A Thousand Word Thursday

Owen loves Elmo. He found this diaper sample and walked around with it all day pointing to it saying Elmo he took it to shoe Elmo on TV his little Elmo and to his potty to show it to his Elmo potty. He even kissed Elmo on the diaper, lol. He was thrilled to get this special Elmo Hat.


Be sure to check out my Freckle Box Giveaway

Fo more ATWT check out Cheaper than Therapy.

Wordless Wednesday- Umm Cookies

For more WW check out 5 Minutes For Mom. Also be sure to check out my FreckleBox Giveaway!

Freckle Box Review and Giveaway

I was lucky enough to stumble upon a fantastic company called Freckle Box. I'm BIG on personalized gifts. My daughter lights up seeing her name on anything. We are big on books in our household both my son and daughter love flipping through them and listening to a story. My daughter is learning to read which is a whole other experience and lots of excitement for us all.
I was really impressed with the Freckle Box website. I loved that I could easily flip through pages of their books and loved the magic they created on every page with the child's name. They create names in clouds, flowers, hidden in zebras and more. It was so unique and different than every other personalized book I've seen!


I also loved that Freckle Box carries a array of personalized items including puzzles, posters, journals, coloring books, growth charts, placemats and more! There is surely something for children of all ages and adults too!
Freckle Box was kind enough to send boy my son and daughter a personalized item from their store. I choose 2 books since they are so popular in our household. I choose "When I Grow Up" for Owen I thought he'd love the cars and the bright colors. For Lindsey I went with "...Goes to the Zoo" I knew she'd love searching for her name in the animals. She loves animals and wants to be a Veterinarian when she grows up.


Our Books arrived super fast within a few days of ordering! ( Please note we are fairly local to their headquarters so our shipping time was really fast, unusually fast infact, lol) The books exceeded my expectations. They are great quality and very sturdy. Lindsey and I sat down and read her book first just like I thought she loved searching the pages and was so proud of herself to find her name hidden on each page. Freckle Box does a great job with adding the names to the pictures making it look really natural.
Lindsey also really loved Owen's book. He loved the bright colors and the firetruck as he gets older I think this will really help prepare him for preschool and kindergarten and being able to recognize and spell his name.
I had a really hard time choosing a product because they carry so many really great products. They have a book for birthdays and for a new baby, what a great way to prepare a little one for their new sibling! I also really love the idea of the personalized coloring books! What great party favors to help guest share in your child's special day, or even to just have around for your little one. Those are really cool. As Lindsey gets older I will have to get her a personalized puzzle she loves to work on them.


On top of having really great items Freckle Box is extremely affordable which is something that is hard to find with personalized gifts. Their prices start at just $6.95!
I look forward to watching Freckle Box grow and seeing what new products they'll come out with! I think it'd be awesome to see some books geared towards early readers using children's names and sight words learned in the early stages of reading.
Oh did I mention Freckle Box has offered one lucky A Family Completed reader a chance to win their choice of a personalized item from their site! How cool is that?

Buy It:
Can't wait? I don't blame you! With prices starting at only $6.95 your sure to find something you love and can afford for your child or maybe a upcoming birthday party! You can order directly through Freckle Box and can expect to have you item in about a week.

Win it: One reader will get their choice of any item on their site.



Contest ends at 7:00 am PST on March 9th I will then draw a winner at random. PLEASE leave your email address if it is not visible on your profile, or make sure to check back here to see if you won. I will notify the winners before March 10th and they will have 36 hours to respond before I will choose a new winner! Contest open bloggers and non-bloggers with a US MAILING ADDRESS

A Thousand Word Thursday

My Little Lindsey turned 6 on Friday the 13th! Here she is with my brother and his girlfriend. She adores them. A few week s ago I posted a newborn picture of Lindsey and my brother smiling at each other HERE they have always adored each other. It's hard to believe she grew so fast.
For more ATWT at Cheaper than Therapy.

Wordless Wednesday

My mom's friend is a very talented artist she made this for me. Doesn't he look angelic.
Here is the original:

For more WW check out 5 Minutes for Mom.

