I never get tired of watching my baby sleep. :)

"This is the life"

We're finally getting some Fall weather, instead of what felt like winter in October! Kaelyn has had lots of fun playing in the leaves. This is her with her cousin Emry....they had a blast!

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Today there are so many great toys and games available to kids and adults. I always enjoy finding new things, but have to admit that I enjoy finding the traditional toys and games I grew up with even more! Hasbro is a company trusted by families for generations. They are known for some of the most well known toys and games available. What I think is so great about them, is that they continue to keep the traditional products we grew up with, but still find ways to update them and keep us all wanting more!

Hasbro Games sent us a great selection of games to review which included four of their Hasbro Card Games (Scrabble Slam, Crazy Old Fish War, Pictureka, and Littlest Pet Shop Go Fish), Scrabble Apple and Bop-It!

I was really excited to receive the Hasbro Card Games, as I think these would make fantastic stocking stuffers and a smaller gift idea for children and adults alike! The recommended age for these games is 5 and older and let me tell you...they are FUN! We've had the opportunity to play a few of them and loved every minute! These are a great thing to do as a family. I would have to say my favorite is the Scrabble Slam. It's like a very intense game of Scrabble!


The Scrabble Apple game is also a lot of fun too. I love how compact it is. It's a quick-playing version of the classic Scrabble game we all know and love! You flip over the letter tiles, one at a time trying to be the first to make a new word or build off an opponent's word. It's very engaging and a great spin on a traditional and fun game like Scrabble. Scrabble Apple is recommended for ages 8 and older. Another terrific Christmas gift idea!

The Bop-It is a game I always enjoyed playing with my family and friends growing up! I was excited to see that this "think fast" game is back and better than ever! It's recommended for ages 8 and older and takes on the same idea as the original Bop-It, but with an updated look, new challenges and a party mode. This is a great game for any family or group of friends who enjoys having fun and likes a fast-paced, "think on your feet" sort of game.


Hasbro Games truly has something for everybody on your holiday list this year. There are games that will appeal to both kids and adults. What I love is that there is something for every budget. Whether it's a small stocking stuffer idea or a larger gift idea...they have it all!

Buy It: You can purchase all of these products at a number of retail locations nationwide as well as HasbroGames.com. The Hasbro Card Games retail for $5.99-$6.99 each, the Scrabble Apple game retails for $8.99 and the Bop-It for $19.99.

How To Enter To Win: Hasbro Games is offering one lucky reader a Scrabble Apple game of their own! To enter, visit Hasbro Games and leave me a comment letting me know another game that you'd love to have.

How To Get Extra Entries: (only valid after the required initial entry has been completed)

1. For TWO extra entries, subscribe to A Mom's Balancing Act via e-mail (easily found along the side column). Be sure to leave TWO comments so that both entries can be counted.

2. For FIVE extra entries, blog about this giveaway (linking to this post and Hasbro Games) and leave me FIVE comments with the URL to that post.

3. Post my blog button or blog URL to your blog and leave a comment with the URL to your blog. (If it already is, leave me a comment letting me know)

4. For THREE extra entries, post my Holiday Extravaganza event button to your blog and leave me THREE comments with the URL to your blog. (button can be found along side column)

5. For TWO extra entries, Follow me on Twitter and tweet about this giveaway (Tweet once a day for an extra entry every day)! You can copy and paste: Enter the Holiday Extravaganza #7: Hasbro Games Scrabble Apple Giveaway @MomBalancingAct http://bit.ly/16MO1S Ends 11/24

6. Become a Fan of A Mom's Balancing Act on Facebook

7. Follow my blog publicly on Google Friend Connect

8. Enter one of my other giveaways and leave me a comment letting me know that you did (current giveaways can be found along the side column)....ONE entry for EACH giveaway you enter!!

Please be sure to leave me a *separate* comment for each entry you complete above including with each, your e-mail address so that I can easily and accurately contact the winner!!

This giveaway will end November 24th and is open to US Only!

**The products for this review and giveaway were provided for free by Hasbro Games. This was not a paid post and my honest opinions were given.**

Yesterday was Kaelyn's 2nd birthday...where did the time go?!? As I prepped and prepared for the big day, I continually thought about that day two years ago when we brought her home from the hospital! I'm sure that's something that goes through every parent's mind as their children continue to get older. I have a feeling most parents often find themselves asking the same question...where has the time gone?

