Cuddle Bear Gives Back 2x

Dear Friends and Fellow Bloggers,

As most of you know, I have an amazing new job working for Usborne Books and More as an independent consultant. You can find my website and more information on this here: http://x3344.myubam.com/.

I want to share this special fundraiser I am doing.

Amanda Riley was a teenager who passed away her senior year from cancer. Her parents decided to take this tragedy and find good. They started The Amanda Riley Foundation in her name, and their goal is to help children with cancer smile. You can find more about this foundation here: http://www.amandarileyfoundation.org.

I have been so blessed lately, and after hearing her story, I knew I wanted to do something to help give back. 

The Cuddle Bear believes everyone deserves and needs hugs. The book is a great read for children and parents alike. Children will love cuddling with their own Cuddle Bear plush while hearing this uplifting story. A portion of the proceeds from Cuddle Bear is donated to the Scott Carter Foundation. 

Scott Carter was a 13-year old boy who died in December 1993 after a courageous three-year battle with bone cancer. The Scott Carter Foundation was formed to raise money to further Scott's dream of finding a cure! Learn about Scott's story atwww.scottcarterfoundation.org.

September is Childhood Cancer Awareness Month, and I just happened to learn about the Amanda Riley Foundation this month. This seemed the perfect time to put the two foundations together for one fantastic fundraiser.

I decided that this is how you and I can help two great foundations with one purchase. For every Cuddle Bear book and plush combo you buy in September and October, $2.50 will be given (out of my own pocket) to the Amanda Riley Foundation. $1.25 will be donated for any book or plush sold separately. If you do the math, this is 10% of  the sales.

My goal is to donate $200+ by the end of October 2013.

Here's how you can help:

+Purchase a cuddle bear and/or book for yourself, your child/children, your nieces, nephews, grandkids, a child you care for, a friend who needs a hug or a smile. Or maybe even someone you know battling cancer. 

+Share this blog post with your blog followers, family, friends, coworkers, classmates, everyone you know.

+Share the image or blog post on your Facebook page, Instagram, Twitter, Pinterest, etc.

+Ask others to support the cause and purchase a Cuddle Bear of their own.

*I suggest that a few people order together to cut down on shipping costs (or bundle it with any of our other wonderful books).

The donation to The Amanda Riley Foundation is exclusive to sales made through my personal website, and not other Usborne websites. Here's the direct link: http://x3344.myubam.com/p/1450/cuddle-bear-book-and-plush-toy?e=28757

Together we can end childhood cancer and give the children who do have it a smile until there is a cure.

Please let me know if you have any questions about this fundraiser, or how I can help you raise money for a cause you are passionate about with Cards For A Cause, Literacy For A Lifetime, Reach For The Stars, or a book fair!

Thanks in advance for your support,

Usborne Consultant

jennyjackson0125 at gmail.com

http://x3344.myubam.com

www.facebook.com/JennyJacksonUBAM

Will Blog for Food

This blog and I have some serious commitment issues, don't we? I mean, I say "I'm going to blog more" just about every month, and fail every month. This last month was no different.


I do have some sort of excuse this time.

via

A few weeks ago, my husband lost his job. Out of nowhere. Things just happen that way sometimes, right? I can calmly talk about it now, but the first week we were totally bummed, and totally out of our element with the situation.

I wanted to blog about it, but I just couldn't. I was scared. Slightly embarrassed (not necessarily sure how to explain why on that, but it's true). I didn't want pity from people who don't even know us. I didn't want questions (there's still probably some family who doesn't know). I didn't know how to put into words how I was feeling. Wasn't sure what "angle" I should take when writing a blog post about it. And honestly, I just had other things on my mind than this blog.

Plus we were both looking for jobs.

Sean (that's my hubs, have I mentioned his name before?) has a possible job lead, and I have decided to revamp my resume and put that out there too after I feel it's worthy of passing out. THE BEST family in the world (ours) is helping us out, and I have never felt so blessed. Still scared about where the future will take us from here, but confident knowing God has our back.

I am super blessed to have my three jobs. My Usborne Books business is actually off to a good start, and I cannot wait to utilize this blog with it. It's nice to feel passionate and confidant about something again. My passion and things I am confident about it what a blog should be about, right?

But that's another post. This post is my yet again excuse as to where I've been. Again.

How have you dealt with these situations?


