The Babies Keep On Comin'

Received some exciting news recently!  My son, Adam, and his woman are going to have a baby!  She's a month along right now.  I'm super excited but also super nervous.  I went through the sadness of a miscarriage last year with my oldest daughter so that's why I'm begging and praying that everything goes well with Adam's baby.  Eeeeeek, I'm going to be a grandma again!

 

While we're at it, let me show you another super cute photo of my first grandson, Henry.  If everything goes well, Henry and the newest baby will be born in the same year.  #YesTo2021

And, let me introduce you to my newest nephew, Brandon James Dean.  My brother and his wife had a baby right before Thanksgiving.  

It's the start of a new family bond!

Arm & Hammer Essentials Disinfecting Wipes - Review

I've been using disinfecting wipes before they were the "it" thing to hoard.  I've tried my fair share of brands.  Some are flimsy and have hardly any power to them, while others are worth using time and time again.  The Arm & Hammer Essentials Disinfecting Wipes are a brand I definitely recommend.  

ARM & HAMMER recently released it's Essential Disinfecting Wipes which feature a citrus-based disinfectant formula that kills 99.9 percent of viruses & bacteria and cleans without harsh chemicals.  Because the active ingredient is citrus-based and they contain no quaternary ammonium chloride compounds like other leading brands, ARM & HAMMER Essentials Disinfecting Wipes are worry-free to use on a range of household surfaces.

There are two scents of Arm & Hammer Essential Disinfecting Wipes available - Renewing Rain and Lemon Orchard.  I like Renewing Rain better than the other because the Lemon Orchard has kind of a bitter smell to it.  Other than that, both work very well on surfaces.  The wipes are thick and the right size.  I can clean a fairly decent area with them and feel good knowing the area I've just wiped is disinfected.

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Final Two Winners for February

 Two of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winner of the TV Store Online giveaway is #20, Marisela Zuniga.

The winner of the Blues Clues DVD giveaway is #25, starzine.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered.  Be sure to keep an eye out for current and upcoming giveaways.  

The Croods: A New Age - Blu-ray Review and Giveaway

 

Film Overview:

DreamWorks Animation presents THE CROODS: A NEW AGE,a colorful story,brimming with heart and hilarious moments, that is guaranteed repeat viewing for the whole family.Join Grug, Eep, Guy and the rest of the Croods as they face off against the more-evolvedBettermans, releasing on Digital February 9, 2021 and on 4K Ultra HD, Blu-Ray™ and DVD February 23, 2021 from Universal Pictures Home Entertainment.Keep the adventure going withTHE CROODS: A NEW AGEand go beyond the film with two exclusive animated shorts, a gag reel, deleted scenesand activities the whole family canenjoy together, this fun and entertaining adventure is the must-own family movie of the new year!

Join the animated family comedy adventure of the year that is brought to life with a star-studded cast, including Ryan Reynolds (Free Guy, Deadpool), Emma Stone (La La Land, The Amazing Spider-Man), Nicolas Cage (Face/Off), Peter Dinklage (Game of Thrones), Kelly Marie Tran (Star Wars: Episode VIII) and Leslie Mann (Blocked, Knocked Up). THE CROODS: A NEW AGEis directed by Joel Crawford (Trolls Holiday) andproduced by Mark Swift (Madagascar 3: Europe’s Most Wanted, Captain Underpants, Penguins of Madagascar). 

The first prehistoric family is ready for another rocking adventure! The Croods have survived fanged beasts, natural disasters, and even young love,but now they must face their biggest challenge yet: another family! In search of a new home, the Croods discover a walled-in paradise created by the sophisticated Betterman family (emphasis on the “better”). As they try to coexist, the differences betweenthe two families escalate into a full-blown feud, but when a new threat forces both families to embark on an epic adventure, they must all learn to work together...or they’ll all go extinct! 

BONUS FEATURES ON 4K ULTRA HD, BLU-RAYTM, DVD AND DIGITAL:

•DEAR DIARY: WORLD’S FIRST PRANKS -In this exclusive original short film,Eep reveals how a comical accident led her and Dawn to discover the joys of tricking their families and set about performing “the world’s first pranks” 

•FAMILY MOVIE NIGHT: LITTLE RED BRONANA BREAD -In another exclusive original short, join the Croods as they settle down for a very prehistoric family movie night experience. With shadowy figures around every corner, Eep must keep Gran and her delicious Bronana Bread safe from punch monkeys.

•GAG REEL

•TO: GERARD -In this original DreamWorks animated short, an elderly man brightens the day of a little girl through magic.

•DELETED SCENES•THE CROODS’ FAMILY ALBUM -Meet the actors who portray the Croods and their new cast members, the Bettermans. What makes them tick, how do they resemble their characters and what lessons have they learned from making the film.

