Family

The Holidays are HERE!

November 3, 2013 by Jennifer 6 Comments

We are finally back online and thriving. We moved and my laptop crashed. Thank goodness we had the desktop still in storage. Cleaned up the dust and we are back in the technology world. I know I will miss my laptop though. Anyone bought a new laptop lately? Reviews?

The Holiday season is officially upon us! I am so excited. I made my first holiday goodies tonight for work tomorrow and had my first red cup latte from Starbucks.

Are you excited about the Holidays?

We had a great Halloween night. A fall festival at church and then a few door-to-door trick or treating in the neighborhood. Baby Jackson enjoyed his first Halloween so much. He would get so excited as we would go up to each door. His bucket would be out before we even reached the door. He would jump up and down. So smart and so cute.

Looking forward to sharing with you all and catching up with you all.

My Baby is 9 years old!

October 17, 2013 by Jennifer 4 Comments

I cannot believe that I just wrote that title. Let me pause for a moment. I need to grab a tissue.

How can my baby be 9 years old? I have been requesting for time to slow down for years, but for some reason the time just continues to speed to a faster rate.

Look at that sweet face. Oh I miss the baby stage so much. She just warms my heart and soul so much. The one bright spot is L is still very much attached to her mommy. I need to be in her presence, especially at night. She still loves to play with my hair. My hair has been a lovey ever since she was a baby. She use to play with my hair while she was nursing and then moved on to playing with my hair while she was trying to fall asleep.

She is such a blessing. This past year has had lots of ups and downs. The downs include her multiple hospital stays and so many worries about her health. It is my prayer that she will have a better year this year. We give God the glory for bringing her through all she has been through. One of the awesome ups is L asking Jesus into her heart. This was on July 28 and that evening will forever be etched in my brain. She came to me all on her own to say she was ready to ask Jesus into her heart. I immediately stopped what I was doing and went upstairs to be with her and pray. We asked Daddy to join us so she could tell the great news to him. We are such a proud mom and dad of our L.

L is thriving so much in school as well. She did miss over 30 days of school last year and we thought this may hurt her academic wise. It is quite the opposite. Her teacher tells me that she is very involved in class and always wants to help others. L has such a giving spirit about her. There are days that she will wake up and just want to do something to help others. Beautiful spirit indeed. I, as an adult, am learning so much from her personality. Always giving forward to others.

L has a mild addiction, or should I say major addiction to mine craft. The online architecture building game. Anyone else’s child addicted to this game? We have to put time constraints on her technology time as he would sit and build all day long. Offline, she is in love with LEGO friends. It is amazing what she can build with each package she receives. I can’t wait to have an open desk for her so she can show off her artistic building capabilities. L is very artsy and loves to draw. My plan is to have a whole shelf dedicated to all of her art supplies. Art supplies were first on her list when she was asking for birthday gifts. She is going to be one amazing girl when she grows up as an adult. I know God has great plans for her. I can wait for a long while for that though as I just want to keep her as my sweet precious little girl.

L loves to sing as well. I am still trying to get a video of her beautiful voice. As we are driving to school each morning, she will sing at the top of her lungs to our Matthew West CD. The tune she carries is amazingly beautiful too. I just know God is going to use these wonderful talents for good will.

Pet lover is still a great name for L. She is on a huge kick about wanting a bunny. We are trying to steer clear of this request. Animals just bring out so much happiness for her and still will tell you her favorite amusement park is SeaWorld because of all the animals. Be still my heart.

Mommy, cannot believe you are 9 L. I could not be more proud of you though and I want you to keep being YOU. Reach for the stars and look to the Good Lord for guidance in your life. Mommy and Daddy will always be behind you as your biggest cheerleader.

Happy Birthday L!!

VTech® InnoTab 3 Learning App Tablet Review and WIN!

October 7, 2013 by Jennifer 69 Comments

Let’s face it, technology is only going to get stronger as the days go by. We can either embrace it or turn away from it. My view is to embrace it but set limits. This is what I love with the VTech InnoTab 3. You are able to set limits for your child. We were so excited to receive this tablet to review.

