Dudley's Solo

In today's society there are many prejuduces. Most people are prejudice because they are afraid of what they don't understand. In our house we try to teach our boys that God loves everyone and we should also. Recently the boys have gotten lessons in this with their cousin who stutters and also with their friends sister who is in a wheel chair. At first the boys thought that these differences were funny or strange. They didn't understand that it might hurt their friends feelings to be laughed at. After being around their friends sister Youngest usually has lots of questions about why Katherine can't play, talk, etc.
As a mom with two very curious boys I love when I find a teaching tool that the boys can enjoy but also learn from. As a member of Family Review Network I was able to receive a copy of Dudley's Solo by Tiffany Alexander. It is a story about a boy who can not hear or speak but wants to be like the other children. He is a member of hte school choir and they are getting ready to have a concert. Each of the children, except Dudley, are given a solo. Dudley is very sad that he can't do a special part. The other children feel bad for Dudley and they come up with a plan for him to get a special part.
My boys were full of questions about how people could understand Dudley if he couldn't talk and wanted to know all about sign language.
I loved that this book taught the boys about someone different and how other children should respond to them. It gave us many good conversation points also.

"Dudley's Solo" encourages kids to
-have self-confidence and to believe in themselves,
-embrace their differences,
-never give up on something you really want and
-find the positive lesson in every challenge they are handed.

Tiffany Alexander resides in Atlanta, Ga., and works as an editor for CNN. She is a member of the Independent Books Publishers Association, The National Association of Black Journalists, Hampton University Alumni Association and the African-American Children's Book Writers and Illustrators. She is currently working on the next book in the Children's Band series called "Ebenezer Opens a Savings Account." For more information, please visit www.ChildrensBand.com.

One Time Wood

One of my favorite things about Summer is all the outside activities we get to enjoy. Of course as we get older our choice of activities tend to change. The first thing I do at just the hint of warmer weather is start my outside to-do list. Normally that includes landscaping, treating our wood products (this year it was the boys swing set), and sometimes bigger projects like painting the house or redoing the roof. None of these jobs are super fun and one of my least favorite is staining the swing or any other wood product. I don't mind painting but for some reason I hate staining. One Time Wood made that job a bit easier. Now, make sure you understand, it did not make the job more fun but it did make it easier.
One Time Wood is thicker than the other leading brands of stain and therefore goes a lot further. I was amazed at how much coverage such a little amount would give us. I also like that it has a 7 year guarantee.
I am glad that I took the One Time challenge and I think you will be too. If treating some outside wood is on you to-do list then you should definately check them out. And just for being on of my readers One Time is giving you a 10% discount, just enter One TIME during your purchase.

Thanks to Family Review Network for this opportunity.

Calling All Dog Lovers

Dirty Bow Wow is a book about dogs and their beloved toys. My mom has 4 dogs and they each have their favorite toys. Our dog Dixie has her bed. Dogs, like children can get attached to their "things" very quickly and nothing can replace them. I enjoyed Dirty Bow Wow because it was a celebration of dogs and their Dirty Bow Wow's (toys, blankets, water bottles). I was raised with the saying "Pets are people too" and although pets aren't literally people they do quickly become a part of the family. Cheryl and Jeffrey Katz enjoyed watching dogs play in the park and one evening they noticed how most every dog had a favorite play thing and that is how the book Dirty Bow Wow came to be.
My boys and I enjoyed reading this book and looking at all the adorable photographs of the dog's with their favorite objects. It even opened up discussions about different breeds of dogs. Youngest is a true animal lover and he refers back to the book often.
One of my favorite pictures was of Bugsy and Bear but my favorite story was of Belle and her quilt. Belle was a homeless dog that was adopted and finally found a home with Astrid. Although Belle's story had a happy ending not all shelter dogs are adopted and often find themselves in lonesome conditions. Dirty Bow Wow is trying to make a difference in these dogs lives and you can help. The Dirty Bow Wow Dog Toy Drive starts May 2009 at bookstores across the country. It’s your chance to help shelter dogs find the toy of their dreams, and hopefully a permanent, loving home. Click here for list of retailers who are collecting dog toy donations or hosting events. Drop off a new dog toy at the location nearest you, and aid a dog in need today! These toys can help brighten a lonely dog’s day and teach them socialization skills that make them more adoptable.