•THE EVOLUTION OF... -In this fun making of, we hear from the filmmakers and stars of THE CROODS: A NEW AGEabout the evolution of the Croods franchise

•HOW TO DRAW: CAVEMANSTYLE -Join one of DreamWorks talented illustrators inside the cave as they demonstrate how to draw our favorite characters.

•FAMILEAF ALBUM -Inspired by the prehistoric family album given to guy by the Betterman’s, we create a fun video showing you how to make your own using real leaves or green construction paper for pages and string (or even dental floss!) to hold it all together

•STONE AGE SNACK ATTACK -A three-part featurette highlighting fun, easy to make recipes that kids and parents can make together.

•FEATURE COMMENTARY WITH DIRECTOR JOEL CRAWFORD, PRODUCER MARK SWIFT, HEAD OF STORY JANUEL MERCADO AND EDITOR JIM RYAN

My Review:

Back in 2013, when The Croods was released, it became a big hit in my household.  Every time my nieces or nephews came over to visit, The Croods was the most requested movie to watch.  Now we can continue that tradition with The Croods: A New Age.  

Viewers will see the same Croods family in this new film, along with a new family, The Bettermans.  As the name implies, The Bettermans are a little higher on the evolutionary ladder.  The fathers of both clans are particularly protective.  This movie shows how being more modern can be both a help and a hindrance.  Slapstick humor and feminism are featured themes throughout the film.  And, the Thunder Sisters totally had us laughing!  Although we liked the original film better, The Croods: A New Age did not disappoint.  

Win It!

One person will win The Croods: A New Age on Blu-ray.

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Henry's First Professional Pics

Henry with his wonderful mama

My grandson, Henry Maddex, is just a little over two weeks old.  He's definitely got our heart in his hand.  His first professional pics were done a few days ago by a gal at the church who wanted to see if she could do well taking newborn pics.  She offered to do them for free.  I'd say she knocked it out of the park!  Now I need to free up some wall space in my home cause I'm sure I'll be ordering several of these. 

Check It Out: #HPPresidentsDay Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away 5 $100 Visa e-gift cards to spend at HP!  Giveaway ends on Wednesday, February 17th at 11:59 PM PT.  Five (5) winners will receive a $100 Visa e-gift card to spend at HP.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Broken and Beautiful: Let God Turn Your Mess into a Masterpiece - Book Review

 

Release Date: December 1, 2020

ISBN-13: 979-8662957619

Available from Amazon.com (Broken and Beautiful), providenceheights.org and christinesoule.com

Book Overview:

Christine Soule’s life was a jumbled pile of broken pieces. Her father was married seven times; her mother four times. Between her parents’ divorce when she was 5 years old and the day she allowed the power and presence of God into her heart, she watched her sister have an affair with her adoptive father; met 15 siblings she never knew at her biological father’s funeral; turned to drugs and alcohol; got pregnant at 17; had twins less than two years later; and became a victim of human trafficking. She had to break the cycle for the sake of her children. With nowhere else to turn, she dropped to her knees and prayed. And that’s when everything changed.

Broken and Beautiful is Soule’s inspirational story of how God took the pieces of her broken, astonishingly dysfunctional life and transformed it all into a breathtaking mosaic of joy and purpose.

“The places where you feel hopeless are exactly what He wants to redeem and fill with beauty, dignity and strength. He has a plan for your pain. A wonderful intention for your failures. A purpose for your hardest, darkest stories,” Soule writes.

Told with honesty and surprising touches of humor, Soule shares her journey from drug-addicted stripper to exuberant Jesus lover with a passion for helping others embrace God’s love. Broken and Beautiful is a raw, authentic story of hope, from a place of experience.

Author Christine Soule lives with the love of her life, Mitch Soule, in Seattle. They have five kids and two wonderful grandchildren (and counting). She is the founder and CEO of Providence Heights (www.providenceheights.org), a nonprofit created to house women and children in need and to provide counseling, education and jobs.

For more information, please visit www.christinesoule.com.

My Review:

It is hard for me to get into books about God that are laden with long words and doctrine.  It's not that those books aren't good but I'm not usually able to keep focus.  Christine Soule has authored a book that's just right for me.  She speaks from real experience, while including scripture and reflection.

Christine is someone I can relate to, for the most part.  She'd been dealt some heavy cards and has taken those moments to turn to God.  She brings her stories into each chapter, showing how they've worked for her.  Christine touches on forgiveness, tithing, worship, and other Christian ministries and gifts.  