Ovarian Cancer Sucks

On December 16th 2005, my 24th birthday my mom went in for surgery. She had been misdiagnosed for over 18 months before just a week prior to surgery hearing the news she had cancer.
Her body had began failing her back in May 2003 after me and her took a mom and daughter trip to Hawaii. The morning we came home she was rushed into the emergency room and to the ICU fighting for her life with a life threatening infection. She spent nearly a month fighting and recovering but her body was never the same. She had a string of unusual symptoms and pains. She was diagnosed with everything from Rheumatoid Arthritis to Lyme's Disease. She had regular visits with top Dr's and know one could figure out why the medicine wasn't working and that would follow with a new diagnosis.
I remember the day I got the call from my dad. He called and let me know they were 100% sure that what was wrong with my mom wasn't all the other Disease's but her body was over run with cancer. They weren't sure exactly how bad it was and wouldn't know until they got her into surgery. Her surgery day. My birthday.
I worked the day of her surgery as to keep my mind off what was going on. I was heartbroken and petrified at what they would find. I tried not to watch the clock too much because I knew the longer she was under the knife the worse her cancer was. I wept throughout the day and before I knew it my shift was over. I called my dad thinking maybe he hadn't had a chance to call me. It had been 8 and she still wasn't out of surgery yet. Another hour would pass before she was in recovery and we would here from the Dr.
My mom's body had been over run the cancer spread everywhere in the month's of misdiagnosis. She was one stage before being inoperable she was given only a 30% chance of survival past 5 years and would need to start chemo right away. She was a Stage 3C. My dad brother and I bawled together as we waited to see my mom and who had know clue of the diagnosis. She was in tons of pain she said she felt like a gutted fish. She spent the next 2 and a half weeks recovering. We celebrated Christmas and New Year's with her in the hospital. I would go and wash and brush her hair for her. We would cry she was scared of what chemo would bring and make her feel I was scared of losing my mom. After leaving the hospital and regaining a little of her strength it was time to start her chemo the date Friday January 13th.
Chemo is grueling and tries to wear out your spirit. It makes your tired. It makes you sick. It makes you lose your hair. Everywhere. I remember my mom telling me how everything looked so bright after she lost her eyelashes. My dad got her a custom made wig for her. She wore it twice. She had began to embrace her baldness and didn't want a heavy hot itchy wig on. She wore head coverings while out and would also go out bald. People would stare but she had a new look on life and didn't care.
Written by my mom about Chemo:

"As I prepared my mind mentally, I thought I had nothing to fear. I took many classes to prepare myself for what was to come. I was told to cut my long beautiful hair. Of course, I refused to do that. I thought that if I hair sprayed it , it would last forever. On the 18th day I decided to take a jacuzzi bath. When I opened my eyes and saw my hair floating, I starting bawling my eyes out, I didn't panic, I got out of the tub and realized that reality had finally set in. I had cancer. It makes my stomach turn to say that word. I like flu better.. I got out off the tub and shaved my head, I looked at myself in the mirror and thanked God that I was still here. I didn't think of myself as being a different person , but I really didn't know who I was either. I looked so different but my heart and mind was still me. It took months for me to come to the conclusion that I really hadn't changed at all. I get angry to this day that I had to go through this. How could I be punished in a way I really don't understand. I haven't to this day gotten through all the emotions that come with it. I figure, I have the rest of my life to figure it out. After the year mark, I see my life has changed for the best. I don't see how anyone can go through this and not thank there lucky stars that they are here.

I look at all the people that are less fortunate than me. I have a roof over my head, a great family and friends and I thank God that he will someday make me understand what my purpose here on earth is for."

I remember my mom talking about death and dieing and it would make me angry and hurt. I felt she didn't care about us that we weren't living and fighting for. Then I wondered if i was selfish for expecting my mom to live in pain because I didn't want her to go? I still don't know the answer to this you can't know what it's like to stare death in the face and accept it unless you've been there. I can say I would fight to the ends of the earth to live but I have never been in the place my mom has.

