My 1st born turns 6 today!

The 1st time daddy held you

Can't believe it's been this long. Oh how you've grown throughout the years.

Waving to the nurses only minutes old

1 year old

2 years old

3 years old

4 years old

5 years old

To my Christopher,

It's been a fun ride, sometimes very trying but I know it's all worth it. We're so blessed to have you as our son, tantrums and all :-) You're smart, funny and I love that you always want to learn more. We're all very proud of you and have no doubt that you will continue to succeed in everything you do. We love you.

6 years old

Uprinting 500 business Card Giveaway!!

Something you can never have too many of. Business Cards Online are the highest quality I've seen as of yet. I love that they proof your work before shipping your order so you are given the opportunity to make the necessary changes before you receive the order and it's too late. It's happened to me before with another company and I ended up chucking the whole box and it's contents in the trash. What a waste.

So rest assured that UPrinting will basically guide you through the process to Print Online

So here's how you enter. (You will receive 1 entry for each method)

Mandatory: Please leave a comment letting us know how you would use these business cards if you won (1 entry)
Also, be sure to leave your email address if you do not blog/don't have a "contact me" link on your blog so that we are able to contact you in the event that you're our winner.

Extra entries:

Follow me on twitter - thesweetesthing (if you are already a follower please post) 1 entry
Tweet this giveaway and include the link to your tweet. (1 entry per day)

Giveaway Prize:
~ DEADLINE : February 19th 2010
~ 500 Business Cards for One (1) Winner
~ Sizes: 2 x 3.5", 2 x 3", 2 x 2" (square card) or 1.5 x 3.5" (skinny card)
~ Paper: 14 pt gloss cardstock, 14 pt matte cardstock or 13 pt recycled uncoated cardstock
~ Specifications: Full Color Both Sides; Offset Press; 3 Business Day Printing
~ Shipping: FREE UPS Ground Shipping
~ Eligibility: Limited to US Residents only

Disclosure: I too will receive a set of 500 business cards for hosting this giveaway

Darn store tricksters......

 

Look, let me first say that I am all for store brand items if they are of comparable quality to the well known brands.  It's when they absolutely suck I get turned off.

 

I had a bit of an emergency and had to head out to Wal-Mart with the 3 kids in tow.  I really didn't want to do it and my kids were not co-operative but it couldn't wait.  I had run out of feminine supplies and while I consider myself a reasonably crafty mama, I was not willing to go handmade on this one. 

 

To the store I went, moving as fast as I could since any one of the kids could have had an outburst at any moment.  I was not in the mood for that nonsense.  This would explain why I was tricked.  I had managed to convince and squeeze all 3 of them in the shopping cart so I was moving pretty quickly.  I went to the aisle, grabbed up my stuff, self-checked-out and headed home as quickly as I could.

 

It was when I pulled out my purchase from the bag that I realized what I had done.  You know about the display tricks, where the store strategically places their own brand next to the "top" and in this case "better" brand?  Well in all my rush they got me!

 

I talked myself into believing that it really can't be THAT  bad right?  I mean really.  I knew one thing for sure, I was not heading back out, so they would just have to do.

 

Wooooo boy, listen, all I have to say is whether this happens to you accidentally or if you're trying to save a buck, this is one thing that isn't worth it.  Even though we're all grown here, I will save you the gross details of this product failure, but warn you I must.  These things are so uncomfortable and comfort, especially in such a sensitive area when you're already in a foul mood is a MUST.  The last thing you need is for your business to be irritated.

 

Equate you got me for the 1st and last time.  It is my fault because I didn't pay attention to what I was doing.  I grabbed carelessly and I paid for that.  Never again.

 

In the trash you go where you belong. 1 day of torture was enough

 

 

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Visit www.treatsforyoursweets.etsy.com for toddler items and our very new www.Sexygirl.etsy.com where everything is so girly

I knew it was going to happen

I just love my son's eyes.....

I have to laugh now. For those of you who don't know we are an interracial family. A lovely mix-up of many races and I wouldn't have it any other way.

Fast forward to my trip with Christopher and Alyssa to our local Ralphs. We were heading to the checkout. I had a load of coupons so I dared not go through the self checkout. Those machines get confused when you have coupons that make certain items free. We were next in line and a guy with a brand new baby in a carrier was sort of in the way. I said excuse because my kids almost crashed into his cart. We go to Ralphs because they have the little shopper carts. Each of my kids had one.

