Matt hits the field with the Houston Astros

I want to share with you our wonderful experience. My son was picked to be a Honorary Short stop for the Houston Astros. He not only won tickets to the game but got to meet, short stop Jeff and get his autograph. This was such a great experience for all the kids that got to participate. At the game, Matt also got the opportunity to play for a Best Buy gift card. He was on the big screen and won $30 in Best Buy gift cards. I wanted to thank the Houston Astros and all the people involved for this wonderful experience. Join the Astros Buddies Club and your kids can join in the fun. Check out my earlier post and feel free to leave a comment on my post ResponsibleSports ask Parents.

UPrinting.com Sponsorship program

I wanted to introduce you to one of my sponsors, UPrinting.com. When I first became a blogger it was to just be heard. This was the perfect place for me. With work, my family, and our busy schedule I was going out of my mind. I started blogging and met some wonderful people, including the Walmart elevenmoms. They introduced me to a whole new world.

Of course, I am now an official mommy blogger, and am very thankful to have readers like you. I have wonderful opportunities that sponsors can provide. I applied for a sponsorship program and was accepted. UPrinting tries to come up with fun ways for us as bloggers to participate in their sponsorship program. I am not sure what my future holds, but all i can say is that I am very excited to see where this sponsorship program takes me. Thanks Uprinting.com

Why UPrinting.com isn't your average printing company:

Blog Sponsorships:
If you are looking to find a sponsor for your blog, UPrinting.com is definitely interested. We offer giveaways, advertising and more for qualified bloggers.

Non-Profit Sponsorships:

The U-Community Program sponsors hundreds of non-profits and education to improve our local communities.

Social Justice Projects:
The UPrinting Kiva account promotes small business growth in developing countries.

Green Printing:
UPrinting supports a sustainable future by recycling, using non-toxic inks, and offering eco-friendly recycled paper stocks for business cards and postcard printing.

Are we having fun yet? Summer here we go...

Cool off in the pool

 

UPrinting.com asked for us to show them our summer pics. Summer just got started. The temperature is rising, so what better way to cool off then hitting the pool. My little fish lives in the pool all summer long.

Matt-future life guard-NOW on DUTY

It is summer and the weather is warming up! It's a great time for outdoor activities and summer photos. As you know, UPrinting.com offers many great solutions for photo enlargements: digital posters, canvas prints, wall graphics and vinyl photo banners.

UPrinting.com is a leading online provider of business cards, color brochures and mailing postcards.

UPrinting.com

all® Review and giveaway...******CLOSED******

ALL 96oz Stainlifter

With just one tiny capful, small & mighty® removes dirt and stains from an entire load of laundry while Fresh Release Essentials® provide time-released freshness throughout your day.

Available in: Wild & Fresh® Stainlifter™ Essence of Snuggle® Relax & RefreshFresh Rain®

ALL 96oz-FreeClear

all® Free clear is the #1 detergent recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin. It’s also recommended by allergists. This special formula has all the stain lifting power of all® but is free of dyes, perfumes, enzymes and preservatives. That means it’s tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family's clothes.

Available in: Free Clear (3x) Free Clear (2x) Free Clear (HE)

all®

With baseball practice, baseball games, school uniforms, police uniforms, work clothes, and workout clothes, etc... I have alot of laundry to do. I have grass stains from my son's uniforms to sweat stains from the workout clothes that I have had issues with. So many laundry detergents out on the market now are labeled as stain removers but i have been disappointed. I tried all® on all my loads and guess what, it is small & mighty. This past week my son slid more than ever into the bases and got dirtier than i have ever seen him but all the dirt came out. His uniform looks squeeky clean and it is ready for playoffs next week, and his special guest appearance on Sunday with the Houston Astros. Thanks to BSM Media/momselect, i will be able to allow my readers to try all®.

