Living with Logan

Donuts and Dating

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Mon, 24 Aug 2015 07:25:00 +0000

Last night we had the rare pleasure of having the family of my #4's potential boyfriend (Hereafter referred to as PB) in our home. Because I am full of snark and other silly things, I made doughnuts to snack on while we visited. PB's dad is a cop. I'm still trying to stifle the giggles. But, I digress.

The whole point of the meeting was so the parents could meet each other and come up with a plan. You see, #4 is a very beautiful 15 year old. And she wants to date. Really, really badly. The problem here is, in our family, we do not allow our children to date until they are 16. So #4 decided that she could get around this rule, and have PB over when I wasn't home, or go out and meet him in the middle of the night while I was caring for #3 after septoplasty surgery (because I wouldn't be able to leave #3 to go driving around to find her, you see.). This did not go well for #4 or PB, and the parents of the both ~~naughty children~~ ~~stupid teens~~ kids have had enough and decided it was time we got to know each other and present a united front.

Yesterday was spent scrubbing down the house, so the PB and his family wouldn't contract a rare disease for which a cure has not yet been discovered by modern science. Oh, and there were also several nervous break downs on the part of #4, because I am dealing with a kidney stone, and was partaking of the Percocet. It took me 4 hours and a lot of concentration, but my living room has never been cleaner! I even took apart our sectional and vacuumed under the cushions. That's dedication, people. Don't worry. I took ibuprofen and gritted my teeth a lot while we had company. I don't know these poor people well enough to show them my brain on drugs, quite yet.

As 7pm got closer and closer, poor #4 got more and more nervous, disastrous scenarios swirling around inside her head. The biggest fear was that all the parents would tell the kids that dating was not an option, and they needed to break up. #4 worked off her nervous energy as best she could, scrubbing and organizing my kitchen ( I should totally make her nervous more often. The place looks great!), making dinner, and voicing her concerns. Being ever helpful in my Percocet saturated state, I vowed that I would not let anyone die in my freshly cleaned house, so she had nothing to worry about. She remained unconvinced.

Finally, it was time. #4 saw PB and fam pull into the driveway, and disappeared downstairs shrieking something about not having makeup on yet, and I went to open the door to the Monster House. I seriously doubt the police academy has appropriate training for dealing with the crazy that lives within these walls.

Holy crap, I like these people! They are all kinds of sarcastic and full of stories of stupid people and what stupid people do and ohmygoshimustapprove!!! So, after 30 minutes or so, PB and #4 can't take it anymore, and they go to sit outside on the front steps while we decide their fate. MWAHAHAHAHAHA!! I very gently brought up the subject.

Me:So. What do you think about these kids of ours?

PB Cop Dad: Well, what do *you* think?

Me: Well, I really hate being put in a position where I feel like if I don't conform in some way to their wishes, the problem will just exacerbate. However, I feel in this case that some compromise is necessary. Therefore, I am willing to allow PB and #4 to be at each others' homes, as long as parents are present, and it is arranged with the parents beforehand. But that is all. No actual dating, no one on one time no matter what, and texting happens when they leave one home and arrive at the other, etc.

PB Cop Dad: I'm good with that.

Me: Ok. I'll call them in.

PB Cop Dad: Wait! We should make them think they are in trouble!

(have I mentioned I like these people?!)

Me: GET IN HERE RIGHT NOW #4 AND PB! SIT ON THAT COUCH AND YOU BETTER KEEP AWAY FROM EACH OTHER. Y'ALL BETTER LISTEN TO PB COP DAD AND YOU BETTER BE SAYING YESSIR AND NO SIR. IS THAT CLEAR?! WIPE THAT SMILE OFF YOUR FACE, #4!

*I nearly died, I was trying so hard not to laugh*

#4 is sitting on the sectional, about to pass out, PB is about 5 feet away from her, ready to man up and take the punishment, and then... PB Cop Dad took over.