Anyway, as we passed the gentleman and Christopher says pretty loudly, "Look mama he's soooooo black!" Someone just bury me because that really caught me off-guard. I hadn't notice the father's complexion when I passed him. I did check out the cute baby though.

I immediately told my boy to keep his voice down and that what he said was a bit inappropriate. He kept asking me why but I waited until we got back in the truck. All the while I was thinking of the simple words to use to make him understand.

It was just so innocent because he really doesn't have a clue.

When we were all sitting in the truck I asked him, "Christopher, isn't mommy darker than daddy?"

Christopher: "Yes. But mommy, he was super dark!" And he was right. The gentleman was super dark.

I then explained to him that everyone has a different shade. Some are brown, some are dark brown and some look like daddy. That's what makes us special. We're all different but it doesn't matter. I then tried to explain that what he said was a little rude to which is asked, Why?

Our talk lasted quite a while but I think he understood when I was done. I mean, it hasn't happened again.

I also pointed out that he is also a different shade to mommy or daddy. He's in between, I told him. And he smiled.

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Visit www.treatsforyoursweets.etsy.com for toddler items and our very new www.Sexygirl.etsy.com where everything is so girly

Uprinting 100 Postcard Giveaway Winner

Just in time for after the Holidays!!! Yes I said after. Why? Well to send out all those thank you postcards of course, for all those lovely presents that you received for the holidays. And that's just an idea. You can personalize them to whatever rocks your boat.

Me..... I want them for thank you cards for my customers. You can never have too many. So I am happy to post this giveaway as I will also be receiving 100 postcards just for hosting.

Okay so here are the specifics.

*****Shipping*****

Winners have to pay for shipping

Giveaway Prize: 100 Postcards for one (1) lucky winner
Size: 4x6; Paper: 14pt Cardstock Gloss; Printing: Full color both sides

Deadline : January 3rd, 2010

How to enter:

Leave a comment on how you are going to use your postcards(i.e. thank you cards, advertising, etc.) (1 entry)

Tweet this giveaway and leave another comment with your status link.(1 per day)

Follow me http://twitter.com/thesweetesthing leave a comment letting me know (1 entry) If you're already a follower leave a comment letting me know.

Please be sure to leave your email address if you do not have a blog with a contact me link.

Winner will be chosen and contacted on January 4th 2010. Prize will be awarded via coupon code on January 8, 2010 so be sure to check your email then!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS and Good Luck to all!

V-tech Customer Service is a joke

My first question to you my friends, is how long is too long to wait for a customer service representative to answer the phone?

 

How long would you sit and listen to that corny music that is most likely way too loud and sounds horribly distorted? 

 

Before I had children, I think after 10 minutes, maybe I would hang up and shoot out an e-mail to the manufacturer but when there are kids involved, you try to get faster service, so you call them.  I mean you try telling your kids that you can't get someone from the company on the phone to tell them why their toy/game system isn't working.

 

Well I surprised myself on December 28th. The kids received 2 new games for Christmas for their V.Smile Motion™ Active Learning System  and were really looking forward to play it.  They loved it so much that I purchased an additional V.Smile Motion™ Wireless Controller, so they would be able to play together. 

 

I have actually read a whole lot of negative reviews for this product but up until Dec 28th I had zero complaints.  It is completely age appropriate and my kids were actually learning while they were "playing".  They never had any of the controller woes that I had read about until Dec 28th.

 

I decided to surprise my son with his new V.Smile Motion: Cars game.  My plan was to get it all ready while he was downstairs but once the cartridge was in and the game came on I couldn't select anything.  The buttons worked but the joystick part of the controller did not respond on BOTH controllers.  He was so disappointed.  It was as though the controller was stuck on "motion" control,  one of the fun features of the controller.  I then visited the V-tech website to troubleshoot.  I did everything that was suggested and still nothing and that is when the phone nightmare started.