Written be my mom:

"After surgery and half my insides removed I wanted to die. While my family prayed for my recovery, I prayed for God to take my life. I couldn't bear the pain and all that I had to overcome. I felt weak and vulnerable , somehow lost in all that, I knew I couldn't face another day. For me life had stopped .As I watched my family stay strong and stand by my side , I knew I couldn't give up. With evey ounce of my being, I began to fight like never before. I have never been a quitter. I went through the chemo, Gosh I hatted it. Lost my hair. At this point I didn't care, I was to weak to care. All I cared about was being here for my family that somehow thought I should be here. A year later I am here. My life is different from before. I will never be the same person I was a year ago. Everyday is a new day for me. I always say that if I don't wake up in pain, I am dead. I have my life for as long as it may be, and I thank God for giving me extra borrowed time. I am truely grateful. Merry Christmas to all my family and friends who have stood beside me in these difficult times."

I felt so relieved after her last chemo treatment. I knew her hair would grow back and we could all move on. She was cancer free. The truth is cancer doesn't leave. It sleeps. My mother goes for cancer checks every few months to make sure her numbers are low. And slight elevation makes me sick all over again. She is living in a grey area. She was given only a 30% chance of survival past 5 years. December 16th 2010. I worry what the next 2 years will bring, but I enjoy the time I do have with my mom and feel confidant she will watch my children grow up.

Final word from my mom:

"It has been a long hard battle just getting well, but I am finally there. Sure, I have my good days and also my bad days from the extensive surgury but overall "Life couldn't be better".

I have learned a lot from having cancer. I believe it has changed me into a better person. When you think you are going to die... your life flashes in front of you. You can make decisions to continue living the way you always have, or you can make the most of everyday. The first year...I wanted to quit so many times. But in all fairness...I have never quit anything in my life. It is my stubborn nature to fight until I get it right. I am glad I took the road to get it right. I use to be type A personality...I still am but in a better way. The first thing I learned was to get rid of all the negative aspects in my life and once I did that the rest just became easier. I had to let family and friends go that brought me down all the time. Those relationships were making me sick and I just wanted to get well. You never realize how some situations can make you ill. The most important thing I learned was to truly look at everyday as if it were your last. I never noticed the simple things in life before. Just how a smile or a good deed doesn't go unnoticed. Just waking up and realizing you are here for a reason. I am still trying to figure that one out...but I will. I haven't talked to God in a very long time. I was so angry after all this and in so much pain, I prayed for him to take me....well... hello, I guess I really am here for a reason....a purpose...it doesn't matter...I am here.

I have learned that cancer doesn't change who you are...you do. I love to laugh like never before. I really believe it is a cure for what ails you. I lost my witty sense of humor somewhere along the line. It took an illness for me to get it back. I love who I have become...it was always there, only hidden in a safe place. I am glad I found me again. I realized for every day that I have been given, I will cherish it. I will love myself and others, forgive quickly and most important of all...I will always tell the people that I hold dear to my heart that I love them and how important they are in my life. Life is to short to put off things that could be done today, There may never be another chance. Tomorrow is a day that may never come. It only takes a moment to tell someone how special they are and that you love them. If each and everyone of us would just change what we don't like, this world would be a much happier place. Don't wait for an illness to make you change or be happy, I learned that the hard way, but I am glad I learned. When I am gone I hope others realize that I made a difference in their life, and that they make the changes in their own life to be happy. "

I love to see how the world has embraced Breast Cancer Research, I wish there was the same outpouring of support for Ovarian Cancer. It's a silent killer. Now you can help! On the Electrolux Web site, you can create and send a unique virtual cupcake to friends and family during February. For every cupcake sent, Electrolux will donate $1 to the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund (OCRF) as part of their half million dollar commitment to help support this worthy cause.

What's more! Have you seen the Electrolux commercials? They're spokswoman is Kelly Rippa, she designed a custom "Wear Your Heart on Your Sleeve" T-Shirt with 100% of the proceeds going towards the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. The shirt is adorable and available only for a limited time! How great is that! I am so excited to see them reaching out to help support research! So what are you waiting for go send your loved ones a virtual cupcake oh I forgot to mention....for every virtual cupcake you send you will be entered to win the newest front-load Washer & Dryer (an estimated $3,600 value) from Electrolux

Wordless Wednesday

We one a Bloggy Carnival giveaway for this adorable little hat from Forever and a Day and Owen hasn't taken it off since. He has worn it all day everyday this week. You can also see the last bit of his shiner he had....

