Searching for words to make sense of a diagnosis

I've seen lots of great quotes for parents of special needs children. I couldn't completely agree with any of them so I decided to write my own. We endure lots of struggles that most people will never understand. It's hard to explain your fears to someone who has never experienced handing their baby to a complete stranger in hopes that they will save their life. As I was writing my blog I came up with "I was unaware of my strength, ingenuity, and fortitude until I was blessed with a special needs child. I will forever be their advocate." This was absolutely perfect for me. It won't fit everyone but it's perfect for me. I found the strength I didn't know I had while dealing with my son's diagnosis. I had no other choice but to use ingenuity to solve the problems that came up while taking care of my son. I found a huge amount of fortitude within myself that kind of made me feel like a super hero. About a week after my son's diagnosis I decided to be the best advocate that anyone ever met. I was going to personally pave the way to a better future for our children. I vowed to my son and myself to make a difference. I remember someone telling me "if you can help one parent, that's plenty." That's a great way to look at life in general. If telling your story or sharing some wisdom helps one person, that's plenty. 

Coupons and Cash Back when you shop.

You all know how much I love saving money. You also know that when I discover something great I have to share it with my readers. When I discovered Ebates I immediately fell in love. They have tons of coupons for every store you could want to shop at. They even give you cash back on each purchase. If you shop online you have to sign up with Ebates. You can even buy online and pick up in store. It's free and super easy to use. Check it out today and share with anyone who loves to save money. Don't wait, start earning your cashback today. 

Pandora

Ah Pandora, what is going on with you? I believe that I have a love hate relationship with you. When your good your good but when your bad, Wow it’s bad. I recently read an article about Pandora losing money to other “Free” music sites. It makes sense to me but don’t punish the loyal listeners. We have been with you since day one. It makes a Mom's day of cleaning so much nicer if you have great music to listen to. 

Say Please & Thank You

I was at the grocery store yesterday and this little girl was chasing after her brother and running after her Mom in the store. As she passed me she screamed "MOVE", not excuse me or sorry but MOVE! I couldn't believe it. I turned around to see if her mother would correct her and tell her to say excuse me or sorry but she didn't. They just continued running through the store as if that didn't just happen. I was instantly angry. I was thinking, if that was my child. But wait, that wouldn't be my child. I have taught my children manners from the time they could speak. Please and Thank You were something we continually reinforced until they learned them. Then, I wanted to turn around and go in the direction of that Mom. I thought about how I could nonchalantly mention manners while pushing my cart past her or maybe I would pick up a book about manners and drop it in her cart. I wasn't sure what I was going to do but I sure did fell like I had to do something. Of course I didn't do anything. I always think I could but I couldn't. I have to remember that everyone parents differently.

We know that manners are important right? I try not to let things like that bother me but it seems like it happens more and more nowadays. At what point are we going to start parenting our children? What are we afraid of?  

I want to remind everyone that our children are going to be taking care of us some day. Think about that before you allow your child to be disrespectful to someone. Remind them to say please and thank you and treat everyone with kindness. Parenting isn't easy but it's all worth it. 

You will be so proud of your polite children when they are at school or church. They will remember how important manners are and use them daily. Maybe you will even get to catch a glimpse of them being kind and high five yourself for enforcing it with them. Manners are a stepping stone to well behaved children.

Thank you for reading, please stop by again :) 

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Ibotta is a FREE app that gives you cash back on all your purchases.

I just discovered another way to save money on groceries at the grocery store. Ibotta is a FREE app you use on your smartphone. It gives you cash rebates on the items you buy regularly. It's quick and easy to use. Click here to learn more about this great program and see how much money you can save.  

Ibotta is kinda like a rebate program without all the forms and mailing. I've saved $10.75 in one week mostly on things I buy regularly like milk, bread and eggs. They have new rebates each week. 

Are you getting cash back when you shop online?

We are coming up on a busy shopping season. I wanted to share one of my tricks to saving money while shopping online. They are giving you $10 right now just to try them. I've been using Ebates for several years. I always go to their website first and look for discount or coupons. Once I find the deal I'm looking for I continue to the store's website and make my purchase. Since I went through Ebates website first they give me cash back on my purchase. It's free and easy to use. They even offer a toolbar that you can install so you don't forget to get your cash back. Once a month they send you a check which includes all the money you have received back from all your purchases. You can even buy online and pick up in store for most purchases. It's very easy to use. 

If you would like more information about getting cash back on your purchases and $10 to start shopping now, please click here.

Ebates free cash back program

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Ever wonder what's in your child's school lunch?

