This Holiday Season, I'm very blessed to have worked with many companies to, not only create my 2010 Holiday Gift Guide, but to help make a difference in communities across the country. These companies have donated an extensive amount of toys to Momma Findings so that I can bless families who are hurting financially this year. Not only that, but the companies are SO amazing that they even sent extras for my own children, giving me the chance to have a really great Christmas.

I received tons of donations this year and I've already picked a very well-deserving charity to donate them to, however, I felt like I could do more. So, from now until Christmas I'll be highlighting ways you can give back to other charities, not only in my hometown community, but also across the country and in our military. I'll also be bringing you in on our charity drop-offs and volunteer work throughout the Season. Todays charity, paints Santa in a blue suit, but there are no blue faces when he comes around. Baytown Blue Santa has been bringing smiles across Baytown since the 1970's!

Read the full story

If you're shopping for a young boy this Christmas, chances are they probably have at LEAST one Wii game on their wishlist. My son's have about twenty. Yeah. They'll probably get two each, if Santa is REAL nice. In all seriousness, though, there is an extensive amount of Wii games for boys to choose from. How do you know which game is going to be a hit with the recipient? Do you go with the Classic Super Mario Bros. games? Stick with Dancing games to give them exercise? Or do you feed into the, overall, boy persona of a fighting game? We all know how boys like to virtually beat up the competition. It makes them tougher in their own little gaming imagination. I stopped understanding that a LONG time ago.

If you choose to go the ultimate battling route, I've got the perfect Wii game for you. Battle of the Giants: Dinosaurs Strike, is the sequel to the original Battle of Giants game, extremely popular among 7-9 year-old boys. Apparently, it's very popular with my 3-yr-old son too. Who doesn't like to fight large, sharp-toothed dinosaurs, while the soundtrack of an epic battle scene plays in the background?

Read the full story

I walked into the kitchen last night to find both my 7 and 8-yr-old children cleaning off their plates in the trash, then putting them into the dishwasher. Oh, the joy I felt knowing they are old enough to help me with some of the cleaning, but OH the cringe I felt seeing all the lasagna sauce they didn't rinse off before placing those plates into the dishwasher to be washed.

I'm kind of OCD like that. I MUST rinse the dishes prior to loading the dishwasher. I know. I know. What's the point? Well, I don't like dealing with spots or unclean dishes afterwards only to scrub all over again. That's where Finish Quantum dish tabs and Jet-Dry Turbo Dry comes in. No need to pre-rinse! In fact, I may add this to the kids chore list starting this week, making me one happy Momma.

Read the full story

The last few days, I've been brought back to place I vowed to never return to. The nights I cried myself to sleep. The mornings I drank whiskey to drown out the pain of the day. The times I sought out a good long run in the neighborhood, only to come back home hours later, exhausted, panting, realizing I ran 10 miles in a trance, dehydrated from the tears I had been crying. I've been brought back to the time I was so angry and hurt, that I tore up my whole kitchen by throwing dishes, chairs, anything I could find. I needed to hear things breaking so it'll drown out the sound of my own heart breaking.

I'm back there. Again.

Read the full story

The last few months of the year are always a time of great joy as we celebrate the Holidays together. You've got big family meals, shopping, tree decorating, and, overall, excitement of the Season. More often than not, however, you, or someone you know, is fighting the flu or horrible cold. Families of young children, are especially susceptible to catching such germs due to the amount of time spent at parks, daycare, school, and church. I, of all people, know because we've battled H1N1 just last year with my children and pneumonia the year before.

As a Mother, you always want to be prepared, but as we all know, we never are. For us, the flu strikes at the most inopportune time. So, this year, I want to help one family be prepared with items to get them through the first few days. First item on my list? Pedialyte Singles to ward of dehydration.

Read the full story

Thanksgiving has come and gone and we're left with leftovers galore. For me, it's a feast of food for the next few days, giving me a much needed break from cooking. Do you have any Turkey leftover ideas? There are a few things I do, such as Turkey Taco Soup, Turkey & Dressing Casserole, Turkey Salad (just like Chicken Salad) with red grapes, but my favorite ALL TIME leftover turkey idea is a simple turkey sandwich using my favorite sandwich bread, topped with lettuce, tomato, and swiss cheese.

This year, I'm using my new favorite bread that's thinner than paper, yet as strong as your usual bread slice. I discovered Oroweat Sandwich Thins just a few days ago and I'm bringing you guys in on the behind scenes look of  my shopping experience, my taste test, and my, overall, thoughts of this new variety of bread.