I asked my girls what they loved best about this tablet. M responded with:

She likes having separate accounts. Her sister can have her favorite games, pictures and music while M has her favorite files. M really liked the option of making your own greetings. She was able to personalize it to her own style.

L responded with:

She loves you can take pictures with the 180 degree rotating camera. Also, she is able to read e-books.

•The InnoTab® 3 combines educational games, creative activities and reading skills in a child-friendly, multi-function, touch screen tablet to make learning fun.

•Compact and lightweight design with 4.3” color touch screen, new directional pad and tilt sensor

•2.0 megapixel, 180° rotating camera with more than 55 photo features and special effects

•Your child can even embark on fun, educational adventures with their favorite characters such as Doc McStuffins®, Sofia the First® and Jake & the Never Land Pirates.

The size is another great feature it is great for our grandson (almost 1) to hold in his hands. Also, the outer shell is great for the unexpected drop accidents.

The tablet comes with 16 different apps and then you are able to more downloads from the Learning Lodge. Also, since we are huge music lovers, we were able to import our music onto the tablet and L plays the music at night as she is going to sleep. The tablet helps with all subjects which is a plus for parents. Kids are playing but learning as well.

Two stylus’ are included with the tablet. This allows you full function with the apps.

You don’t have to worry about running through lots of batteries as you have a choice of AC adapter or rechargeable battery pack.

Even though lots of learning is involved with the tablet, the apps allow for your child to be creative. The WonderCam includes over 55 photo effects. The girls spent an hour over the weekend being creative with pictures. You are able to download the pictures via a USB cable, so you don’t have to worry about losing their beautiful artwork.

Overall, I was impressed with all this tablet can do and for the price. It’s available for $69.99 on the VTech website. A price point that will not break the bank and comes packed with so many features. This would be a great birthday or Christmas gift!

You could WIN one now!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Disclosure: VTech gave us an Innotab 3 in order to facilitate this review. All thoughts and opinions are of my own.

NC SEA LIFE Aquarium Begins Construction in Concord

September 29, 2013 by Jennifer Leave a Comment

We are steps closer to the opening of the NC SEA LIFE Aquarium!

This is beyond exciting news. I have been invited to be part of their parent advisory council, so I will be able to pass onto you insider information. The groundbreaking ceremony was last week.

Concord Mayor J. Scott Padgett was joined by Donna Carpenter, President/CEO of Cabarrus County CVB, and other dignitaries to commemorate the construction of SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord.

SEA LIFE Charlotte-Concord will open early Spring 2014 with 5,000 marine creatures on view. This is going to be a fun attraction for kids of all ages. Yes, I am talking about the parents too!

One of the awesome things about this new aquarium is it will help books the local economy by creating over 50 new jobs.

SEA LIFE is the world’s biggest aquarium brand with more than 15 million visitors a year and 50 superb attractions in Europe, USA and Asia Pacific. This will be Merlin’s sixth SEA LIFE Center attraction to open in the USA, and SEA LIFE at Concord Mills will highlight all of the qualities which have gained the brand the support and endorsement of marine experts worldwide. Initial plans call for more than 30 spectacular displays of diverse marine life for visitors to enjoy – everything from shrimp and starfish to seahorses, sharks and rays. In keeping with other SEA LIFE attractions, there will also be a unique element reflecting the Carolinas’ location based around the marine creatures most associated with the region.

Finally, the stunning centerpiece will be a huge tropical ocean tank with a walk-through underwater tunnel. We are so excited about this tunnel. Keep an eye on the blog for more aquarium updates soon!

Beautiful sunrise to start your day off right! TGIF!

September 27, 2013 by Jennifer 1 Comment

We have made it to Friday. Great job!

Check out this beautiful sunrise that I was able to capture yesterday morning on the Blue Ridge Parkway. I was just in awe by God’s wonderful beauty. It was like He took a paint brush and painted the sky.

Have a wonderful Friday and a superb weekend!

Family

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