Until next time,



P.S. Find my Usborne Book Facebook Page Here

**I actually wrote this post last week, but never posted it. I'll learn one day :)**

Blog-Over Update

A month or so back I decided my blog needed a big ole revamp. So I created a list, and started crossing things off (YES! I included things I completed already just to cross it off). Here's my new update: 

• Find a color scheme, and apply it. (Still tweeking this here and there. Always a work in progress)
• Change name of blog (don't forget on July 15, 2013 you can find me http://thedelightfulmomnesiac.blogspot.com!)
• Add social media buttons
• Use new template
• Make a header (Still debating on it, but anything's better than before!)
• Write an about me page
• Create a Facebook page  (Find it here!)
• Add pages
• Make an "about me" page
• Change my profile picture to an actual picture
• Clean up the side bar

And this wasn't on the list, but I just added it, so, now it is:

• Add the Pin it Hover html code. 

I've been seeing this all over blog land, but thought it was way out of my league to try. I found this easy peasy tutorial from Sweet Haute on the Blissful and Domestic Friday linky party. I love the kindess of other bloggers who take the time to teach the newbs and scardy cats how to do this stuff. What are some of your favorite blogger help posts?

May the momnesia be ever in your favor,

I Need to Keep My Mouth Shut.

How y'all been? Hope you're good. Oh, me? Oh, you know, just... losing my mind! In addition to my three jobs, I also:

said "I'll do it" to being the weight/score keeper for a biggest loser challenge among some Facebook friends. I participated in the last one, but I couldn't afford to lose another $50, so I volunteered to keep score this time. In addition to just tallying up the percentenges, I am trying to be a motivational coach as well. I hope they realize it's 100% "Do as I say, not as I do." :)

said "Okay" to becoming one of the publicity steering members for our MOPS group. This includes a newsletter for each meeting, a directory, marketing and publicity materials...

...last night after the meeting with the other publicity leader and the coordinator, my marketing brain (I have a BBA with a concentration in marketing) started thinking, and before I know it, I am emailing the coordinator pronouncing, "I'll create a website." Seriously, Jenny?! A website? Ugh. It is needed, and it will be awesome for my resume when I have to find a "big girl" job, and I am hoping those skills will transfter to this good ole blog.


I sometimes volunteer to help "stuff" the bulletins at the church. I was once doing this every Friday, however it's the first thing on the back burner when I need a little more time.

I also maintain (very badly) a blog. You know, the one you're reading. I'm going to get the hang of this thing one day.

Oh yeah, there's the baby, dogs, cat, husband, house, and three turtles not to forget about either.

I really need to organize my entire life like Abby did, however, if you are connected with me on Facebook, you'll know why I cannot do this on paper yet. At least not in a pretty way.

I think it's absolutely perfect that this is the theme of MOPS this year:

At least I have mucho material for blogs posts!

Do you have a problem with volunteering? Do you volunteer to help with things? How do you stay organized, and keep your family happy and taken care of as well?

May the momnesia be ever in your favor,

I Have 3 Jobs!

 
1. I still sew for modMomme.

2. I work two days a week at an afterschool program at a church.
 
3. I am now an Usborne Books and More consultant.

Plus, I plan on "homeschooling" Addy this year, I am a steering leader for MOPS this year, and I am committed to this blog!

Yeah, we'll see how long all this lasts :) I am sure this will be great for momnesia stories.

How's your week going?

May the momnesia be ever in your favor,





P.S. Like my Facebook page for more delightful momnesiac moments!

Facebook Shmacebook

I now have an official The Delightful Momnesiac Facebook page. I know. You're excited. So excited in fact, you want to click here, and like my page :)
Thanks! I hope you're having a delightful weekend!






 P.S. You know I'll follow you back, right? :)

Week of Babysitting

Well, I finally took the plunge and changed the name of my blog. I am hoping this inspires me to post more, and about more things, blah-dy blah. I honestly wanted the first official post of The Delightful Momnesiac to be a great "about me," or a tutorial, or a free download, or something exciting, but those dreams will become a reality in the future. For I spent my entire week watching my brother J's kids while he attends firefighter school. (By the way, only 14 more weeks, and he will officially be a fireman! This has been seven years in the making, and I couldn't be more proud to see him follow his dreams.)

So Tuesday through Friday this week I woke up at 4:50  set my alarm for 4:50 AM so I could be at my brother's by 5:30 AM. Did you know that at 5:30 AM there are people all over awake, driving, going to work, walking their dogs!?! I know. I had to see it to believe it too.