Here is how you can enter this giveaway:
1. Tell me about your worst stain story (1 entry)
2. Follow my blog (1 entry)
3. Follow me on twitter @independentmami (1 entry)
4. Tweet this- Youth Sports..please comment #responsiblesports http://bit.ly/E5OsI pls RT (1 entry/day)
5. Post a comment on my blog post-June 24, ResponsibleSports asks parents...(5 entries)

I have two coupons to give away. Winner will be picked on July 4 at midnight. Remember to leave your email address. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing address. Good luck to everyone.

ResponsibleSports.com asks parents this summer...

Summertime is here and that means summer sports are in full gear. Liberty Mutual’s ResponsibleSports.com educates parents and coaches about the positive influence sports play in children's lives. Summer and sports are a winning combo for kids who swap school books for bats and balls, as they take part in summer camps and sports leagues.

Here is the question:

"As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?"

I have always loved sports myself. But growing up in a hispanic immigrant family who had more important things that expensive sports on their minds, i never got to play. In high school i finally was allowed to play softball becuase it didn't cost my parents anything. I loved it. I looked forward to the games, my friends, and everything else. I even got my letterman jacket for playing on the varsity softball team. I didn't learn how to play volleyball until after high school, and i didn't want this for my son. So when my son turned 3, I signed him up for his first sport, Soccer. I, being a single parent, was looking for male influence in my son's life. I wanted to teach him teamwork, leadership, friendship, and most of all wanted him to have fun. We got more than that out of one sport. My son was so shy, and scared I ended up becoming the assistant coach. He wouldn't even get on the field without me. That season was great. My son and I got closer than we have ever been. We learned so much about Soccer. We were hooked. YMCA 04, Me and Matt (he is right under me)

After that season and many more seasons after I have always giving him the choice to continue playing sports if he feels up to it. I never want to puch something on my son that he would not want to do. But sports has kept him busy. He loves making all the new friends. And I always end up being assistant coach. I am always involved at the local YMCA. If there is opportunities open I always ask my son if he would like for us to join in on the fun. Programs like the YMCA will work out payment plans for assistant to those that need it. It doesn't cost much to me for all that we get out of it.

Matt 06

So as a parent I continue to allow my son to play any sports he wishes as long as his grades are passing. I provide him with opportunities that i did not have growing up. I encourage him by getting all our family out there cheering for him. I support by being the assistant coach or team mom, selling chocolates, or buying snacks. Sports are great for kids. Let's all encourage our kids and give them these opportunities, there are lessons to be learned out on those fields some that can't be taught anywhere else.


About the Liberty Mutual ResponsibleSports.com:
Created by Liberty Mutual in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, US Youth Soccer, USA Hockey and the Amateur Softball Association, the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program provides resources for parents and coaches at www.responsiblesports.com to help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport. The online community incorporates blogs, videos, and best practices on youth sports topics that provide practical, real-world advice. Parents and coaches also can complete coursework on positive sports mentoring that offers best practices for handling challenging sports scenarios.


Please leave a comment, what sport do your kids love the most?

Honorary Short Stop for Houston Astros

CONGRATULATIONS

M

You have been selected to participate in

Astros Buddies Behind-The-Scenes Day!

Houston Astros Buddies Club

2009 Coca-Cola Astros Buddies Club

Hey Kids, make the most of the 2009 Houston Astros season and join the Astros Buddies Club presented by Coca-Cola.

New, improved and better then ever this year's membership features none other then Lance Berkman. Look at everything you get for only $15!


Tickets ($60 Value)
Your buddies ticket coupon is good for four(4) free View Deck I tickets or can be applied to the purchase of four or more upgraded Astros tickets to pre-selected Buddes game dates: April 21, May 9, June 24, July 6, August 20, September 6.
Drawstring Mesh Jersey Bag
It looks just like Lance Berkman's jersey and carries all your stuff.
Buddies Baseball Cap
The 2009 addition to add to your collection.
Members-Only Party
Party is scheduled for August 20 at Minute Maid Park only for members and their one adult guest. More information to come.
Buddies Membership Card
Entitles you to a 15% discount in the Team Store and special line access for Run the Bases.
Monthly Drawings
Win autographed stuff and chances to watch batting practice from the field.
Buddies Newsletters
Mid-season and at the end of the season.
Photocard of Your Favorite Player
Astros Sticker

