While working on our media kit, we agreed on a new tagline. We also wanted the media kit to match our blog and I was tired of the light brown overload that was going on. So there you have it, new digs and a new tagline that reflects our parenting philosophy. Thoughts?

• Blog Housekeeping Much Needed

We Moved – Since we moved in September, we had to dedicate time to taking care of an overflowing home and business todo list. We are still trying to get it together, but things are falling in to place.

The Disappearing Dad – As you may have noticed, Greg has gone on hiatus. His blogging mojo has gone out the window and I let that affect mine as well. After many months of frustration, wanting him to write, wondering if I should start a new blog so that there was no obligation from a Dad’s perspective, I’ve decided to keep it moving. Re-branding at this time is a headache I just don’t feel like going through. Greg will continue to help with backend stuff. I will continue to pick his brain and when he’s ready to write again, whenever that may be, I’ll be here cheering him on.

New Theme – For a short period of time, there was an autumn theme up with leaves. We didn’t like it, it was doing too much. We wanted something clean, simple, and easy modify. Our time is spread thin and we can’t spend hours tinkering with customizations like we used to, so Thesis really helps us cut down on blog maintenance.

New Tagline Needed – Um yea, the old tagline was way too long. Jr. High Sweethearts Chronicle Their Adventure Through Parenthood! Say what? And Young parents trying to figure this parenting thing out… is so lackluster. It was rushed when we released the new theme. I wanted something new up as we moved in to our new place and honestly, I think the tagline sucks. My bad. *brainstorming*

Commentators Win Prizes – I get so many opportunities to review and giveaway prizes, but I am unable to write reviews and run promos for them because my time is limited. That, or either I can’t use the product in the first place, but I know someone out there can. So I will be paying it forward to you guys by offering a prize to the top commentator of the month. The monthly prize and well as top commentator scores will be displayed on the sidebar. This is my thank you to those who continue to stick around, come out of lurking even when I’m not posting anything insightful. November’s sponsor is Glade, they will be providing a prize pack of goodies from their Holiday collection! The candles smell sooo good!

Handmade & Eco Lovelies – This section of our sidebar is to support handmade, green, and natural parenting products. If you have a product that fits this category, feel free to submit your product here. All we ask is that you submit a product for reviewing; sponsoring a giveaway is optional.

Virtual Food Drive – We are using our Holiday Gift Guide to help raise money for our Virtual Food Drive. We are hosting one big giveaway and a few other giveaways for some awesome prizes to bring awareness to the food drive. Our goal is to raise $500 because this is our first time doing something like this. We are hoping to exceed our goal with your help!

• Parenting With No Blueprint & The New Digs

Yesterday, my Udder Nursing Cover arrived. I got it for free using coupon code “onefree”. All I had to pay was $8.95 for shipping! I’m stashing this away for the next baby who is not in the process of being manufactured yet .

• No Related Post

It’s been

three play dates

and counting.

Notice a pattern?

• Their togetherness makes my heart melt.
• My Head. His Teeth.
• Batman and Bones
• Camera Dump 10/21/09: And 1 In The Yard
• Camera Dump 10/13/09: Just Hanging Out

This holiday season, Viva is all about encouraging families to get closer to their food by ditching the silverware and eating food with your hands. We surely eat a lot of foods that require using our hands, so this “challenge” was a peace of cake. One of our favorite foods to eat with our hands are homemade burgers. There’s nothing like a good ‘ol homemade burger with all of the fixins. My turkey burgers are made with ground turkey, caramelized onions, lettuce, pepperjack or American cheese and condiments of our choice. I like to top mine with ketchup and relish, Boogie eats whatever I like, and Greg likes mayo.

This week, I decided to do something a little different to take my usual homemade turkey burgers to another level. Instead of making burger patties, I made loose meat and ditched forgot the caramelized onions. Loose meat burgers are perfect for those times when you want a burger, but the meat is still frozen. They are messier, but so are sloppy joes. If you can survive a sloppy joe, then you can certainly survive a loose meat turkey burger.