So from 5:30 AM to about 5 PM, I was babysitting an almost 7 year old sports fanatic boy, 19 month old twins (one boy and one girl), and my almost 14 month old. I was reluctant to take on this task. Let's be honest. I was forewarned that the twins can be quite the handful by more than one person. Add my own  little handful, and a 6 year old, and an early morning, and almost 12 hours away from my own home everyday, and... do I need to go on?

Luckily, my step mom is a saint, and came to help out, and  even brought me coffee every morning. I should also mention she washed all his dishes by hand everyday, and did all his laundry. And my step mom is not even related to this brother! (I promise to post a family tree one day. People love it when I draw a picture because my family is so huge. Heck, my husband still can't keep his nieces and nephews straightened out sometimes!)

Here are a couple of unedited (maybe one day) pictures of my adventures in babysitting. There are not many because

• I am still learning to take picutres of every little thing like a good blogger should,
• I still only carry my camera phone, and not an actual camera, 
• and the babies' mama doesn't like us posting pictures of the kids on Facebook, so I can only image how she'd feel about them on a blog. Hence, I am only using pics where their faces are turned or hidden.

The oldest boy and I built this awesome fort out of blankets and the kitchen table while the babies and Grandma took a nap.

Can you tell my brother is a UGA fan?

Older Brother worked diligently to ensure there was no light coming through.

It was so dark in there, I thought it was the perfect napping place.

Unfortunately, it only held his attention for about five minutes after building it, and I was forced into another game of basketball in his bedroom, instead of snoozing.

Most of the week was spent goofing around and hiding under blankets.

This is how the living room constantly looked everyday.

It didn't seem to bother them or slow them down one bit. We did our best to clean up before J stepped through the door, but it did not always happen. Do your kids dump toys out right after you/they put them away?

I loved that Addy had other babies to play with. She loved it too. She forgot all about her mommy sometimes she had such a good time. I think the other kids enjoyed her too, as I heard rumors that the twins fight and bite, but I never saw it happen while I was there.

Addy and Twin Girl enjoyed "reading" next to each other. So cute! I really wish I could have taken better pictures of this because it was so sweet.

By Friday you could definitely see a change in how all the kids interacted together, and Addy and Twin Girl were really starting to bond. That was pretty cool to witness.

I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to spend so much time with my niece and nephews this past week. It's the most time I have spent with them ever, and I really did bond with them in a way I wasn't expecting. So much so, I already miss them. Seriously. They are so sweet and fun. This Aunt Jenny cannot wait to see them again!

How was your week? Has there been a time when you were reluctant or scared to do something, and turned out to be the best blessing ever?

Thanks for reading!

I vowed to post at least once a week.

Keeping my promise, here is a short post explaining why I haven't posted. I am in the draft mode of retelling my babysitting adventures of the week, but I am waiting for my pictures to be emailed to me from me (from my phone to my email so I can download it from the computer so I can upload it to the blog...) I don't know why it's not emailing, but well, I can't keep checking my email over and over. Hopefully tomorrow!

Hope you're having a delightful weekend!

Extreme Makeover: Blog Edition, The List

Well, it seems that no part of my life is safe from my momnesia. During my Extreme Makeover: Blog Edition, I keep forgetting what all I want to accomplish, and I keep getting scatterbrained and ADD about it all. I'll start with one idea, and start researching how to do that, and end up a miles away on another idea. I also cannot commit to doing it all in one day, so I have to do a little here, and a little there. I forget about things, and come up with ideas while I am not on the computer. The best cure is a list. I see people writing their goals and lists for their homes on blogs all the time, so I thought, why not share my blog makeover list as well?

Here ya go:

• Find a color scheme, and apply it.
• Change name of blog (don't forget on July 15, 2013 you can find me http://thedelightfulmomnesiac.blogspot.com!)
• Add social media buttons
• Use new template
• Make a header (Still debating on it, but anything's better than before!)
• Write an about me page
• Create a Facebook page
• Add pages
• Make an "about me" page
• Change my profile picture to an actual picture
• Clean up the side bar

I also have more things to add, but maybe this will be phase one. I will also make tutorials, or at least direct you into the right direction of tutorials for some of the things mentioned above, and other helpful tips I have learned on the way (such as how to get the shadows off of your pictures). I am also making this commitment to the blog:

Post at least once a week throughout the month of July, at least 2x a week throughout August, and 3x a week starting in September. I am hoping this schedule will help me get in the habit of posting regularly. So that being said, I'll see ya next week! With the new name!

New Colors and New Name!

Well, if you've looked at my page more than once in the last few days, you may have noticed a different header every five minutes. That's because I can't seem to figure out how to resize things correctly so it took only a million tries.

