Outdoor Fun Giveaway

Welcome to an AMAZING Giveaway Brought to you by:

Funny Postpartum Lady

Story of a Girl

Mommy Needs A Break

Nanny To Mommy

That Suburban Momma

Musings of a Single Mama

The Pinspired Mom

Deezy Does It

Diary of a Fit Single Mom

Tails from a Not So Conventional Mommy

Giveaway Runs 5/22-6/12

Prizes: Step2 Neat & Tidy Cottage

**Specs from Amazon

Open design allows mom and dad to watch children while at play

Features a molded-in kitchen table, faucet, burner and two seats

Accessories not included

Adult assembly required

 AND

 Step2 Fun Fold Jr Picnic Table

**Specs from Amazon

Picnic table folds for easy storage and wipes clean easily

Table top can accommodate an umbrella (not included)

Seats four children comfortably

Enter the Rafflecopter below for your chance to WIN both items!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Must be 18 or older to enter. Must reside in the US and have a valid shipping address. No PO boxes. Funny Postpartum Lady is responsible for the shipment of this prize. Must respond to winning notification email within 48 hours or another winner will be randomly selected.

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Memorial Day

Cole Values Momma writing to you on Memorial Day 2013....

I want to share unique something with you.... I want you give you a little glimpse into my heart.  I want you to know what it feels like to be Core Values Momma for a few seconds during her evening.....Specifically at 9:00pm.  

                    Please click here and listen

Photo gotten from NavyTimes.com

Every night at 9pm on military bases Taps plays and reminds me of my Pop-Pop.  My grandfather served in the Navy during WWII.  While he only served a few years, his pride in military service and in being an American never waned.  After his Navy service, he worked for companies such as Grumman and worked with many other veterans building fleet of aircraft.  As a child growing up, I knew my Pop-Pop was a former Navy Seabee and that he especially enjoyed wearing his Navy baseball caps.  He was undoubtedly the proudest person in our family when my husband  enlisted in the US Navy after high school.   A highlight of his retirement and subsequent relocation to FL was installing a full-sized flag pole on his new parcel of land. Every day, he awoke and rose the flag.  And every evening he returned to retire America's colors.

Didn't he have just the BEST smile?

 
He never spoke of any of the "nitty-gritty" military ways, the traumas of war, the awful things he must have seen while serving in the Pacific.  Let's face it, he was part of a generation of Americans whom just did not tell "war stories".  It wasn't until he was in his 70's-- and I in my teenage years-- that he dug out of his bedroom closet a box of war-time military pictures and some stories to go along with them.  I even recall his daughters (my mom and aunt) expressing that they had never seen these photos or heard stories until this time.  

This is first photograph I ever saw of my Pop in the military.
I think I got a copy of this one that night he went through the
box in his closet.

Per my request, my Nana recently went through some of my Pop-Pop's box in his closet and sent me some additional photographs. I love this one of him and his fellow Seabees...even the one in the loin cloth! :)

Taps played its very first bugle call in July 1862. It was used as a signal for troops to turn "lights out"-- knowing that in order for them "take rest", others would stand duty and serve watchful over their fellow comrades.  Of all the military bugle calls, I think Taps is the most recognizable and emotional--its notes beautifully connecting a pang of melancholy, stretching out as if experiencing some fatigue and culminating with peaceful rest.

The United States Army Center for Military history instructs that while

 there is no official lyrics for Taps, this is most often used: 

Fading light dims the sight, 
And a star gems the sky, gleaming bright. 
From afar drawing nigh -- Falls the night.


Day is done, gone the sun, 
From the lake, from the hills, from the sky; 
All is well, safely rest, God is nigh.


Then good night, peaceful night, 
Till the light of the dawn shineth bright; 
God is near, do not fear -- Friend, good night.