I feel like Christine has been super blessed by the power of prayer and miracles.  She has a strong faith and has seen how God works all things for good.  I can't say I've personally had as many life experiences work out as well as she has, but I can say she's not wrong in the power of prayer and expecting miracles.  Christine builds other women up and shows them how they can and should look to God and other women for support, through both good and bad times.  This is one of my favorite books in relation to how I can better build my life in Christ.

I received book for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Valentine's Day: Give the Gift of Welch’s Fruit Snacks Customizable Heart Box

 

Check out the latest launch from America’s #1 Fruit Snack Brand – Welch’s Fruit Snacks Mixed Fruit Valentine’s Day Heart.  The holiday of love will be here in just a few days, and this would make a nice gift for that special someone in your life. 

Providing a gifting option beyond traditional offerings, the 2021 limited-edition offering features custom Valentine’s Day-themed graphics and are bursting with delicious flavor, just like the fruit snacks you already know and love. Perfect for spreading the love this season, Welch’s Fruit Snacks Mixed Fruit Valentine’s Day Heart is available:

At CVS and Walgreens ($5), where each box features a “To/From” signable panel making it easy to add a handwritten touch for your Valentine.

On Amazon ($13.95) and easily shipped straight to your Valentine’s doorstep. The best part? It’s completely customizable! At checkout, simply enter your heartfelt message and it will be printed directly on the Welch’s Fruit Snacks Heart-Shaped box.

Who would you gift this to for Valentine's Day?

I received product for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

First Winners for February

Photo by Clay Banks on Unsplash

 A few of my giveaways have ended and the winners have been randomly drawn.

The winner of the Pink Panda Gummy Candy giveaway is #37, Monique S.

The winner of The Casagrandes DVD giveaway is #19, Donna.

The winners of the Lena & Snowball DVD giveaway are #22, Jamie Martin and #20, Bernie Wallace.

Congrats to the winners and thanks to all who entered!  Be sure to keep an eye out for upcoming giveaways.

Check It Out: Savings.com #VDayAtMacys Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away 5 $100 e-gift cards to spend at Macy’s!

Giveaway ends on Thursday, February 11th at 11:59 PM PT.  Five (5) winners will receive a $100 e-gift card from Macy’s.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

Get Your Geeky Gifts at TV Store Online - Review and Giveaway

Almost everyone has a TV show or movie that they spout off as their favorite. I have a list of movies that I declare top choice. As for TV shows, there's one that trumps all - True Blood! I've watched every show since it's inception.  My husband is also a big fan of True Blood, but his all-time favorite is Sons of Anarchy.  So, he was beyond stokes when I showed him the Sons of Anarchy SOA 4 Skull Shot Glasses.

Personally, I have a collection of shot glasses.  So, this set was something I was interested in too.  Officially licensed, each glass features the Sons of Anarchy logo on the back of the skull.  They come in a nice collectible cardboard sleeve that you can keep them in for full effect.  I've actually taken them out of the sleeve.  Two of the shot glasses are on display in my living room and we've been using the other two for adult beverages.  The shot glasses themselves are shaped like skulls and are clear in color.  They are a bit weightier than a regular shot glass, and are good quality.

TV Store Online feeds your TV and movie obsession with its classic TV and movie shirts and memorabilia. You'd be hard pressed not to find a tshirt or memorabilia featuring one of your favored shows or movies.

Valentine's Day will soon be upon us and TVStoreOnline.com is a great place to get your geeky gifts, ranging from movies and television to comic books.  But, if you're a procrastinator and don't get anything ordered in time for Valentine's Day, go ahead and buy something for yourself.  You won't regret it!

Win It!

One person will win product of choice from TV Store Online (up to $60).

*This is a Rafflecopter giveaway open to residents of the USA.*

I received products for review.  The opinions within this post are of my own and I was not influenced in any way.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.  Your opinions and results may differ.

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Introducing My First Grandson

 I'm a grandma!  Let me repeat, I'm a grandma!  Henry Maddex was born last Saturday.  

Allyson and Russ went in to be induced at 0000 hours on Saturday and he was born around 10:30 pm later that night via C-section.  After many, many hours of labor it was decided a cesarean was best.  Both baby and mother are doing great.  Jason and I are going to see him in person tomorrow night, so I'm sure I'll be flooding another post with pictures!

Oh, and hey, did I mention I'm a grandma!!

Check It Out: Savings.com #ZalesForVDay Giveaway

Savings.com is giving away five $100 Visa e-gift cards to spend at Zales!

Giveaway ends on Thursday, February 4th at 11:59 PM PT.  Five (5) winners will receive a $100 Visa e-gift card to spend at Zales.

This post contains affiliate links.  Please do your own research before purchasing products or using services.   Your opinions and results may differ.