I'm a little sad that she's already two. My little girl is getting so big...speaking to us in full sentences, having us wondering half the time where she has learned to communicate the way she does at such a young age. She's also becoming more independent and amazes us each and every day. I feel so blessed to be her mom...I couldn't ask for a sweeter little girl. Although it's a little sad to see her getting so big, we also know that exciting things are to come. Each stage offers many new and exciting things, and soon that will be our family becoming a family of four. I cannot wait to see Kaelyn as a big sister, as I know she will be the most helpful and loving there is.

We had some great times with family so far to help celebrate Kaelyn's big day! Friday we spent the evening with Scott's family...having cupcakes, opening gifts and visiting. Saturday my family was over. We had cake (the first cake I've ever decorated...my hubby helped a lot too), opened gifts and that night Kaelyn and her cousin Emry got to go trick or treating together. Sunday we spent the day at home and had a few other family members stop by throughout the day. It was a very special weekend for Kaelyn and I couldn't be happier about that.

The Cake :)

Playing with her cousin on her Birthday

As I was reminiscing about our little girl and how much she's grown, I came across several pictures throughout the past two years that I thought I'd share....

4 days old

3 Months

6 Months

9 Months

12 Months

15 Months

18 Months

21 Months

24 Months

I apologize I have been MIA for a few days. This weekend Kaelyn spent a couple of days with her Grandma and hubby and I devoted our time to cleaning the house and preparing for the baby (the nesting phase has kicked in even more). We have 4 more weeks left until we meet our little one...YAY! We decided it was time to get out some of the baby stuff and finish getting the nursery ready. It feels good to have accomplished so much. We even had a date...which was nice too!

There is not much to update, other than the day is getting closer. The third trimester has gone pretty smoothly so far...can't really complain much. I look forward to meeting our little one and seeing Kaelyn in her big sister role. She's going to be great!

I've also been prepping for my Holiday Extravaganza. November 2nd is the day it starts, so if you want to....grab a button found along the side column!!

Our trip to the Zoo this year! Kaelyn loved it even more than last year...the giraffes were her favorite! :)

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Here in the midwest summers are WAY too short! This summer we've had many rainy and cold days...making it feel even shorter! So, every warm day we get we try and enjoy the outdoors as much as possible!! This weekend was a perfect time for that! The temps were beautiful and we had no plans but to spend the weekend as a family....it was absolutely PERFECT! I think Kaelyn had the most fun of us all!! :) It was nice to put the housework on hold and enjoy a relaxing weekend as a family!

It's summer time and that means more quality time with family spent outdoors! I have to say that's probably my favorite thing about summer. I love the warm weather and spending time outdoors grilling with the family. Recently I actually happened to come across some great BBQ tips from National Champion Pit Master Mike Davis, a smokin' master, that I thought would be worth passing along to all those who love grilling and being outdoors as much as I do this time of year:

Mike's BBQ Tips

* When cooking larger cuts of meat, always use an indirect heat as a source. Using the direct heat method will char the outside of the meat without allowing the inside to cook properly.
* When grilling, use a "smoker" box of aromatic hardwoods such as mesquite, hickory or pecan to give that distinctive wood smoked flavor.
* Use olive oil or any other cooking oil to coat the surface of vegetables to add crispness and to hold on spices and seasonings.
* Using a spray or baste during cooking will help keep the meat moist and flavorful and will help to keep the meat from drying out during the cooking process.
* A mustard slather can be used to thoroughly coat the meat to help hold spices and seasonings in place during preparation.
* Pay careful attention to pork and poultry when grilling, you must make sure both meats are properly cooked through.
* Always grill in a well ventilated area, away from eaves and overhangs that can trap toxic fumes.
* Just like I prepare for my competitions, frequent heartburn sufferers should come prepared to enjoy the foods you love and start your 14-day course of Prilosec OTC in advance of your BBQ event.

For anyone who has ever heard of Kids Konserve before, you know that they offer waste-free and reusable lunch products that are not only better for the environment, but also parents who are saving money by not having to buy the plastic baggies, foil, plastic wraps and more! Their items are high quality and a great choice for any household.

I'm excited because Kids Konserve has offered a special coupon code for my readers with a discount of 25% off their Food Kozy pack of 5!! This Food Kozy is one of their best sellers and the absolute best reusable alternative to other types of storage bags we use, which typically end up in the landfill. It's the perfect choice for all those summer snacks! The coupon code you may use when ordering your own Food Kozy pack of 5 is: Kozy25, valid through September 2009. It would also be a great thing to purchase for Back to School time!