Read the full story

We sat in a blue and yellow kitchen. Yes. BLUE AND YELLOW. What can I say? It was a rental house and the previous renter or owner herself felt the kitchen needed to be loud and proud. Two years later, I'm not laughing at the colors, but thankful that they were bold and memorable, because they bring back so many great times we had in that kitchen in Memphis.

I had many a friend over to laugh, cry, and drink unimaginable amounts of caffeine. I read my Bible at that table. I prayed on that floor. I cooked meal after meal after meal on that stove. In that oven. I perched on that counter watching my husband cook meal, after meal, after meal. I had conversations that I'll never forget. We had Thanksgiving in that kitchen. Just us. My husband and my two kids and one baby.

Read the full story

My girl attended a wedding a few weeks ago. She EVEN let me curl her hair. I had a bitter sweet flash forward of the day I help her get ready for HER wedding. Oh, my sweet girl.
Read the full story

As part of a Family Dollar Blogger Insider, I receive exclusive, first hand, previews of the latest merchandise and in store experiences with special Holiday deliveries. This Fall, Family Dollar showed me ways to be a frugal shopper for my family without sacrificing the brands I love. With each passing Holiday Season, they are one retailer I can rely on to boost the spirit of celebrating without breaking the bank.

Do you guys remember when we kicked off Summer with Family Dollar? This Fall was no different as we experienced a little Halloween Happiness, received Thanksgiving Tips & Trends, and got a peek at the Christmas Corner with our Family Dollar Fall Entertaining Essentials Kit. So, today, I want to share a few tips in frugality and a few Thanksgiving recipes, I discovered for the upcoming Holiday.

Read the full story

A few weeks ago, my husband and packed up the kids and headed to the movies. Um. Yeah. It was a school night. Don't judge. Actually, it was a rainy school night and my kids finished ALL their homework for the week so we figured, why not reward them for their hard work? The movie on the dock? Megamind!

We don't do this very often, go to the movie as a family. I have three children and one husband, making us a family of five and a family on a budget. The Movie Night costs adds up once you purchase ticket, refreshments, and gas to get to the theater. Well, General Mills feels, both mine and your, pain and wants to make it easy to enjoy movies out as a family by, simply, enjoying the General Mills Big G cereals you love already with Movie Cash.

Read the full story

My peaceful sleep is interrupted with the soft tip-taps of tiny feet down the hallway. They get closer and then I feel a soft touch on my arm, "Mom, can I sleep with you?" Every night, like clockwork, my 3-yr-old son comes into our bedroom, looking for the comfort of both my husband and I. At this moment, it's as if he has no strength and he, simply, lifts his arms up for me to pull him up onto the bed so he can be near me.

So, I do.

Read the full story

It's family movie night. I pull out a classic. Wizard of Oz. I'm excited to show my 3-yr-old, who's NEVER watched it before. I've got the popcorn ready, the cozy blankets on the couch, and it's about to begin. As the movie progresses, my youngest says, "Mom! This is JUST like The Wonderful Wizard of Ha's!!! Why yes it is. In fact, his very first introduction, to the story, came from this VeggieTales remake when he learned that there's nothing like forgiveness and no place like the home God prepares for us.

This Holiday Season, Big Idea Inc. has remade, yet, another classic in It's a Meaningful Life. Throughout the month of December, Christmas becomes skewed with the idea that it's all about presents. Children get caught up in the want, want, want and forget about what God gives us, what we, as God's children, need to be content.

Read the full story

Today, we took the family for a much needed country drive. Sometimes, the fresh air, togetherness, and unexpected finds relax me. We headed to a small town, half an hour away, called Winnie, where we found it's Christmas Shopping Trade Days. Vendors lined the lot with crafts, toys, antiques, but my favorite were the Christmas items. On the drive home, I was relaxed and refreshed, however, the thought of everything I need to do through Thanksgiving and onto Christmas overwhelmed me.

The Holidays don't need to be stressful or overwhelming, once you think about the reason we celebrate. Having my family together is the most important and everything else CAN be simplified, including setting the table with strong, yet beautiful disposable tableware. Hefty and Waverly had us, hardworking Mommas, in mind when they developed the new Holiday Collection sold, exclusively, at Walmart this Season.

Read the full story

Today marks the day, I take a little time for myself. Hey. I deserve it and Wisk told me so. My morning routine isn't much of a routine at all. In fact, it's very simple. Wake Up. Get the kids on the bus. Drink Coffee. Catch up on the emails I got while I was snoozing the night away. Brush teeth. Get dressed and, lastly, put my make-up on. Whether, or not, I have somewhere to be, I always put my make-up on.