 

I called and was put on hold...the music  geesh.  I waited and waited.  I put my phone on speaker and actually got a few things done before it was finally transferred to a customer service representative.  Once Amy said hello I checked the counter on my phone.   It was over 30 minutes.  I felt bad that I probably raised my voice at Amy.  It wasn't her fault the thing wasn't working.  She troubleshooted and nothing changed.  After putting me on hold for several times during our conversation she came back with an apology and sort of a solution.  Since the initial game system came with only 1 controller they would replace only one controller at no cost but I had to pay for shipping.  I'm sorry but this was not satisfactory.  Chris thought it was okay.  I was about to give her my address when.....yes you guessed it, we got disconnected.  Chris thought she hung up on me but whatever it was the phone was silent.  My phone counter at the time was at 52 minutes 46 seconds

 

I may have uttered a few bad words as I kept looking at the phone.  I couldn't believe it, so like an idiot I kept saying hello hello.  Ugh I knew what I had to do but I was dreading it.  Did I really want to sit 30+ minutes on hold AGAIN?  Well for my kids I had to.  So I called again but this time it only took about 20 minutes.  Yeah big improvement.  I stopped the lady before she got into her troubleshooting mode and explained to her very quickly what had just happened.  She did see that I had called earlier.  Well this time she took my address and told me it would arrive in 5 - 10 days via UPS. 

 

I don't know if she took pity on me because I was disconnected after such a long hold time but they didn't charge me the $5 shipping.  Total call time on the 2nd call 23 minutes 52 seconds.  I know this is better than nothing but what am I to do with the other bum controller.  It's from the same company although purchased separately.  Why can't they replace that too!

Was this all worth my time?  Over 1 hour on the phone and I still have to go out and purchase a second controller.

 

I tried explaining this to the representative but I guess she needed to stick to the script.  It is very odd that both controllers have the exact same problem and I am beginning to wonder if those negative reviews about poor workmanship, a poorly designed system and quality control issues with the manufacturer are true.

 

 

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Visit www.treatsforyoursweets.etsy.com for toddler items and our very new www.Sexygirl.etsy.com where everything is so girly

Disney on Ice World of Fantasy Review

This was a night my kids will never forget. You guys know how often we frequented Disneyland last year! My kids probably know all or most of the characters. We are all huge Disney fans.

Week before last week Thursday, we had the opportunity to attend Disney on Ice at the Staples Center . This was our 1st Disney On Ice show as a family. Thank you so much Tanyetta and many thanks to Momcentral

Fabulous Seats

Cars, Mermaids, Simba and fairies from Pixie Hollow were present in this show which was full of color and captured the highlights of each movie. The costumes and stage props were magnificent! The flow of the program was perfect and held my children's attention from start to finish. Unbelievable, I know!!

My only regret is that I was unable to capture the look on my daughter's face. My trusty camera was confiscated upon entry, so the only photos I was able to get were taken with my crappy Blackberry. I was so mad about that. When the show was over and I was able to retrieve my camera, I took a few of the kids and empty ice stage.

Christopher had a wonderful time and almost went crazy when the Cars characters were on the ice, but no one was more excited than Alyssa. She is her own Disney Princess. She giggled from excitement and waved to the characters as they performed on the ice. She never just sat quietly in her seat. I don't think she could. She was just bouncing up and down. That's how happy she was. Even 16 month old Ashleigh was clapping and dancing.

She didn't want to go home. She wanted to stay with Tinkerbell in Pixie Hollow

We all enjoyed ourselves so very much especially since we hardly ever get the chance to go anywhere as a family anymore. My husband was just happy to be in the same place that his Lakers played in and kept disturbing me as he spotted the Laker jerseys hanging way up to the roof.....Yeah men...

Thumbs Up from my son!

After the show

I apologize again for the blurry photos but you kind of get the idea. I would highly recommend this show.

There are still a few shows left if you're in the area and here's A Special offer just for you.

Purchase a 4-pack of tickets for only $44 for Monday through Friday matinee shows, or receive $4 off all weekend shows by logging onto www.ticketmaster.com and entering the
coupon code: MOM.**

The ORACLE Arena in Ontario, CA

December 30: 7:30pm (TODAY)
December 31: 1:00pm, 4:30pm
January 1: 3:30pm, 7:30pm
January 2: 12:00pm, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
January 3: 11:00am, 3:00pm

Long Beach Arena in Long Beach, CA

January 6: 7:30pm
January 7: 7:30pm
January 8: 11:00am, 7:30pm
January 9: 12:00pm, 3:30pm, 7:30pm
January 10: 12:00pm, 3:30pm, 7:30pm

**Get 4 tickets for $44 Monday through Friday matinee shows, or $4 off all weekend shows by entering the code "MOM" at select ticketing channels.

Minimum purchase of 4 tickets required; additional weekday tickets above 4 can be purchased at $11 each.

Offer not valid on Rinkside or VIP seating. Cannot be combined with other offers. Service Charges and handling fees will apply.