For more WW check out 5 Minutes for Mom

Totally Talented Tuesday

We went for some Art and Crafts yesterday at Color Me Mine. We were making gifts with my mom for her birthday. Owen I suppose decided painting pottery can only be done wearing "war paint" He really loved the texture and taste of the paint. It was all non-toxic and I was really surprised how easily it all came off! Lindsey did two projects one for her Mema and a cup for herself. We get to pick up our finished projects on Sunday!

Getting started
Mixing is FUN
Working hard
Waited too long to check on Owen
Look WAY worse once it started drying, lol
Owen and my Mom
Finished Product and CLEAN!
Owen and Lindsey's finished gifts for Mema well not finished they still need to be fired.

For more Totally Talented Tuesday check out my friend Dee blog at Two of a Kind, Working on a Full House.

New Winner Ohmay Designs

Thanks everyone for responding so promptly to my emails. Unfortunately one person never responded and I was forced to pick a new winner.
The new winner is Shirly who said:
I love the Sir Hamlet Cuff at the Etsy store. I would love to win this for myself to use when I go for my walks.

Congratulations you have 36 hours to respond :)

Bloggy Carnival Winners!

Thanks so much to everyone who came and entered all the great giveaways. Thanks to my sponsers for offering up some GREAT prizes! Without Further ado Winner's.....

Adopt a Magnet with 117 entries is Michele who said:
Her shop is so cute! I really like the Adorable Cow Magnets and the Cartoon Dog Magnets.

Two other ideas that I think would make cute magnets are pink roses and starfish.

Thanks so much!!
Michele R.(CA)

Ohmay Designs with 112 entries is Ginny who is a follower :)

Agape Bebe with 154 entries is Fran who is also a follower :)

Baby Yaya with 158 entries is Erin, Maker of Chimes who said:
love the full body bib with baseballs... and this would be going to my sister in law who is expecting their first

Sweet Seat with a whooping 358 entries was a Anonymous entry who left an email they said:
I like the bumble bee seat. I would give it to my niece.

Knittaddiction with 181 entries is House of Monkees who said:
I love her beanie leg warmer set in coral! I would choose the Blue in a toddler/kid size for my son!
She has really neat items in her shop!

Last but not least the winner of the $50 Victoria Secret giveaway..... First I would like to say a Thanks you to all those who blogged and entered all my giveaways! This giveaway had a impressive 235 entries!
The Winner is...... Sarah who said:
I emailed 5 friends about your giveaway and CC it to you!
What a wonderful contest, thanks for the chance!!

Emails have been sent to all the winners they have 36 hours to respond or I will have to draw a new winner!

Want to enter another great giveaway for some See's Candies gift Certificate?? Be sure to check out my current giveaways.

Digi Fun Contest Voting and possibly a 2 Winner GIVEAWAY

So voting is up and running at Short Pump Preppy. I posted earlier in the week of a picture I digitally altered of my Son Owen and entered the contest. I REALLY want to win.
So much so that I want you to win if I win! If I win this post will turn into a Giveaway!
So those of you who head over to Short Pump Preppy and vote for DREAMING OF PRINCE OWEN and leave a comment here letting me know will be entered to win a Gift Certificate for a 1 pound box of See's Candies I will Choose 2 WINNERS!!!
Voting Ends there on February 8th so hurry and vote! Get your friends and family to vote too! They are more than welcome to come here and leave a comment letting me know they did so for a chance to win also. I'm going to leave it open Worldwide! Pretty sweet right? She will announce the winner's on the 9th and if that winner is me I will draw a winner soon after and mail out on either the 9th or 10th so hopefully you'll get the Gift Certificate before Valentine's Day.

Only one requirement to gain entry and that's simple VOTE for my Owen! Easy Right!

This is my entry (Dreaming of Prince Owen)