Today, however, I bring you in, while I do it. Don't worry, it doesn't take me an hour and I don't use a million different things. I'm more of a blush, mascara, eyeliner, and lip gloss girl. It's a simple routine for a simple girl, however, the stains that sometimes come out of that routine aren't so simple. So, I'm putting Wisk detergent to the test and answer the question, How do you get lip gloss out of clothes?

Read the full story

A week from today, we'll be celebrating Thanksgiving. This year, I'm thankful to be here with family and friends (and I know you get tired of me saying that, but MAN I never thought I'd be back home again). That being said, there is a lot of Holiday preparations, at hand, to get ready for, not only this Holiday, but Christmas as well.

My gift list for loved ones is getting longer and longer, as I wonder what to get all of them exactly. There's family, friends, bus drivers, teachers, party hosts, and I EVEN want to shower my FedEx guy with a little Holiday Joy. He delivers packages, almost daily, to my house and is always so professional, considerate, witty, and careful no matter what the contents of the package may be. I found a great gift that's perfect for everyone, even my delivery guys! Who doesn't love chocolate covered apples? Mrs. Prindable's is THE place to find elegant holiday gifts, including gourmet apples for both Thanksgiving and the Holiday Season.

Read the full story

Thanksgiving is only a stones throw away and I'm getting so excited to spend it with family. I spent about 6 or 7 years cooking Thanksgiving all by myself for just my husband and kids. We lived so far away from family and friends that our Thanksgiving was always very small, very intimate, yet very memorable.

This year, however, we live back home, in Texas, and are surrounded by so many people that love us. We'll have a very long, yet memorable Thanksgiving Day, but one thing I love about this day is, not only taking the time to be thankful for all I'm blessed with or the yummy food, but basting in the beginning of the Christmas Season. It's the perfect time to pull out all your Christmas decorations, turn on the Seasonal Tunes, and, at the end of the day, relax in front of the TV with the family for a Christmas movie, such as Disney's The Search For Santa Paws.

Read the full story

How long do Wii games, typically, last in your house? Our Wii games are constantly getting scratched, completely making it impossible to ever play that game again. One, specifically, goes by the name of Mario Kart. Oh, the infamous Mario Kart. We've replaced this sucker more times than I'd actually like to admit, but it still remains our favorite to play with friends and as a family. Damn you Mario and your Karts.

I, finally, took a stand and said we will not buy it again. I'm not going there. I got a few grunts and groans, but all in all, it hasn't made me feel any more guilty, as a Mother, than the day I made my 3-yr-old sit on the floor, in the cereal aisle of the grocery store, for a time-out for being disrespectful. Some things just need to be done. That being said, I am loving the fact that we've found a NEW racing game for Wii, very similar to Mario Kart, called Sled Shred: Featuring the Jamaican Blobsled Team.

Read the full story

I was eating at a restaurant with a dear, dear, friend. We talk about our past and where we want our future to be and then he leans in and tells me, "I don't think I'm destined to ever be a husband or a father. What if I don't ever feel that? Man, I want to. I want to have a child so I can feel what it feels to be loved unconditionally." I laughed for a moment as the thought ran across my head, Dude. If you're looking to be loved unconditionally by your children, that's not gonna happen. Kids are selfish. Kids need. Kids want. Kids will unconditionally take. He quickly corrected himself before I stated my thought out loud and said, "... Well, rather I want to feel what it feels like to love unconditionally." That's more like it.

He's a Youth Minister at his Church and, out of all my friends, I usually go to him when I'm hurting and need someone to spiritually lead me into a place where I can clearly see how God is working. This friend always has the right words and I thank God for him each and every day. Behind my husband, I don't know how I could live without him.

Read the full story

I love me some coffee. No. Wait. I don't LOVE coffee as much as I NEED coffee. It understands me in the wee hours of the morning. It comforts me midday when I feel like I just can't go on. It is my late night conversation, my afternoon playdate, and my fun night out. Coffee goes with me like Peanut Butter goes with Jelly.

Now that you understand my love for coffee, you must understand how much I love the Holidays. Specifically, all the Holiday flavors. This is where you'll find all the new flavors of creamer hitting the shelves and Tweets talking about the Pumpkin Lattes. A few weeks ago, a package hit my doorstep that contained a love so sweet I couldn't help, but hug my son when I saw it. Coffee. Yes, Mom Central sent me a package of Dunkin' Donuts Limited Time Holiday Coffee Flavors.

Read the full story

The first night of, the recent, Daylight Savings Time change, my family found ourselves indoors earlier than usual. In fact, all the kids were in shock that it was dark and just only 6:00PM. Puzzled in what we would do the next few hours, I walked over to my "Magic Shelf" and pulled out our new Tegu blocks.