Did you notice the new color scheme?
How about the new blog name?

If there is anyone who follows me, I'll be changing the name of the blog to http://thedelightfulmomnesiac.blogspot.com on July 15. That is unless some meanie comes across this blog, and steals the name. I just wanted to give a heads up for anyone who needed to update any blog readers or anything. Keep with me! I promise this blog will get interesting soon.

Blog Makeover: Color Schemes

My blog is in a serious need of a makeover. Agree? Agree. A facelift, haircut and color, new make up, and wardrobe, and attitude. So do I, but that requires money, time, and care, which I have none. I do have time to show you the different possibilites of color schemes for the future of my blog. Which by the way is getting a new name soon. I have a name picked out, and will be doing a full blown blog launch soon.

Until then, here's some color schemes I am looking into for the new look:

http://www.etsy.com/listing/70056260/last-one-sugar-and-spice-by-the-quilted

I love everything red and aqua right now! Here's another example:

http://bellablvd.typepad.com/bella_blvd/2012/11/cards-on-thursdays.html

Here's the last of my red and aqua/teal/whatever combo:

http://pinkpatisserie.blogspot.com/2013/04/blood-orange-and-coconut-creamsicles.html

Doesn't that look delicious? If I liked the taste of coconut, I'd be all over that recipe! I may not eat it, but I just might take the colors in this picture!

http://design-seeds.com/index.php/home/entry/boarded-brights

I love looking at design-seeds.com for color inspiration. If you have not stumbled upon this site, do so.

http://www.repincatalogue.com/WeddingDress/2013/4/5/modern-teal-lime/

So, what do you think? I will probably go with a combination of all the inspiration above. How did you come up with your blog colors? And how long did it take to implement it? I can't wait to get started!

Well Hello There. It's Been Awhile.

I've missed you, Dear Blog. This is the first time I have been on this computer in about a month. We bought a new cord so the computer is working, but I really need a new battery as well. And do something to fix the screen. I am still trying to decide between doing those two things or buying a new computer. The people at Fry's Electronics said it will cost about the same to do either, as long as the new computer is not a Mac. Not sure if I am willing to give up a Mac and the programs I already have on here for a new product I'll have to start over on. Time will tell.

 I really enjoy writing on this blog, when I sit down and do it. All throughout the day I think about things I could write about, but then, as most things in my life, I do not get around to it. I really want to give this blog another shot. But with that, I'd like a blog makeover. Possibly even a new name. I like the name Changes for Addy, but I'm just not in love with it. Ya know? How did you come up with your blog name? Was it a struggle to pick one?

I also need to redesign the layout, colors, font, etc. I am just not decisive about anything! I love everything too much! I find one scheme I like , then another, then another, and they all go into different dirrections. Much like the (lack of) decorating my house.

I want to change exactly what I write about. I may just write what I want for awhile, and see where the blog takes me. Not be chained down by what I am trying to improve upon that week. It is hard to find time to change when you are looking after this cool kid all the time:

I can't believe she's 1 already!

I think I have written enough for one post. I should save all the millions of other things I want to talk about for the future. Which will hopefully not be another month. :) Thanks for sticking with me!

my computer is in a coma.

I will be back online when I get the parts to bring my computer back to life.

I'm Alive!

Still here. Missing my blog. Still soda free. Just busy! Learning the changing pads for Mod Momme has been tougher than I thought, and taking up so much more time than I thought. I can't wait to get the hang of it, get more of a schedule, and get back to blogging. I need to. Hope y'all are having a good day/week/month!

We're Moving! (and No Coke Update)

Today is day 39 of no soft drinks, and I could really use one! Addy has decided that screaming is her communication style for now. It's rough. On top of that, I got a new job (working with the owner of modmomME), and now we're moving!

Husband, Dad, and I have been talking about us (Husband and I) moving since the beginning of the year. It is just getting cramped with all of us in one place, with everyone set in their own ways, and a dog who constantly barks at nothing (that would be Leighla). Well the time has come...


We went house shopping on Saturday with my step MIL, who is a realtor. She gave us a list of rentals, we gave her the list we wanted to look at. Out of all the houses that was on the original list, only 4 were still available.


House 1. The not-so-awesome man on the phone said everyone needed and extra awesome credit score (more than enough to buy a house, which, let's just say, we're not buying a house), a $200 deposit PER pet -INCLUDING the the fish and turtles!, and make 4x the amount of rent, which was NOT a cheap place. We did not go look at it.

