CJ And Noddy

questions

Tonight was our monthly PTA meeting. I came home steaming mad, questioning myself on if it was worth it to be there. I’ll spare you the storm and drang of the meeting and get right to what’s on my mind.

Part of the goal of the SEPTA, or mission statement, reads as follows.

We will make Sacrifices in our lives
To create Pride
by helping these children and their parents Excel.
Through our Commitment we will work together
To Improve Awareness
And we pledge our Loyalty to EDUCATION
We are the Parent Teacher Association.

So. That all sounds simple enough, doesn’t it? You’d think.

First a little background. I think the idea behind this organization is a good one. I also think the organization has great potential. In the more than five years that I have been a member I have benefited from things I learned because I was a member. I learned that it is ok to question your school and how they are handling your child’s education. I have had my child’s IEP (short version- annual individualized education plan) broken, which is breaking the law. I learned that it is quite appropriate to hold the school responsible for breaking that law.

Member A raised a question about officers not following rules. Some of those folks were running for offices that required training. Member A caught a LOT of attitude and flack for bringing it up, despite the fact that she has always stuck to the letter of the law. Member B and C could be heard whispering. Member D was just rude and fresh. Member E said that she, as one of the founding members, was sure that our rules were intended to be bent because our parent members were burdened. What? Burdened? My special needs child is a challenge but certainly not a burden. I thought her statement was somewhat offensive. Anyway. Most of the group seemed to feel that questioning if rules were and should be followed was not needed. The meeting continued on in a downward spiral. Some people were yelling and behaving quite badly. I’ve seen groups of children behave better. I lost a lot of respect for some by the end of the meeting.

I made the ride home questioning my own view on the situation, and my involvement with the organization overall. Was all of this arguing worth it? Was Member A right - should rules be followed to the letter? Was the bullcrap I had just sat through for more than an hour worth it? RB saw my foul mood and lent an ear. He was astounded at my description of the night’s events. Not having found an answer, I spent a few minutes with CJ and then sent him off to bed.

I went into the bedroom to kiss CJ good night. I went in with a cup of milk and a head filled with lots of questions, none that he could answer. Noddy was on the television. In this particular episode Noddy had coins and was wanting to buy something. CJ pointed at the screen and said “Oddy”. I agreed and told him it was bedtime. Noddy was now counting his change - one, two. “Ree” said CJ. I tell him that’s right and that he needs to go to bed. “Oney” he tells me. I agree that that was money and it is bedtime. “Oins”. My answer hit me.

I learned from SEPTA that I must be vigilant, to protect my son’s right and access to the best education he can get. Tonight my son did a little counting and recognized money and was able to tell me in a manner that I understood. That may not seem like much to some but for us it’s freaking phenomenal. It’s a result of making sure that laws were followed, even when it wasn’t popular.

Our school district child study teams are surely understaffed and overworked. Some might call them burdened. That doesn’t mean they should break the laws, does it? Of course not. Some of the very people complaining about following the laws at tonight’s meeting have argued to hold the school district to the letter of the law in regards to their own child’s education. What a bunch of hypocrites! Apparently the laws only suit them when they suit their own interests and agendas.

Apr 26, 2010 | 15 comments | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - Hugging Cousins

cole hugging cj

Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Game Review Network, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!

Mar 31, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Real Kids Shades Review - With Giveaway

realkidsshades and mfs logos

Long ago I came to the conclusion that seasonal merchandising means you cannot get what you need when you most need it. Example. You find you need to replace your winter pajamas or slippers in February and can’t because they’re no longer on sale. That’s right folks. Summer items are starting to appear in local stores now. That’s ridiculous! One of the items you see all of the time in the summer but not so much during the winter is sunglasses.