All night long, we built absolutely nothing, but had more fun than we've had in a long time. My daughter built herself a microphone and announced each and everyone's creations. My husband tried building a roller coaster. My son built a piano and a dog. My younger son, bless his sweet heart, built a gun. Then another. Then another. What's up with boys and making stuff into guns? Overall, we had a blast, but it would be nothing compared to fun we had Wednesday afternoon, when Tegu Live was launched.

Read the full story

I'm not sure if you guys knew this, but I'm completely outnumbered in this house. There are four boys Vs. two girls. Yeah, one happens to be a dog, but... HEY! He counts. There is a lot of testosterone that I deal with on a daily basis. Everything from the underwear jokes, to sports talk, to muscle cars. I hear it.

My 3-yr-old is the worst of all of them. Believe it. He's all boy. All cars. All dirt. All burps. All rough. All tumble. So, when Team Mom asked if I'd like to review the latest in Road Rippers R/C, I kind of grumbled under my breath, but, in reality, I knew my boys would love it, even my husband. I can take a break from Barbies and video games to check it out. So I did. Toy State introduces the new line of Road Rippers R/C Motor Muscle. They are ALL muscle, ALL classic, and ALL speed.

Read the full story

Last week, my family and I had the chance to go to our VERY first Houston Aeros Hockey Game. Thanks to Love To Shop Mom, for coordinating the first Bloggers Night Out. We had a blast, but you'll hear more about it in a few days when I post my wrap up. For now, here's Jamie, from LoveToShopMom.com and myself hammin' it up for the camera.

For more Wordless Wednesdays head over to A Daily Dose of Toni, 5 Minutes for Mom, Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go.

Read the full story

As a child, I used to pray out loud, "Please, Please, Please let me get the toy in my bowl this morning." My prayer never went very far after hearing my older brother yell out, "Too bad. I already dug it out!" Bummer. Now that I have children, I only, recently, noticed there aren't many cereals that offer treats inside the box. If you want my honest opinion, I'd RATHER buy a healthy cereal with a fun toy, than I would a Happy Meal. That's a WHOLE other can of worms I'll open up later.

This morning, we've got a brand new book to read and a big box of Cheerios to start the day. We received the book straight out of the box as part of the Cheerios Spoonfuls of Stories Program aimed to help young children learn to love reading, while having a nutritious breakfast. As part of its ongoing commitment to nurturing young bodies and minds and helping families connect, Cheerios will provide more than six million children´s books, free inside Cheerios boxes, through its Spoonfuls of Stories program. Over the past nine years, Cheerios has distributed almost 50 million children´s books in-pack.

Read the full story

Over the weekend, my husband and I found ourselves talking about changing a few eating habits here at home. We want to cut out a few bad choice foods and drinks and start doing fitness as a family more often. That can be anything from a bike ride, a walk around the neighborhood, or even getting down to the local Skate Park (which is ALWAYS a blast when we find the time).

Now that the Daylight Savings Time change has taken effect, our days are shorter it seems. It's getting darker, earlier, so our activities outside will definitely be cut in half. I've mentioned before how much we love playing the Wii together and I thought it would be great to break out our newest game Family Party: Fitness Fun as we adjust to the longer evening hours. The title alone tells me it would be a great way to entertain the kids, yet keep us all a little active, but did it prove true?

Read the full story

My weekend was downright emotional, yet calm. Well, besides the 9 kids playing outside my yard yesterday afternoon. Believe it or not, that scene brought me a joy, unspeakable. Although chaotic, I was almost teary eyed seeing my children playing. Laughing. Running. Climbing. Interacting with the world around them. Looking out for one another as cars passed. I couldn't stop staring at my husband as he brought out coffee for my neighbor and I, cup after cup of steam being handed to us almost to say Girls, we're in this together. Being a parent, being married, keeping a calm, can only happen with moral support. (Or coffee to keep our brain going)

I can't explain it, but I've been in this weird mood all weekend. Before you start prescribing depression pills, it might just be the weather change or Daylight Savings Time, but I kept over analyzing situations and conversations in my head.

Read the full story

I admit it. I'm not the craftiest of people. I mean, I can use a hot glue gun like nobody's business, but actually coming up with ideas and making them happen just isn't my forte. My daughter, actually all my kids, love to do crafts, especially around the Holidays. I usually oblige perfecting the set-up with my laptop within reach to follow instructions step-by-step. Yeah. I'm OCD like that.

Now that I've confessed my lack of crafting skills to you, I can delight in my discovery of Creativity For Kids. This company is downright awesome for Moms like me, who lack in the creativity department, selling craft kits for kids, along with other fun titles for learning and fun. My daughter and I had the chance to check out two of their recent titles for girls, Diva Puppies and Create Your Own Enchanted Storybook. 