This recipe makes about 5-6 burgers to be served on regular toasted sandwich bread.

1 1/2 lbs ground turkey
4 chopped green onions
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp seasoning salt
1 tbs vegetable oil

Brown ground turkey. Add green onions and spices when turkey is halfway brown. Drain when fully cooked and add vegetable oil. Continue cooking until meat starts to crisp. Serve on toasted sandwich bread (or buns) with your favorite toppings!

Finger licking good?

This post was sponsored by Viva Towels. For fun, fork-free recipes – including videos – and snappy entertaining ideas, get over to the VIVA® Diva Café!

• Viva Diva Girls’ Night Out

At our first play get together, I was worried that Boogie would behave differently by possibly clinging to me or playing too rough. He has never been aggressive, but kids are known to pull fast ones. To my surprise, my little snoodle walked on in, grabbed a toy and mingled well. He exchanged hugs and kisses too. He obviously wasn’t exhibiting traits from mommy’s side of the social genes. I just love how well the children play together, each child so warm and gentle. Here are some pictures from our second get together.

Now after looking at the pictures and seeing them all going every which way, you’d think I’d change the title of this post. Teeheehee.

{more on flickr}

• The Boogie & Popeye Pattern
• My Head. His Teeth.
• It’s about time.
• Batman and Bones
• Camera Dump 10/21/09: And 1 In The Yard

Shopathome.com is my go to spot for saving money. I love that everything is there; a printable coupon database, coupon codes, free samples, cash back rewards, even a regularly updated blog powered by real people! There are many sites that either specialize in printable coupons, coupon codes, cash back rewards or free samples. It’s either one or the other, never all in one. I definitely appreciate only having to visit one site when I am looking for a good deal at shopathome.com.

Just in time for the Holidays, ShopAtHome.com has kicked off their Extra Cash Back Event, featuring over 50 retailers! This event will take place today through November 16, 2009. To take advantage of this mega-savings event and all that Shopathome.com’s got to offer, continue reading, there just may be a $100 Kohl’s gift card in it for ya !

{CLICK HERE TO CONTINUE READING}

• *OVER* Would You Like To SmartShop With DOLE Fruit Parfait Coupons?
• Get Free Samples and Coupons at Shop4Freebies!
• Shopping Frugally For The Holidays Or All Year ‘Round
• Store Discounts

On February 25th-ish, I tweeted that I had a secret. I had been let down a few times after being completely excited about something that winter, so I quickly pushed the hush button. It’s been 8 months, a move, and an installation. It’s time I spill…

We were chosen as a Panasonic Living In HD Family. I couldn’t believe my eyes as I read the letter. I still can’t believe them.

Wow, we are seriously living a dream and it goes beyond this moment.

• No Related Post

He’s been a Cranky McCrankers off and on for the last 3-4 days, randomly shrieking. He’s had a fever, no flu symptoms. His bottom canines have surfaced and they weren’t playing. And now all is well.

This post was written October 28th, 2009.

• The Boogie & Popeye Pattern
• Their togetherness makes my heart melt.
• Batman and Bones
• Camera Dump 10/21/09: And 1 In The Yard
• Camera Dump 10/13/09: Just Hanging Out

Last Wednesday, Boogie and I went to hang out with some friends at Michelle’s. It was our first time getting together with other moms and their kids with the exception of going on the General Mills trip. It felt like home; cozy kick your shoes off, help yourself to the fridge, let the kids roam free home.

{more on flickr}

Today, we’re doing it again. I’m looking forward to seeing Jaymi (thanks for the nudge), Michelle, Carrington, Sheryl, and Toni (if she stops by) again, catching up with Steph and meeting Jen for the first time.

I’m glad to have them in this new chapter of my life.

• Their togetherness makes my heart melt.