LoobaLee Giveaway...07/15

Enter Our LoobaLee Subscription Giveaway!
LoobaLee.com is offering an opportunity to win a free annual subscription for participating in their Private Beta test!
LoobaLee is a new site for buying and selling children's designer clothing and accessories. It's exclusively designed to be custom to the kids clothing market, as well as be fun and easy for busy Moms too! LoobaLeepromotes an "outfit your kids for virtually free" philosophy, and blogs about how to "Buy right, Care right, and Sell right" to help dress your kids in quality designer clothing for less!


Enter to win a full 1 year subscription as a thank you from LoobaLee for participating in their Private Beta test environment - a $29.98 - $47.88 value. Participation in Private Beta is completely F*R*E*E and ensures you at least 1 month of free time when LoobaLee goes public plus an opportunity to win one of several other fabulous prizes - such as gift cards to favorite children's clothing retailers!

Hurry! This opportunity closes on July 15, 2009. LoobaLee will be going public shortly thereafter.

Here's how to enter ~
1) Visit LoobaLee, and select "Request a Code" from the home page. Complete the request form and indicate "Independent Mami" in the referral box.

When your code arrives by email (usually within 1 day), access the site and Register as a Member (no charge)

Diane Birch-Bible Belt CD Review

Have you ever heard of Diane Birch?

I had heard of her but not had a chance to hear her music. Thanks to One2One Network for giving the opportunity to review this cd.

Her music is soultry just like her face in the picture of her CD. Her songs are soothing to the soul. You would never think this music was coming from such a person. What a voice! I don't think there is anything like this out their in the music industry. Popping in this cd took to me to a different place. Her music is wonderful and so are the lyrics. Check out her cd which was just released this month.

Bio:
For singer-songwriter Diane Birch, music was a refuge. Although Diane was born in Michigan, her childhood was spent on the move as the daughter of a preacher, living between Zimbabwe, South Africa and Australia, before her parents finally settled in Portland, Oregon. When she was in her early teens, Diane absorbed a unique and cosmopolitan perspective on life that shines through her music and makes a simple categorization of it impossible.

The result? Diane Birch sounds like an old favorite, with all the sparkle and magic of a breakthrough talent. People says she sounds like a combination of early Carole King, Linda Ronstadt and Stevie Nicks, with a little Joss Stone and Cat Power mixed in. Bible Belt is only her first record, but it’s one of the most accomplished albums you’ll hear all year. From the opening track “Fire Escape” to the closing “Magic View,” Diane’s stunning voice is mesmerizing.

Written entirely by Diane, Bible Belt was recorded in New York City and New Orleans with an impressive team of Grammy-winning producers: S-Curve Records founder Steve Greenberg, soul legend Betty Wright and Mike Mangini, in their first project together since producing Joss Stone’s first albums.

Link to MP3 of ‘Fire Escape’
Fire Escape

Myspace
Diane Birch on myspace

I would like to thank my sponsor,
One2One Network-The Women's Word of Mouth Network
Fun Projects. Cool Perks. Nice People. Join Us.
One2One Network

Yanni Voices in Concert

On Saturday, June 13, I got a chance to go see Yanni Voices live in concert. If you read my earlier blog post Yanni Voices CD Review, you know that I fell in love with their music. I had never heard of Yanni or the voices. The concert was great. The music was so good. People would get up off their seats and start dancing. It was so wonderful to see people feeling the beats. The performance was awesome. My fiancee wasn't very happy to go hear a concert for "Yanni Voices". He said it was my music and he was just accompaning me. But after the concert he said it was not what he expected. He is now a Yanni Voices fan. We had a great time.
After the concert we were able to meet them. It so great. Nathan, Ender, and Leslie were so nice. And guess what they tweet and blog. @Leslie_Mills, @EnderThomas, @NathanPacheco Check them out, send them a message, and listen to their music.
Leslie Mills & me
Ender signing my cd, YEAH
Nathan, Me, fiancee, & Ender