House 2. No one in the office on a Saturday, so we couldn't get the code to the lock box to check it out.

House 3. We got to the house, and the realtor (Husband's step-mom) went to put the code in the lock box. Didn't work. She tried and tried. Meanwhile, I went around back to check out the yard. Fell in love with the yard. Fenced (much needed with the crazy dogs), beautiful back deck, gorgeous front porch (I love me some front porches). When we called the people about why the lock box didn't work, we were told the house was no longer available. Bummer. Move on to the next house.

House 4. Just turning into the neighborhood gave me the creeps. There was a swamp in the back yard. Honestly. No joke. A swamp. Trash covering the back yard of the two neighbor's houses. We didn't even go upstairs. Just turned around and left.

On the way to swamp house we got a phone call saying the assistant answering the phone for House 3 was mistaken. They did have an application for the house, but they were not moving forward. MIL recieved a new code for the lock box, and we headed back to have a look.

While the house as a whole is smaller than some apartments (it's only 1604 sq feet!), I fell in love with it. Is it fate that the other applicant did not get it? Or is this amazing yard, front porch, clean, decent area of town, house too good to be true?

The problem being, we were really counting on our tax money to come in before we made a move.
Our money came in Sunday night. Say whaaat?! Now that HAS to be a sign. Application sent Sunday night. We got the call a few hours ago saying it's ours!

Thank you, God! I've never had this easy of time getting a place. It all happened a little fast, so now I am stressed about packing, leaving Dad with more bills sooner than originally planned, and getting everything done. But I must admit, I am excited!

Let the adventures of packing and moving with a toddler begin!
 

Day 31 No Soft Drinks!

Aw, man! I finally get into a routine of posting, and BAM! No post Friday.. or yesterday. I have actually been busy this week. Rarity, indeed.

Anywho, I guess this week's reason for not drinking cokes is that it's such a great feeling to stick to a goal. It's encouraging. I am ready to start a new challenge. I just can't decide which one yet! Too many things to work on. :) I can stick with another food challenge (no fast food, no candy) start and exercise routine, or something else. Any recommendations?

De-soda-fication Update

Hey, y'all! I am feeling pretty good about not drinking cokes! I had a major temptation today. Zaxby's now has Dr. Pepper. mmmm. Yum Gross. I will say, I have been doing slightly better with being motivated and the housework. I cannot say 100% that it's from not drinking cokes, but somehow I must say, I think it is. Also, water is starting to taste better.

Thanks for sticking with me on my journey to 100 days no cokes. Next week I'll post more reasons not to drink coke. Today, I'm tired.

Goodnight.

Yesterday

Yesterday, I spent the whole day thinking I was going to Missouri for a funeral. My step mom's dad (my step-grandpa if you will) passed on Valentine's Day. Spent the whole day packing for Miss Cakes and I. Honestly, the whole day. Until about 5 pm. That's how long it takes with a needy baby. She's not always needy. Yesterday was the exception. Turns out I'm not going to Missouri.
I feel torn about the decision. I want to be there for the family. Maybe I'll get to go up there later this week.

Yesterday was one month since Cody Blake passed. Still hurts as well. 2013, can this be it for the year? Thanks.

De-soda-fication: Reasons 8-15

How's everybody's week going? Have a good Valentine's Day? I'll have to do a Valentine's post later, but now I want to brag update about my De-soda-fication, as I've dubbed it.

I am still going strong and soft drink free! This will be day 15. It is getting harder and easier at the same time. I know that sounds weird, but it's true. Most days I am okay, but days when:

• The dogs drive me nuts
• Addy wakes up an extra number of times the night before
• I eat pizza (In my opinion, nothing tastes better with pizza than Coke or beer) 
• I eat Mexican (the same opinion from above applies here as well)
• I hear a can of Coke being opened
• I forget to bring a drink with me when I go out

I really really really really want one.

But No. I. Will. Stay. Strong!

Source

While I am trying to forever give up the Co-Cola (Learned that spelling from The Help), I've decide that for short term goal and blog purposes, 100 days is the goal. And around 100 reasons not to drink soft drinks/colas/pop/soda. Sound good to you? Sounds great to me. Glad we're all on the same page.
Reasons 8-15:

Food Babe: Coca Cola's Low Calorie Beverages Will Kill You Before They Solve Obesity

I highly HIGHLY recommend reading this post from Food Babe. She does a way better explaining the picture above, and if I were to try explaining it, I'd just be restating what she says. Rather than do that, just click any of the links above. Or here. Or here. :)