At places like Arlington and other national cemeteries, the tune of Taps bring about such strong emotions... the moment when a family hears the bugle call they know it signals their loved ones final time to "take rest".  Its mournful melody also signals that it is now their time to stand strong and dutiful--to continue to live and push forward the family legacy. In 2005, Taps was played at my Pop-Pop's funeral. Every night at 9pm my heart aches for the sound of his laughter.  I think of the legacy he left behind-- his love of country and his family.  His unwavering patriotism.  His endless patience.  His meticulous work ethic.  The way he would exclaim that his great-grandchildren's kisses were sweet "Like A Peach"! How he would remind those he loved to take life "Nice And Easy"-- not to become a stress monger and miss the blessings in everyday ordinary things.  Taps reminds me that while he has taken his final rest it is now MY turn to stand strong, to teach these family values-- to continue this legacy.  

This is my absolute favorite picture of me and my Pop-Pop.
It was my farewell kiss leaving for my Jr/Sr Prom when I
was 16 years old. 

As we arrive on this Memorial Day holiday, I am thinking about veterans like my Pop-Pop...ones that accomplished many things over the course of their lives but who remained ever proud of the contributions they made to their country.  I am thinking about my husband's 18 years of military service.  I am thinking about veterans who have not told their stories of sacrifice and suffer quietly.  I think of those who were not properly respected and honored upon their return.  I am thinking about those who have died in our nations service.  I am thinking about those who, alike my Pop-Pop, have died many, many years later due to illness' related to their military service. 

Photo from Google images

The bugle call of Taps reminds me to teach my children

that this holiday is more than a three day weekend full of BBQ's and the ceremonial opening of the neighborhood pool.  

It is my duty to share with them the importance of remembrance, respect and gratitude.  

With a grateful heart, I will observe this Memorial Day holiday. 

Decked Out Dad's Day Giveaway

Hosted by

A Lucky Ladybug

and 

Java John Z's

Co-Hosted by Tyrneathem and Funny Postpartum Lady  

Celebrate Father's of all kinds this Father's Day!  Decked Out Dad's Day is all about Dad whether he's a traveler, a techie, the chef, or even the stay at home man!!  Make Our Own Network is thrilled to bring you over $1000 in gifts for Dad.  There are 6 packages worth over $145 each!

My 30 Day Update on Plexus Slim

My Sponsor, Haley from Plexus Slim, sent me a 60 day supply of her amazing product. Though I am not technically overweight, I could stand to lose 10-15 pounds. I have been stuck at this weight for what seems like forever despite my endless running, working out, and eating right. Most of you that follow me know that I eat a pretty strict diet (paleo for the most part) and I love to run. I also do some resistance training, bike riding, and just finished my first Sprint Triathlon this past Mothers Day weekend. Despite all that I do the scale wouldn't move. I know that the scale is just a number, but I am a woman and that means nothing to me. I want to lose this 10-15 lbs.

Well, it has now been 30 days since I've started the Plexus Slim and I've lost 6 lbs! YAY!!!! Not only have I lost the 6 lbs, but I have tons more energy than I normally do. I love this stuff. It totally takes away my appetite and extra cravings and gives me the energy to get a lot of stuff done. I don't have those crazy jitters that other diet pills give you. My doctor even gave me the okay to take this stuff. I have a thyroid disease and can't take a lot of crazy stuff. 

So my daily routine is to get up and drink the "pink powder" with a bottle of water. I also go ahead and take two of the accelerator pills. You don't have to take two or take them at once, I just take them at the same time. You can take one in the morning and one at lunch. Because they don't make me feel jittery, I take them both in the morning. The pills do have caffeine, but the pink powder doesn't and they say it the pink powder alone is safe during breastfeeding. You find out more about those products HERE.

So it has become a routine for me. I get up, drink my drink, take my pills, feed the baby and get her dressed for the day, drink my coffee, eat my eggs, and get ready for my morning run. Of course I spend the rest of my morning with you all (my internet friends). Below is my before and after pictures for the 30 days. 

I'm hoping to lose the rest of the weight in the next 30 days. I'm confident the Plexus Slim will help me do it. I will of course continue to eat right and exercise. I have started training for a half marathon too. I'll post in 30 days with my result.

I'd like to share with you a few other products that Plexus Slim has to offer. 