2 minutes of silent intimidating cop style staring at my #4. Followed by very solemn, "I just don't know where to start." I take it all back. The police academy has taught this man a thing or two about dealing with the people that live within these walls. #4 was yessir-ing and no sir-ing herself into a frenzy, PB was very very VERY quiet. Until PB Cop Dad told them they could go to each other's homes. Then they were really irritated with all of us, but we were too busy laughing to care. It wasn't until this morning that #4 saw the humor in it all.... and I saw the holes from #4 biting her lip that happened during the stare down...

And besides... PB Cop Dad has handcuffs and a taser. I'm fairly certain the kids will behave at his house. Now I've just got to research ways to keep hormonal teenagers under control while I'm babysitting them.......

Donut police image by Cypress Collectibles

Couch vacuuming by ontargetcoach

Charles Montgomery "Monty" Burns by tomatobubble

Delight Santa And The Kids With Wonder Forge!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Mon, 01 Dec 2014 07:48:00 +0000

It's that time of year again.. letters to Santa, Black Friday, Cyber Monday, Small Business Saturday.... it all gets so confusing, when you're fighting complete strangers in public, on the floor, with your pajama pants sliding down and monstrous coffee breath, for the latest and greatest things all the little monsters in the world are begging for.

For the Monster House, though, we are clinging to our family time. We've all but boycotted the iPad for anything that isn't educational, and we're going back to basics with Santa Claus. This is where Wonder Forge comes in, with quality games that are sure to please parents, kids, and Santa alike. I have to say... the checkbook won't be offended, either. Wait. What?! Fabulous games everyone will love without having to take out a second mortgage? Win/win! You just can't go wrong!

We were delighted when the email came this year, asking us to review this season's newest games from Wonder Forge, so we could tell you how much we love them. I have to admit, though, we were right about to start (yet another) move, and everything was beginning to be packed and after I replied enthusiastically to the email, I thought to myself, "Am I NUTS?!" and then I reminded myself how much I love Wonder Forge, and I was fine again. So, let's get down to business!

I have a house full of boys, and they were in heaven when the newest Wonder Forge box arrived. Absolute male bonding heaven. Didn't matter how old they are.... they were all hyper and ready to play. First up was the Star Wars Force Grab Game. And seriously... anything Star Wars in this house is instantly awesome. Available in stores and online at Toys R Us for $14.99, the price is sure to make parents smile. This is a matching game, where you match pictures of game pieces to the matching game card. Be quick! You have to be faster than your opponent, and the competition is fierce! This game is great for dexterity, memory, and reflexes, and teaches good sportsmanship as well. Suggested ages for this game are ages 8-14. I have to say, though.. this Momma is 40, the Daddy is 52, and we had a rockin' good time, just like our 9 year old. Because of the nature of this game, if younger players want to be included, it may be necessary to adjust the rules, or even toss out the rules entirely, focusing only on matching, to accommodate them. It was pretty cut throat at the Monster House, but it was all in good fun and no game pieces were harmed in the making of this review.

Next, we reviewed Star Wars Rebel Missions. This game is rated for children ages 6-12 and retails for $16.99 at Toys R Us, in stores and online. Each player picks a profile, rolls dice, and completes tasks. Once tasks are completed, codes are entered into the Imperial Timer, but some of them are decoys. I have to admit, this game was rather confusing at first, and the Imperial Timer was very distracting. It was difficult to distinguish between "good" code chimes and "decoy" code chimes at times, and the music that plays on the timer throughout was a bit much to take in the first few times we played. However, the game is fun once you know what you are doing, and I am sure we will play it again and again for family game night- especially now that we are all moved and will quickly be getting back in to our regular routine. (Now where did that box of games get put....?)

If you loved Yahtzee as a kid, this next game is sure to please and bring back memories, while creating new ones with your child. Star Wars Face Off Dice Game is recommended for children from 8-15 years, and is available for through Amazon for $9.99. This game includes a dice cup with the face of Darth Vader on one side and the face of Luke Skywalker on the other. It comes with 5 game dice, a lid for the dice cup so it can be transported without losing game dice, and a copy of the rules. This is portable entertainment at it's best. You will need pen and paper to keep score, as you did with the other game I mentioned. But my monsters loved being able to be the hero or the villain, bluffing, and had a great time rolling the dice and getting points. Because of the small pieces of the game, this product is not recommended for smaller children age 3 and younger, and children on the younger end of the recommended age spectrum may need help from an adult to play. This game promotes strategic thinking and imaginative play.