It's important that we keep ourselves and our children safe from the potentially harmful toxins and chemicals in today's cleaning products, by finding those that are natural and safe. Small children in particular, are more at risk for the dangers these chemicals can induce...therefore making your home healthier and more safe in every way is key! My choice for helping to keep our home clean and safe is using cleaners which are non-toxic and free of harsh chemicals. There are many great options out there, two of which I wanted to share:

The first, and probably my favorite, is Babyganics. Babyganics offers a whole line of useful cleaning products that are free from harmful toxins and chemicals and are safe for pets, children and the environment! They are superior in their cleaning abilities, and yet still offer a natural option to help keep your household healthy and safe. They have everything from glass cleaner, floor cleaner, tub cleaner, and all purpose cleaner to hand sanitizer, dish soap, and laundry detergent. There are just a few of the many products they offer.


The second option is Seventh Generation, which is a brand I like as well. They too, offer an extensive line of products that are free from harsh chemicals and are non-toxic. They offer all kinds of great cleaners, similar to those from Babyganics.

Both options are wonderful choices when seeking toxin free and safe cleaners. Their prices are comparable as well as their ratings. If you're looking for a safe way to keep your home clean you may want to consider these. There are many other products out there similar to these two options....but Seventh Generation and Babyganics are just two of many I would recommend trying.

Our town is having their annual fair this week. Last year we were moving at this time, so tonight was the first time I'd ever been there! It was also Kaelyn's first time. It was actually a lot of fun, and Kaelyn really enjoyed watching all of the animals. They had a lot of fun things there to do and to see, but we had to get (Blowing Kisses to the horses) home so Kaelyn could go to bed. We may head back up there later in the week or this weekend...we'll have to see how things go. I think Kaelyn would really like that.

Mommy and Kaelyn

Ever since we had Kaelyn we hear so many people tell us who they think she looks like. It seems that my family tends to think she looks a lot like I did as a baby and Scott's family seems to think she looks a lot like him as a baby. When Scott and I look at her we see certain features that remind us of each one of us. We've held baby pictures up to her as I am sure many parents do when they have babies...it's just been such a fun thing to do.

Many people who are not family also like to give their opinions as well. It's fun to hear what people think outside of the family as well. I recently came across a really great tool on the My Heritage website that I thought could give it's "opinion" just for fun. It is called the Look alike Meter. I placed a picture of Scott, Myself and Kaelyn in the meter and based on the faces it detects who the child looks most like. I know this is not a scientific tool by any means, but it was still fun to see what it said as a result. After putting in our pictures I got the following result. I really thought it was neat that this tool came to the conclusion that Kaelyn looks like Scott and I equally!! I guess every body is right when they say that she looks like me and Scott!!

One of the biggest pieces of advice that I haven't always been good to follow since having Kaelyn is "make sure to sleep when she sleeps". Kaelyn has been such a wonderful sleeper from the moment we brought her home from the hospital that I haven't had to do that too often. However, today I was absolutely exhausted. Between taking care of her, cleaning the house and having company here some of the day...I really needed a little down time to just relax. Almost four months old now, she is not sleeping during the day nearly as much, so at 12:30 when she laid down for her afternoon nap I decided it would be the perfect time to do the same. Wow, did it help! I woke up refreshed and ready for the rest of my day. It wasn't a long nap, but a much needed one at that. I feel I am a better wife and mother when I am rested and not running on empty. I may have to follow the advice of all of those smart people who told me to sleep when she sleeps more often.

There are a lot of great recipes that I grew up with...one of these that I just had to share is a homemade taco recipe that I ABSOLUTELY love!! Do you ever get tired of the store bought taco shells?! I know I do...that's why this recipe is GREAT! It calls for some ingredients like crisco which wouldn't be something you'd want to cook with all the time...but every once in a while it makes for a really yummy meal that the whole family will enjoy!

To make the taco shells you need to do the following:
Take a box of Hot Roll Mix and mix it like says on the box. Don't add the yeast in it, just throw that part out. Roll out into a circle on a floured cloth. Fold over and drop into hot grease (three sticks of crisco). Boil and turn mid way through.

To make the meat mixture you just brown up 2 pounds of hamburger, adding in a pealed and grated potato. Then drain the grease and add taco seasoning.

Serve with: taco sauce, cheese lettuce and anything else you like to eat on your tacos. Enjoy!!