I've already mentioned the Pink Drink and Accelorator, but here it is again with the link

CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASING OPTIONS

Next is just the Pink Drink 

CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASING OPTIONS

Then there is the Bio Cleanse. Bio Cleanse helps detoxify and cleanse, energize, enhance weight loss, and relieve constipation.

CLICK HERE FOR PURCHASING OPTIONS



You can find more of her products by clicking HERE. You can also find her on Facebook HERE.

I will post more about my Plexus Slim Journey in 30 days!
Thanks for Reading.

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Tuesday Twitter Party #2

Welcome to the Tuesday Twitter Party!
This is a great way for your Twitter Page to grow. Just link up, follow the first two links (Hosts), and follow at least 3 other links on the hop. It also helps to post the blog button on your page somewhere so that others know where the party is! You can also share this post at the button via Facebook, Twitter, Google+, or Pinterest to spread the word even more. The more people that link up the more people that will follow our page. Come back every Tuesday to party! Also come back on Thursday as I have a Blog Hop with Linkys for your Blog, BlogLovin, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and Google+. Click HERE to subscribe to that Newsletter and get notified as soon as that blog hop goes live.

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Air Walker Bounce Castle Giveaway

Air Walker Bounce Castle Giveaway

Hosted By: So Sew Mama

Co-Hosted by: Embracing Homemaking, I Heart Giveaways, Embracing Beauty, Embracing Frugality, Xtreme Qpon

Sponsored by: Blast Zone

We wanted something that was sturdy and would hold our three children. We purchased our Bounce House off Amazon. At a discount, mind you. As soon as it arrived the mail carrier stated how obnoxiously heavy the box was. HaHa. It weighs in at about 60 pounds. Which really isn't that bad. I was surprised at how sturdy it was. I was able to carry our Air Walker Bounce Castle around back to set it up with ease.

  "BLAST ZONE" are one of the best brands on the market. First off, they are American made. The second thing is, you need to decide is what features you want like Balls, slides, hoops or whatever features you think you want. We love that it is extremely vibrant and bright. You can tell by the look on my kids faces that they love it.

(Read my Full Review Here)

http://youtu.be/fhS2-zryPtg

I would definitely recommend this castle to all families.

Buy It: Amazon for $199

Enter for your chance to win an Air Walker Bounce Castle!

Giveaway open to US residents 18+ only

All entries are optional but will increase your odds of winning.

May 20- June 14

There is a Mandatory email entry, all of the rest will increase your odds of winning. 

Good Luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

*Disclosure: So Sew Mama and Funny Postpartum Lady are not responsible for sponsor prize fulfillment. I was not compensated for this post. So Sew Mama received a sample to try with her family. All opinions are 100% her own. Facebook, twitter, and Pinterest are not affiliated with this giveaway and are released of any obligations.

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MHO Monday Mingle #15

Welcome back to the Monday Mingle!

Hosted by

AND

   

 

This week's Theme: SHOES!

What are your favorite types of shoes?
I'm obsessed with tennis shoes. I love love love them! I really love the minimalist shoes like the five fingers and the Vibram and Merrell shoes too.

What kind of shoes do you hate? (if that is possible)
I hate wedge shoes. I know they are in style for women and very popular but they are so very ugly to me. Sorry ladies, I just hate them. But I know a lot of people think my fivefingers are ugly, so I can agree to disagree.

Do you have one pair of shoes that is your favorite?
I have a pair of black New Balance minimalist that I wear ALL THE TIME that are pretty worn out. I have plenty of shoes and should probably just get a new pair, but they fit my feet perfectly.

How many pairs of shoes do you own?
My husband would stretch the truth and say 100, but I would say closer to 30 or 40. I hate holding on to things. I hate clutter. HATE IT. I am constantly going through stuff and selling or throwing out things I no longer use. I have no use for more than 30-40 shoes.

If you could buy one pair of shoes right now at this very moment, what would would they be?
I would get a new pair of Brooks Running shoes.
Pure Connect 2

Sexy aren't they?!

Now it's your turn! Link up and post the button on your page or post. Answer the questions for fun on your page too. There really aren't any rules. It's all for fun!
You can copy the code below for our MHO Button!
Have a great week!

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