You can win a copy of this book by answering the following question. The first person with the correct answer is the winner so the contest ends when the correct answer is given. Us residents only please. You'll have to do some searching but I'm sure one of my readers will be able to get the answer. Ok so here's the question...

Our dog is named Dixie, what breed of dog is she?

Good luck to all my readers! If your not the winner, you should definately check this book out b/c it is worth the read and your children will enjoy it too.

Thanks to Family Review Network for this opportunity.

We have a winner! Congrats to Amanda Sue!

KINeSYS Review & Giveaway

It is HOT and sunny around here. Being in Georgia we get very hot weather and the sun is a killer during the summer. As a mom, I know how important it is to protect my children. There are several ways that we have to protect them; we have to make sure they eat right, that they look both ways, that they do their school work and that they don't get burnt. There are several ways to protect them from getting burnt: we teach them to stay away from fires and we make sure not to leave lighters laying around were they can get them but one thing we often overlook is how much harm they can receive from the sun. It is something that I have often forgotten until it is too late. I normally think about it when we go swimming and sometimes when the boys are playing baseball but I don't normally think about it when we are at home and they are just going outside to play. Last year Youngest ended up with HUGE blisters because of my oversight. That was the only lesson I needed. Now I am aggravating to them because I am always telling them to put on sunscreen. Since we use it so much I have come to hate cream sunscreens. My hands get all slimy and even after washing them they still have residue on them. The boys don't like the lotions because when they get sweaty they feel slimy. So when we got the chance to try KINeSYS sunscreen we jumped at it and we were not disappointed.
It sprays on so there is no residue for mom and it dries quickly. The sunscreen is oil free and doesn't leave you feeling slimy even after sweating. You can even apply it to your face, although it does have to be sprayed on your hands and then applied to your face.
KINeSYS is also environmentally friendly by making products that are carbon neutral, and by using packaging made of 100% recyclable materials. They are also 100% cruelty free because they don't test their products on animals.
We have truly enjoyed using this product and I am excited to offer my readers a chance to win their own bottle of KINeSYS 4oz Kids Sunscreen & 4oz Kids Moisturizer. I'm also excited to offer my readers a 10% discount on your orders just use Code BRC10; and if you order more than $45 worth you will also receive free shipping.
To enter the giveaway just leave me a comment telling me your favorite summer activity. The contest will end on May 22, at 9:00 pm EST.

Thanks to Family Review Network for this opportunity.

Calypso Studios

Going green has become more and more popular lately, but some companies started making green products before it was "the thing" to do. Calypso Studios is one of those companies. Calypso Studios debuted in January 2007 with a line of jewelry and accessories created from the earth's natural elements: clay, shell and glass. Their missions statement says that they create products from earth's natural elements. Their company is aware of and working towards using resources that help ecological reconstruction. While working closely with American Artists, they are expanding creative potential for merchandise that meet our mission. Their resulting products are fashionable, economical and promote good stewardship of our world's resources. Calypso Studios Inc. is collaborating with several environmental organizations to help with their causes of keeping Mother Earth’s landfills and waterways free of plastic and paper bags. A percentage of their sales will go towards these agencies.

I've had the pleasure of using my S.H.O.P bag for several days and I've really enjoyed it. It has proven to be very sturdy. The totes come in a set of 3 with a carrying case which fits nicely in your purse. The carry case is 8" x 6" and the tote is 17" x 19". They are made of polyester and hold up to 20 pounds. I was skeptical when I first received the bag because it is very light weight, but it has proven itself time and again. I've used it to tot library books, all of our Sunday shoes when traveling, overnight attire for both boys and groceries. I love the light weight fabric and the vibrancy of color. I've even had several comments on my bag and people wanting to know where they could get one.

I also received one of their clay key chains. It is very sturdy. I ordered the Forgive/Love/Pray key chain from their inspiration collection and have really enjoyed it. I attached it to my purse for a little bling and my nieces and nephews really enjoyed playing with it during church. I was surprised by how well it held up to all their playing.
The key chains are made of glazed elastic alternating kaolin clay and inscribed metal beads with metal cross. The key chain is 4.5" long. They also have key chains with just one clay ball on them. Each ball is dyed and glazed.

I am very pleased with both the products I received from Calypso Studios and will be adding them to my Christmas buying list. I love that they have stylish yet environmentally friendly products.

Thanks to Mom Fuse for this opportunity.