According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology (AAO), sunglasses are not just for sunny summer days, but are also needed during the winter season when reflections from snow, water, sand or pavement can intensify UV rays to extremely high levels. The AAO also tells us that most parents (82%) encourage their children to use sunscreen when outdoors in the sunlight to protect the skin, but only 32% protect the vulnerable eyes of their infants, toddlers and children with sunglasses. That’s a scary thought when you consider that children’s eyes are at increased risk for permanent damage from sunlight until they are at least 10 years old, because their eyes are highly sensitive and still developing. Furthermore, 90% of total lifetime damage from the sun’s harmful rays occurs by age 18.

I never really gave childrens sunglasses much thought other than that it was cute. Of course I thought they were cute – they’ve got cute little licensed characters on them. You’ve seen the ones I mean in the department stores. I have bought CJ 3 or 4 pair and they just didn’t fit right and never stayed on. Shortly before our recent trip to Disney, I started contemplating what I was going to do for CJ’s eyes as there has been known to be some sunshine in Florida. I didn’t see any children’s sunglasses in the department stores. That didn’t surprise me, as I couldn’t find slippers or pajamas either. Fortunately, the folks at Real Kids Shades sent us some sunglasses and asked us to share our thoughts.

Real Kids Shades offers a line of durable and stylish sunglasses for infants and children to age 12. Real Kids Shades offer 100% UV protection and are measured by the strictest American, European and Australian governing bodies. Real Kids Shades are approved by the Melanoma International Foundation and meets with the sunglass recommendations of Prevent Blindness America. These kids sunglasses are Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) compliant, CE Certified and FDA Approved for protecting children’s eyes against dangerous exposure to UV-A and UV-B rays. They are lead-free and made of impact-resistant, shatterproof polycarbonate frames and lenses. A wide range of styles and colors are available, including sports styles. Some of these styles can be fitted with prescription lenses.

real kids glasses case

I was very impressed with the Real Kids Shades. In the past when CJ has worn sunglasses they have always fallen off. CJ is small and I wondered how well these would work. As it turns out, they work great! They’re very stylish looking and I love the adjustable band that kept them on his head. He didn’t seem to mind wearing them at all, probably because they actually fit. And these glasses actually covered his eyes, unlike any of the ones we’d bought previously.

cj glasses hat

cj real kids shades 1

cj real kids shades 2

The frames are all stylish looking without looking too young or too old. I find the price quite reasonable considering the fact that they provide the protection my son’s eyes need and because they on. (No need to buy more if these stay on.)

Suggested retail prices for Real Kids Shades range from $14.99 to $19.99. For more information and store location, visit www.realkidshades.com.

WIN IT!

ONE winner will receive a pair of Real Kids Shades.

HOW TO ENTER. (MANDATORY)

To enter visit the Real Kids Shades website and then leave a comment on this post telling me which style of Real Kids Shades you like the most and what your favorite color in that style is.

BONUS ENTRIES

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1 - Visit HereAndThere.US (my Mom) and leave a comment on any post (except a giveaway post) there. Then return here and leave a comment on this post telling me one thing you read or learned on my Mom’s blog. (That’s two comments you need to leave for this bonus entry, one there and one here.) Unlimited entries for this method of entry.

Leave an additional comment for each entry you qualify for. You must have completed the first entry according to the instructions to be eligible for any bonus entries.

THE SMALL PRINT.

US addresses only please. This contest will end on Saturday 03/13/10 at 11:59 pm est. If you’ve entered any of my giveaways before then you know that only comments containing all of the requested information will be eligible for entry. The winner must contact me to confirm they wish to receive the prize within two days of my email notifying them they’ve won. Good luck to everyone!

THIS GIVEAWAY IS NOW CLOSED.