Recently I decided to go to my son’s school and have lunch with him to see what the school serves. I was a little surprised. We have been paying $2.10 per day for him to eat lunch. I brought my lunch and sat down with him. He picked around at his food and barely ate anything on the tray. He did finish his chocolate milk. I have to say, I wouldn't have eaten the food on the tray either. It didn't even resemble food. It smelled like food but did not look edible. I ended up splitting my turkey sandwich with him. I asked him if he likes the food the cafeteria serves. He looked up at me as if he was scared to answer. Then he quietly said “No, it’s gross. I only drink my milk. I’m sorry Mommy.” My heart sunk in my chest and I felt terrible. I was sending him to school each day with a full belly from breakfast but he wasn't eating lunch. I decided that day that I would pack his lunch every day going forward. We actually pack it together so I know he’s choosing items he likes and that he will eat.  

After having three children, I've found that making school lunch at home is much healthier than buying school lunch. Your children will actually eat the food they have in their lunch and it’s cheaper too. His favorite is a turkey roll up. I purchase thicker sliced turkey breast from the deli and roll it up for him. He chooses a drink option of milk, juice or water then a side like carrots, celery or strawberries and usually string cheese. 

Do your children eat school lunch? If not, what are some of your lunch options that you pack for your kids?

High five Mom, you're doing great!

As a Mom you constantly feel like you are failing. Even when all the pieces are falling into place, you see it differently. We spend most of our time in the car driving from one practice to another. We make it home just in time to make dinner before the kids head off to bed. We are doing laundry while the noodles boil. We are checking homework as we watch the evening news. As if being a Mom wasn't hard enough, we are always going and going. This keeps us in a constant state of exhaustion, making it hard to see ourselves in a positive light. 

We are our worst critics. It's not until you can say "Hey I'm doing a great job" that you will find peace. As you will find, this is very hard to do. I'm here to tell you, you're doing fantastic. When you look in the mirror be sure to remind yourself of this. Being a Mom is one of the hardest jobs in the world. Yes, it's incredibly rewarding but it's also really hard. 

Next time you see another Mom in the store struggling with their children as they are throwing a fit, stop her and say something kind. Maybe share a quick story with her about when your child did the same thing or just give her a big smile to let her know that it's going to be okay. We have all been there and you know you feel judged. You feel like the only person on the planet who is dealing with that exact thing at that time. It would be so nice to look up and see an understanding face smiling at you. 

That would make me feel better. 

Mom's rule and if we join together we can change the world. 

Homemade Gluten Free Mexican Street Tacos

Every time we make tacos for dinner everyone goes crazy. They start off with three and end up eating ten to twelve tacos. I know it sounds crazy but it's true. I decided I would share the directions on how to make these homemade authentic Mexican Street Tacos with tostadas as well. This recipe is gluten free and the tostadas are vegetarian. 

Here's what you need

1. A package of 85% or more lean ground beef. two lbs is enough for most families of 4.

2. Two lbs of cheddar or Colby jack cheese you won't use it all. 

3. A package of corn tortillas. They come in 12, 24, 30, 36 and 72 count at most grocery stores. Always buy more than you think you need. 

4. Canola oil

5. A medium electric skillet

6. Tongs to flip the tacos

7. Large cake pan or cookie sheet lined with paper towels.

8. Taco seasoning or nature seasoning in a shaker container.

9. Salsa, we prefer the El Sol organic salsa from Costco. It's cheap and delicious.

10. Refried beans

11. Spanish rice

12. Lettuce, tomatoes and onions

13. Guacamole - I'll post our family recipe on another day. 

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Step one: Turn the skillet on 400 degrees and pour the canola oil in the pan covering just the bottom about 1/8".

Step two: Pour yourself a glass of wine, trust me you will thank me later.

Step three: Wait for the oil to heat up in the pan.

Step four: Make tostada shells. Once the oil is hot, place two corn tortillas at a time in the hot oil. Flip them over as they brown. Once they are browned on both sides, take them out and place on a paper towel. 

Make all your tostada shells first so they can be completely vegetarian.

Step five: Now take a plate and place one corn tortilla on it. Using a fork, take a small amount of meat and spread it onto half of the tortilla smashing it down to a thin layer. Then sprinkle the meat with the seasoning of your choice. 

Step six: Add another tortilla on top and spread meat on the opposite half. Continue making a pile until you have about ten high. Alternating the meat from the left to right side so the pile stays even. 

Step seven: Start placing the tacos flat in the hot oil. Wait for the tortilla to "bubble" a little bit. Usually takes just a few moments.Then fold the non-meat side over to make a taco. You can usually cook about five at a time in a 16" electric skillet. 

Step eight: After about two-three minutes you will flip the tacos over. Let them cook for two-three minutes more. They should be golden brown. 

Step nine: Turn your oven on warm. 

Step ten: Take the tacos out of the oil and place them on your cookie sheet or cake pan lined with paper towels. 