Ender & Me

I was also able to meet a fellow mommy blogger, Stacey and her husband. Check out her blog, Tree, Root, and Twig


Me & Stacey & our guys

I would like to thank our sponsor.
One2One Network-The Women's Word of Mouth Network
Fun Projects. Cool Perks. Nice People. Join Us.
One2One Network

Father's Day Frosty Weekend at Wendys

For the past three years, Wendy's has made it a Father's Day Frosty Weekend tradition to donate 50 cents from the sale of each Frosty to the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. The money raised goes to the Wendy's Wonderful Kids program, which funds full-time adoption recruiters at local agencies across the U.S., who in turn pair up parents with foster care children needing homes. So, you and your family can enjoy a tasty (and affordable!) Frosty together, knowing this campaign assists children across the country in finding a family of their own.

Involve the kids in this great cause by having them create a fun Father's Day eCard on FrostyCard.com. For every card they send, Wendy's will donate an additional 25 cents to the Dave Thomas Foundation. Kids can attach coupons for "taking out the trash" or "washing the car" onto the cards for Dad.

check out these giveaways...

Blessings Abound Kernel Season's Popcorn Giveaway
June 25

$100 Gift Certificate to SlimPerfect.com
June 30

Mamas Money Savers Nouriva Repair Moisturizing Cream Giveaway
7/2

Mamas Money Savers Subjective Beauty Blog Makeover Giveaway
6/28
Check then out...Subjective Beauty

Better Life Starter Kit Giveaway (Ends 6/22) - US/Canada
mamasmoneysavers

Help Support Ovarian Cancer Research Fund

I am getting cool for the cause this summer and am selling vitual glasses of lemonade to help support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund. You to can help by donating to the OCRF by buying a virtual glass of lemonade. We have several flavors to choose from like Marmalade Lemonade, Rosemary Watermelon Lemonade, and Citrus Lemonade. With each donation you are automatically entered into the Donate to a Stand Sweepstakes for a chance to win a new French Door Refrigerator by Electrolux!

visit my stand today....
Kelly Confidential-Alba's Lemonade Stand


Ovarian Cancer Research Fund Electrolux and Kelly Ripa are proud to support the Ovarian Cancer Research Fund whose mission is to fund research to find a method of early detection and ultimately a cure for Ovarian Cancer. Electrolux has committed to donate $500,000 to this worthy cause.

*As part of its lemonade stand campaign, for each stand opened, Electrolux will donate $1 to OCRF (with a minimum of 10k and a maximum of 15k).

How to Enter
OPEN YOUR OWN LEMONADE STAND
Open up your own lemonade stand to help support OCRF. Choose the color scheme, pick your sign, name your stand and select three flavors to sell. When you open a lemonade stand, you are automatically entered in the Open a Stand Sweepstakes for a chance to win an elegant new French Door Refrigerator with Perfect Temp Drawer™ from Electrolux.



Visit your Stand & Sell Lemonade
Start by publicizing your stand. Send a note to your friends via Facebook or email, post to Twitter or place a badge on your Web pages. The first time you visit your stand each day and take an action, you are automatically entered in the Visit a Stand Sweepstakes for a chance to win a French Door Refrigerator. Check back weekly to add new flavors of lemonade to your stand and even download delicious recipes for a "real world" lemonade stand



Donate to a Stand
You and your friends can donate to OCRF by buying a virtual glass of lemonade. With your first donation each day, you're automatically entered into the Donate to a Stand Sweepstakes for a chance to win a French Door Refrigerator!


Kelly Confidential

Check out these giveaways....

Mom Central-
A mini-fashion show and a Destination Maternity giveaway
June 9
Review and Giveaway: Organically Grown baby clothes
June 16

A Psych Mommy

A Psych MommyCelebrate Dad with Things Remembered (and Giveaway!)