I have a mom who really knows how to cook!! I grew up loving so many of her meals, and have enjoyed learning the recipes to each one of them now that I'm grown and have a family of my own. Sometimes I think there are just those family recipes that live on forever. Our family's Enchilada recipe is definitely one of those that has been, and always will be passed down from generation to generation. If you're ever in the mood to try something different, take a shot at this yummy recipe...I think you'll absolutely love it as much as my family and I have over the years!

Ingredients
1 can Old El Paso Mild Enchilada Sauce (15 oz)
1 can La Preferida Mild Enchilada Sauce (10 oz)
1 can Tomato Sauce (15 oz)
1 1/2 lbs hamburger
1 lg and 1 sm can of Old El Paso Refried Beans
Taco Sauce to taste
2 Cups of Bisquick
1/2 C Water

All you need to do is mix the two enchilada sauces and the tomato sauce together (this is the sauce). Then, brown the hamburger...drain it...and mix in the refried beans and taco sauce. Finally stir the bisquick and water together, rolling it out so it is easy to work with. Roll out tortillas that are of a size that you like and place them on a skillet. Wait until one side bubbles, then flip it over and count to 10. Then...Viola...you have a yummy tortilla to put your mixture in and cover with sauce! I really enjoy this recipe and I thought others out there might as well!!

Each month I try and write about a lesson in motherhood that I've learned and come to realize as important now that I am a stay at home mom. Although there are things I learn each and every day, that are crucial to me. This month it's a lesson learned about, and for myself. Remembering to take time for mom is key!

Over the past few months of being a mom I've learned so many things, but one thing I've learned that's so important to remember, is that it's important to take time for yourself. Having a baby is wonderful...I enjoy every day I get to spend with her. But sometimes it's nice just to take a moment for myself. Not only important, but crucial! Being a mother is the most important job in the world. I want to be my very best, and to do that I must take time for myself. Sometimes I just need to recharge my batteries. Whether it be taking a bath or reading my Bible, it's important to take time here and there for myself!

Although this is important, you may be saying...."But it's not an easy task to take time for yourself when you're trying to balance everything else that goes along with being a wife, a mother, and a homemaker, etc." This is true. It's not easy task, but something we truly need to work at. No matter how hectic life gets, even if you don't think you have the time, it's important to make the time. I'm not talking a whole day off or anything, just a half hour here and there.

I've learned how important this lesson really is. If you want to be the best mom that you can be, you must take time out for yourself. You deserve it!!

Wow, as a mom I sure do learn something new everyday! Mainly I've been learning lessons to live by as a stay at home mom. Recently I discussed one thing that I came to terms with. Now, I am posting to discuss a second lesson that I have really taken to heart....Remember What's Important & Throw The Lists Away...

Again, you might be asking...what does she mean?! Well, let me explain. Before I had Kaelyn I was used to having a routine of sorts and getting done what I needed to. Now that kind of goes along with Lesson number one you might be saying, but keep reading. When I say Remember What's Important I not only mean that I must come to terms with the fact that I might not get my whole list of things done in a day, but I must make sure that I don't. Huh?! Is probably something you're asking yourself now! I know, I know...I may be confusing at times, but bare with me. :) What I mean is that I want to throw my lists away, not only to just take it a day at a time and go with the flow, but also so that I can spend more precious time with my beautiful daughter! Children are only young for such a short period of time. They grow so quickly and I want to cherish every moment I have at home with her. If this means throwing the lists away...then so be it....I want to remember that she is more important than any chore or task I have to do around the house!

My husband and I have been married for 2 1/2 years now and always knew that we wanted children!! Last February we found out that I was pregnant and were extremely excited about it!! We couldn't wait to become parents and meet our little one! :) Those next 9 months went by very quickly, and this month our beautiful daughter was born!! She is everything we had imagined her to be and more. What a blessing she is and has been to our lives so far. Becoming a mother is something I had thought about and dreamed of since I was a little girl. Now, this dream has become a reality and I'm loving every minute of it. The biggest change to becoming a mother is learning to balance all of the other aspects of my life at the same time. Between being a wife, a mother, a stay at home mom who tries to make a little extra cash here and there, as well as keeping the house clean, making meals and getting exercise in once in a while...I've learned that the balancing act of motherhood is not always an easy one, but an adventure I am living daily, learning about with each moment that passes, and loving with all of my heart! I wouldn't change a thing and thank God for each and every day and all that He has blessed our family with! With that said, I thought it would be fun to begin a blog about the adventure of motherhood and the balancing act it entails! I'm looking forward to sharing my life as an everyday mom and relating to other mothers out there who are also experiencing this wonderful adventure and journey of motherhood!!