Step eleven: Take a large pinch of cheese and place inside the taco shell on one side only. 

Step twelve: After you have placed the cheese inside the shells, put the tacos in the oven to melt the cheese.

Step thirteen: After all the tacos are done and in the oven you can cut up your vegetables and prepare your rice and beans. 

Step fourteen: Take your tacos out of the oven and place on the stove to cool for a few minutes. The cheese should be melted and your tacos are now ready to eat.

~Enjoy~

   

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FREE Friday coupon from Kroger is South Beach Diet Snack Bars

Kroger's FREE Friday download is South Beach Diet Snack Bars. RECEIVE ONE FREE South Beach Diet Snack Bar (5pk). You must add the coupon to your shoppers card today and use it by 02/15/2015. 

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Limit of one coupon per item. Digital coupons and paper coupons may not be combined on the purchase of a single item.

FREE Friday coupon from Kroger is Chobani Greek Yogurt

Kroger's FREE Friday download is Chobani Greek Yogurt. RECEIVE ONE FREE Chobani Simply 100 Greek Yogurt (5.3oz). You must add the coupon to your shoppers card today and use it by 02/08/2015. 

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FREE Friday coupon from Kroger is a PowerBar in your choice of four different flavors.

Kroger's FREE Friday download is a PowerBar. RECEIVE ONE Power Bar: Triple Threat, Performance, Harvest or Wafer Bar. You must add the coupon to your shoppers card today and use it by 01/25/2015. 

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Win a subscription to FamiyFun magazine.

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Why is customer service so bad nowadays?

I just finished doing the last of my Christmas returns last night. I had to go to across the street to my local mall to return a few things. My first stop was Aeropostle. I had one pair of pants that were the wrong size. I had my receipt in hand and I waited in a short line. As I walked up to the counter I was greeted by a rude young lady who yelled "Another return". Not "Hi how can I help you?" like I think she should have. She didn't make eye contact the whole time. The whole process took about four minutes. I would usually complete my return and browse around and find something else. I enjoy shopping at Aeropostle and they always have great deals for the kids but I just can't give more money to a company who employs rude people. 

So now I'm on to the next store, American Eagle. As I walked in I was greeted by a friendly cashier. He was smiling and asked how he could help me. I explained that I bought a dress for my daughter for Christmas and she didn't like it. He said "Okay no problem, would you like to return or exchange it?" I told him that I wanted to return it. He then said "Can I please have your receipt and your drivers license?" I handed him both and he started the return. Within about a minute he handed me back my drivers license. He asked me to slide my credit card for the return. Once I was done he handed me a return receipt. He told me that I would see the return within 3-5 days and thanked me for coming in. The whole transaction took about two minutes. 

Now I am off to Rue 21. This store has the best clearance deals. You can get a pair of shoes for your teenager daughter for only $3.00. They are always having a sale and it's a great place to buy trendy clothes. As I walked in the store I wasn't greeted by anyone. I noticed two cashiers up front so I walked towards one of them. As I sat my bag down I looked up to see the cashier stuffing her face with a chocolate cookie. With her mouth full, she said "Go to the other side and she will help you!" I was surprised that she continued eating right at the cash register while customers were walking around. The other cashier asked me if I had a return. I said yes and handed her my receipt. She started the return and asked for my drivers license. As she was entering my information the lady who was eating walked over and started interrupting her and telling her what to do. All while shoving another cookie in her face. I couldn't believe it. I was so grossed out by her talking while she was eating. I mean come on, you're being paid to be here. Stop screwing around. After all those interruptions, the girl was finally done with my return. When she handed me my receipt I asked her if I could speak to the manager. You'll never guess who the manager was? Anyone, Anyone? Yes, you guessed it. It was the lady who was obnoxiously chomping on the cookie behind the counter and rudely interrupting the cashier. I actually stood there with my jaw dropped for what felt like minutes. I simply said "Oh okay" and walked away. I couldn't believe that she was manager. She should be a leader and set a good example, instead she is taking advantage the store she is working at. Essentially, Rue 21 is paying her to eat on the clock, be rude to employees and basically run customers off. These types of employees are unproductive and actually cause a domino effect where other employees mimic their behavior. I work hard for my money and I want to enjoy my shopping experience. I don't want to deal with rude people who are eating snacks while behind the counter. I refuse to condone that type of behavior. I won't spend my hard earned money in a place that allow that to go on. Why has this type of behavior become the norm? Why do we as customers continue to tolerate this? It feel like it's getting worse every year. It shouldn't be rare to receive great customer service.

FREE Friday coupon from Kroger is Belvita breakfast biscuits.

Kroger's FREE Friday download is Belvita breakfast biscuits. You must add the coupon to your shoppers card today and use it by 01/17/2015. 

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