Friday, August 23, 2013

Don't Count Me Out!

My amazing son Matthew has Sensory Processing Disorder. He is so smart, but struggles in school because he learns differently.  Consequently, he can really struggle with feelings of self-worth... "I'm dumb, mom."  "I can't do this."  It breaks my heart and we work constantly to shore up his self-esteem.

We've been incredibly blessed to have teacher's in our son's life that understand Matthew and help him achieve and learn.  But it's still a constant struggle to navigate through the system and to try and figure out what is best for Matthew.

Now, it's a little easier with a wonderful book called Don't Count Me Out

Don't Count Me Out! is a book for parents by Barbara Dianis, which helps them get their children (more specifically children with ADD, ADHD, dyslexia, and other special needs) organized for the school year with the right tools for academic success.

I've been doing this awhile (my son is 14) and have tried to find out everything I can to help him.  I considered myself fairly well-read on how to help my son.  I was pleasantly surprised how much I learned from this book!  Some of my favorite (and very under-lined) chapters were "Why Do Some Students Find Their Intelligence Overlooked?", and "Which Battles Should I Fight? When Meltdowns Occur Too Often".  Both those had such great helps for me.

Then there is a whole other book within this book about how to help your child through each grade.  It talks about social and educational issues for each age group and gives some solutions to things your student may be struggling with.  I loved the part where it started talking about college, something I'd never even considered for my son, but thanks to Don't Count Me Out! I now know that there are programs and universities out there that will help my son succeed in college.  A whole new world opened up for both of us!

I've loved this book and seem to be all the time telling someone about something I've read.  This book is now on the top shelf of my must have books!

I encourage you to check it out.  Even if you don't have a child with special needs, there are still some wonderful tips and strategies to help your child succeed!

Disclosure:  I received this book for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

THINaddictives- Yummm!

I admit, it I have a monstrous sweet tooth!  I can hardly contain it at times!  Doesn't bode well for any type of healthy eating I try to do.... until now!

Nonni's THINaddictives... wow!  Love these cookies!  Let me tell you about them...

They are twice-baked almond thins from a family recipe passed on from generation to generation.  They are packed in packages of 3 cookies each, which makes it perfect for me to toss in my purse for a great snack anytime! I always have a couple packs with me.  Though my kids now know they are in there, so half the time when I go to get one, they are gone!

Nonni's THINaddictives are low-fat (0 grams of trans fat) and made from real ingredients like delicious raisins, cranberries, almonds.... yum!  A big plus for me is each package is only between 12 and 14 carbs! 

I got to try all three flavors, Cranberry Almond Thins, Cinnamon Raisin Almond Thins, and Pistachio Almond Thins.  They are all delicious, but I am seriously addicted to the Cinnamon Raisin ones!  My hubby's favorite is the Pistachio Almond Thins.  This is a good thing, so we can each have our own box!

I really love these cookies!  Go try them yourself, you'll be glad you did!

One of you lucky readers can win three boxes of Nonni's Thinaddictives!  Woot!  Just enter using the rafflecopter entry form below!  Good luck!
a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:  I received this product for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Wednesday, August 14, 2013

Seal Under Siege

If you know me, you know I'm an avid reader.  If I like the book, I'll devour it!  I just finished Seal Under Siege.  Let's just say I was voracious in my reading... finished it in two days!  (Would have been one if my kids and husband didn't demand to be fed.... geesh!)

Let me tell you about this book, Seal Under Siege by Liz Johnson:

From the book:

When Staci Hayes is rescued from a Mideast prison by navy SEAL Tristan Sawyer, she thinks the ordeal is over. But back in San Diego, a new threat arises. Staci has information that could prevent a hit on U.S. soil, and the terrorist will stop at nothing to silence her. Tristan insists on being her bodyguard, but his constant presence makes her long for things beyond her reach. Protecting Staci is the second chance Tristan needs to put the past behind him. Yet with a spy on the naval base, anyone could be a threat. Can he offer her safety…and love? 

Now, I'm not a typical fan of romance novels, but this is so much more!  It is filled with suspense!  I loved trying to figure out who the bad guy is (this one took me awhile Ü ).  Plus, it's clean!  How wonderful is that!

The very first page sucked me right in!  It starts with the rescue mission and it was so descriptive and well-written that I actually felt like I was there.  I enjoyed getting to know the characters, especially Staci.  She survives a harrowing ordeal just to have more terrifying experiences.  Though, if I had to go through what she did I'd feel a lot better having  Navy SEAL L.T. (Tristan) by my side.

It's a great read and hard to put down!  Way to go author Liz Johnson!  You've written another great book!

So, here's some exciting news for you amazing readers!  One of you lucky folks can win your own copy of Seal Under Siege!  Cool, huh!  Just enter using the rafflecopter form below!  Good luck!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
Disclosure:  I received this book for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!

Friday, August 9, 2013

Big Props to Planes!

It is so refreshing to see life through the eyes of a child!  I had such an opportunity when I took my son to see the new Disney movie Planes.

Disney’s Planes” is about  Dusty (voice of Dane Cook), a plane with dreams of competing as a high-flying air racer. But Dusty’s not exactly built for racing—and he happens to be afraid of heights. So he turns to a seasoned naval aviator who helps Dusty qualify to take on the defending champ of the race circuit. Dusty’s courage is put to the ultimate test as he aims to reach heights he never dreamed possible, giving a spellbound world the inspiration to soar.



To say he was excited is an understatement. I had to smile as all the way there he speculated on what kinds of planes would be in the movie, in fact it was a running commentary the whole way there!

He was fairly dancing by the time we walked into the theater, and he actually did a fist pump and an "Oh Yeah!" when they handed him 3D glasses!

He was mesmerized through the entire movie!  The race scenes had him bouncing in his seat and pretending to radio instructions to all the planes.  I had so much fun watching this movie with my son!  Then all the way home we had to relive the whole movie with commentary on the choices, both good and bad that the planes made.

What did I think of Planes?  I thought it was a cute movie.  I enjoyed the "under-dog does good" story line.  I loved the animation and the 3D!  In fact, the loop-de-loops the planes did, well... they made me motion sick!  I had fun figuring out who did the voices for the characters... loved Brad Garret as Chug!

Is it my favorite Disney movie?  No.  Is it my son's favorite movie?  Oh, yes!  Is it a fun movie to take your kids to and have some fun yourself?  Absolutely! 

Disclosure: I has given the opportunity to see the movie for the purpose of a review.  The opinions are all my own and free of charge!