Read the full story

We're talking movies this morning, more so, the NEWEST Disney Movie set to air this month, November 24th, Tangled. We saw this preview quite awhile back and my daughter looked at me, her jaw dropped, and she says, "Rapunzel?! Is she going to be a Disney Princess?!" Because I'm also a young girl (at heart), I was equally excited at the possibility that, yes. Rapunzel would become a Disney Princess.

My family and I were invited to a private screening of the movie later this month, before it hits theaters. So, the verdict is still out on whether or not Rapunzel, does, indeed, join the line up of the prestigious Princesses such as Cinderella (the Queen Bee), Snow White (Her loyal sidekick), and Sleeping Beauty (The one EVERY guy wants to date). If she DOES join the Princess clique, I see her becoming fast friends with Tiana from Princess and the Frog, but that's just me. Are you planning on seeing the movie? What did you first think of the preview?

Read the full story

We all have our favorite grocery stores. Mine happens to be H-E-B. If you're not in Texas, than you're missing out on great a grocery store that has great products, great prices, awesome deals, and amazing service. I love me my H-E-B. In addition, they really cater to the kids with the H-E-Buddy game featured at the front of the store. Hey. Any incentive given to my children to be on the best behavior is a good thing.

Just last month H-E-B released its NEW H-E-Buddy game for children to play after the family shopping trip. Through the new and improved game, children can accumulate points that they can put towards great H-E-B prizes. Before I heard the news of the new game, we went on a grocery trip. The look on my3-yr-old's face was absolutely priceless when he saw the new game. Old claw gone and a new spinning wheel in it's place.

Read the full story

"I spy with my little eye, something red!" You will, often, hear this line if you're standing behind me at the grocery store checkout, or if you're hanging with us outside, or in the car, or waiting at the bus stop, or eating dinner. It's one of our favorite past times because it keeps the kids busy, encourages them to become aware of their surroundings, and gives little ones practice at learning colors and shapes. It's a win/win for everyone.

On Halloween, we played a different version of I SPY using our video game console. Just last month, Scholastic introduced a creepy crawly video game called, I SPY Spooky Mansion, just for Nintendo Wii. So, after our Halloween Trick-Or-Treating, we entered through the creaking gate of the haunted game, followed a mischievous skeleton to explore a mysterious old house, and find our ultimate way out. Did we make it?

Read the full story

I had to do it. We were a Nintendo Family for Halloween: Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach.


For more Wordless Wednesdays head over to A Daily Dose of Toni, 5 Minutes for Mom, Keeper of the Cheerios, Jolly Mom and Go Graham Go.

Read the full story

I'm all about the Family Game Night at my house, probably because we didn't have nights like this when I was growing up (and Spanish Bingo, AKA: Chalupa, doesn't count Mom), but, then again, who did? I mean, there weren't a WHOLE lot of games out there to play, but, thanks to companies like Hasbro, there's an extensive line of budget friendly board games for young families like mine. Hasbro is committed to providing such games so families can enjoy nights of laughter and fun, on a regular basis.

Now that my children are older and able to play (and fiercely compete I might add) board games, it is more fun than ever. Last week, we had the chance to check out the new Cranium Scribblish board game and our sides were busting from all giggling.

Read the full story

I'm still coming down from the sugar high of last night. Halloween was SO much fun. We went Trick-Or-Treating as a family with the kids completing the trio of Mario, Luigi, and Princess Peach. Daddy threw together a last minute costume, using overalls,  completely transforming him into the Super Mario Bros. Daddy. It all worked out, but I was still kind of the oddball. I wanted to dress comfortably, but, most of all, I wanted something that TOTALLY screamed Sara.

If you know me at all, I'm kind of a Social Media nutball. Twitter being my second love, right behind my blog and Facebook being third in line. So, I thought long and hard about how I could convey that using a funny tshirt and I knew EXACTLY who to turn to. Crazy Dog Tshirts, has an array of Halloween shirts including the perfect option to pull off dressing as Facebook for Halloween, in a cinch.

Read the full story

I stood in the kitchen, with a cup of coffee, looked up at my husband and said, "How could someone just lose their Faith like that?" I've met MORE people the last six months, who have lost their Faith in God, than I have my whole life and I noticed, just recently, that it's taking a toll on my own Faith. While they, certainly, have their reasons to turn away from the church, or God in general, those reasons do not belong to me. As I thought and prayed more about it this morning, I realized, I can't ever fathom leaving Him. Ever.

Read the full story