Feb 28, 2010 | 37 comments | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - Joy - Me And CJ With Mickey And Minnie In Disney World

wordless wed me and cj with mickey and minnie in disney

Feb 24, 2010 | 1 comment | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - What Better Place For A First Concert Than Disney World?

cj first concert

Feb 17, 2010 | 5 comments | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - No Snow Here In Florida

ready to go to disney

Feb 10, 2010 | 4 comments | View Post

Only A Few More Days To Florida!

map east coast i95

I’m so excited - I’m going to Disney next week! I’m really looking forward to seeing CJ’s reaction in the parks as he’s really into Mickey and Pooh. He and I are flying out on Tuesday. My parents, as well as my brother LB3 and his girlfriend Diva, are driving down. They left last night. I have a close relationship with my parents but always worry a little when they travel, which is often. You know what I mean right? Stuff happens. I’ve often thought it would be awesome if I could use gps real time tracking to keep tabs on where they are. Until there is an easier way I rely on phone calls. I’m a little worried because that area is expecting some severe weather, which makes driving a camper a bit less fun. Fortunately, my Dad will be sharing the driving with my brother, which should make the long drive easier and quicker. At 7:30 am this morning they were in Virginia and my Mom was eagerly awaiting checking out some outlet stores that she always stops at. I’ve never met anyone else who know where every outlet and mall is, no matter where she is. She’s like a 411 for malls. Do you know anyone like that?

Feb 05, 2010 | 2 comments | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - The Newest Course At Dinner - Hula Hooping

cj hula hooping dinner 2

cj hula hooping dinner floor

Feb 03, 2010 | 3 comments | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - Paradise By The DS Light

wordless wed paradise by the ds light

Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Game Review Network, From Val’s Camera, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!

Jan 27, 2010 | 13 comments | View Post

Wordless Wednesday - The Cousins Tea Party - Complete With The Tea

tea party wet floor

tea party table

tea party toilet

Thanks for stopping by! If you have a picture up for Wordless Wednesday, leave your link below on Mr. Linky! Then head on over to From Val’s Kitchen, Here And There, What’s That Smell, Wordless Wednesday, Go Graham Go, 5 Minutes for Mom and The Not-So-Blog Blog for more wordless fun!

Jan 20, 2010 | 5 comments | View Post

HOLIDAY GIFT GUIDE - MUST HAVES - V Tech VSmile Cyber Pocket

vtech cyber pocket

CJ is 10 but developmentally he’s much younger. It can be very hard to shop for toys for him because usually he’s either got it or it’s just not a good fit for him. One thing he enjoys tremendously is playing video games. His old VSmile has seen much better days. V Tech now makes a newer model, the VSmile Cyber Pocket.

About the VSmile Cyber Pocket

Kid-smart video gaming goes anywhere with V.Smile Cyber Pocket – featuring a flip top high resolution screen and easy touch writing pad, V.Smile Cyber Pocket even adjust to both right and left-handed players.

V.Smile Cyber Pocket users can also access a secure website using V.Link to show kids how their game scores stack up as well as provide them with bonus games to reward their progress. It’s easy to use and encourages them to keep up the good work!

Best of all, V.Smile Cyber Pocket toys play all of the Smartridges in the V.Smile Library. So as kids’ skills grow, you can keep supplying them with new challenges.

CJ adjusted to playing with the new VSmile Cyber Pocket quickly. There’s a lot of things I like about this game. It improves eye to hand coordination. It helps both fine and gross motor skills. It encourages concentration. The game skills have educational value while remaining fun and interesting. The game system itself fits well in his hands and isn’t too big or too small, making it the ideal toy for both home and long car rides. It’s great that all of the VSmile cartridges work in it, so games from the other systems like the VMotion can be used. The VSmile Cyber Pocket operates on 4 AA batteries. I have found the battery life to be quite reasonable but for those concerned there is an AC adapter available for about $10. We give this system six thumbs up - 2 from me, 2 from RB and 2 from CJ. The model we received did not have the capability to connect to a television but I believe the current model in stores does. That’s a feature we definitely would enjoy.

The V Tech VSmile Cyber Pocket sells for $49.99. It’s available for purchase online and in stores nationwide.

The product(s) featured in this review was provided free of cost to me for the sole purpose of product testing and review. This review has not been monetarily compensated and is based on the views and opinions of my family and/or self. Please note that the opinions reflected in this post have not been influenced by the sponsor in any way.