6/11
Summer Reading Tips (and Giveaway!)

6/13
You Can Make This Giveaway6/12
Spotlight: Curiosity Quest (and Giveaway!)6/5

My house was on fire...

What is a four letter word that someone screams when they smell smoke in their house and the smoke alarm is going off?

F........I........R.........E..........yes, fire!

I went to sleep last night wondering how my day was going to go today.  Planning out my schedule of things.  I woke up to a smoke alarm.  This morning as my 6 am alarm is going off.  I start to wake up.  Waiting to snooze 5 more minutes.  When all of a sudden the most horrible, loudest sound goes off in my two story house.  The smoke alarm is the one thing that will get you off the bed and awake in less than a second.  I grabbed my robe, and all hell broke loose.   I have gone through safety fire classes at school and at home.   I am one of the safety coordinators at work.   But the first thing we tell everyone not to do, I did.  I panicked.   My house was on fire and I lost it.  I didn't grab a towel and wet it to put over my mouth.  I didn't check the door or door knob.  I didn't even check to see if the smoke was coming in through the door.  I just opened the door to the unknown.  I screamed for my son.  He jumped up off his bed and ran to me.  Poor him, he didn't even know what was going on. I checked all the upstairs bedrooms.   My fiance had already left to work but for some reason I had to check the upstairs room and open all the doors.  We ran downstairs.  We could not see anything. Smoke filled the entire first floor.   My eyes burned, my chest was closing on me.  We ran to the front door, and I totally forgot about the house alarm.  I saw the light in the turtle aquarium had fell in the fire was coming from there.   I reached in and grabbed the lamp.  Ok, now let me stop there to tell you, now I think.  Because you are never to reach into a fire.  Never touch anything that is on fire. And yes I didn't even grab something to protect my hands.  I grabbed the lamp open the front door and dropped it on the concrete. I set the house alarm off.  I ran and turned it off. I again made another big mistake.  I grabbed a big glass pan from the kitchen and a metal spoon and try to take the stuff that was on fire out.  But i started to drop the embers.  So i stopped and went to put that in the sink with running water. Yes, i did not grab a bucket of water to throw at it, no, i did not grab the two fire extinguishers we have in the house, and no i did not stop making errors there. Again, panic can really mess up things. I grabbed the aquarium and thought to take it to the water hose but guess what? I ran threw my house with the big aquarium that was on fire with my bare hands and out the back door. When i picked up the aquarium I also noticed the table was on fire as well. So I ran back to the house to get the table out, threw the house again, and out the back door. Let me back up to tell you the fire was at the foyer, next to the front door. Panic, yes, panic. My son opened all the windows upstairs, and downstairs. I hosed down the aquarium and table.

I heard someone say today, live every moment as if it were your last. I couldn't even comtenplate my house gone. I moved in this house almost 3 years ago. I watched be built. I picked the brick, appliances, everything. I see how people who have fires in their homes can feel after it is all said and done. I was lucky that it happened and we were home. Normally i turn the lamp on when i leave for work. Today my fiance turned it on at 5 when he left. We are not exactly sure what time the lamp fell but we know that at 6:01 the fire alarm went off. We have a home filled with the nasty smoke smell but we are safe, my house is still standing, and I am so thankful GOD was watching over us today.
Learn from my mistakes today. Don't PANIC. Talk to your kids and family about fire safety. Not just when things happen but remind them often. Have fire extinguishers available. Remember not to take shortcuts. Remove or replace any faulty wiring or outlets. Don't duck take, rig things, or try to make things work. Spend a little money to save alot later. When you smell something, go with your instinct. I didn't. I waited for the smoke alarm to go off, even though I smell wood burning. If a fire is too big to handle get out, and call 911. Remember how to handle fires. Check your fire alrms. Make sure they are all working. Today our saved us. Make an escape plan. Practice fire safety.

If you need more information go to http://www.firesafety.gov/