If Darth Vader and Luke Skywalker don't float your monsters' boat, but Spidey does.... check this out! The Marvel version of the Face Off game! Marvel Ultimate Spider-Man Face Off is also available on Amazon for $9.99, and recommended for children ages 8-15 years. The dice cup has the face of Spider-Man on one side, and Rhino on the other, and includes cup lid, game dice, and rules. I can't help envisioning a rainy day at Summer camp, and some brilliant child yanking the Face Off games out of his pack, and suddenly turning into the hero of the tent. I'm funny that way.. vivid mental images. This game would also be wonderful for chasing away the winter storm doldrums that inevitably occur during Christmas break, forcing our monsters to stay inside.

Lastly, we got to mess around with the Marvel Avengers Assemble Slide Strike Game. This game is available online at Amazon for $9.99, and is recommended for children ages 7-15. This game encourages strategic thinking and deductive reasoning, as players conceal their true identity and slide across the battlefield for surprise attacks. With each character combination, a different outcome to the game is possible. Whoever outlasts their opponent, wins! It just doesn't get much better than that.

If you are looking to bring your family out of the screen time stupor just like we were, games the whole family can enjoy are the perfect solution. Wonder Forge has been a favorite of the Monster House for quite a while now, and their games have held up to moves, hysterical episodes of weeping and wailing when someone didn't win, and stealth trips to school in back packs for show and tell. The quality of the Wonder Forge product line is second to none, and sure to please both giver and recipient. So.. if you're looking for something special for the boys in your life that has nothing to do with screen time, you can't go wrong by choosing Wonder Forge. They are absolutely Monster House approved, with a rating of 18 thumbs up!

I was provided with free product from Wonder Forge in exchange for honest opinions and reviews. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinion or review.

Momma's on time out!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Tue, 20 Aug 2013 03:55:00 +0000

It would seem that I haven't had as much excitement as I'm supposed to. Today, I went to our local clinic because a wound on my foot wasn't healing after ten days, and was radiating red lines. That'll scare ya in a hurry, for sure. Turns out, though I don't have sepsis, I do have cellulitis, and have to stay quiet, foot elevated, taking antibiotics. I'm already bored, people. It's been four and a half hours. I don't the I'm going to be able to survive multiple days of this nonsense.

Has anyone else had to deal with something like this? I thought bed rest was way waaaay behind me after having the twins. It's this wacky role reversal, where monsters tell their mother, "Lay down! I mean it! And don't get up again!" And the Momma starts whining, " but I need a drink! I need to use the bathroom! I'm hungry!" I have to say, sometimes, I'm not thirsty. I'm not hungry. I just want to get up. Because I can.

I need reminders of how to entertain myself while being grounded.. er... on time out...oh, whatever it is. It sucks. Also, I will be totally throwing the doctor's orders to the wind tomorrow night, when the twinnies will be having their Kindergarten back to school night. I will again disregard medical advice Wednesday morning, for the first day of Kindergarten. And then I promise. I promise. I will stay down, foot elevated, watching everything on DVR, gaining weight from all the eating because I'm bored.

I have to give the fam credit. The first 4 hours has gone well. Dishes were done, the kitchen is kinda clean, the rest of the house ain't bad. But I shudder to think what will happen tomorrow, when dinner isn't already in the crock pot waiting to be eaten, the dishes aren't under control, and the house looks like a tornado went through it. Actually, it will have been three little tornados. And they are talented, people. Talented.

I'll keep y'all posted. After all.. I'll be here... Finding ways to entertain myself. Maybe it's time to start writing that book everyone is insisting will win me a Pulitzer. That could work.....

Chore Time Is Quick & Easy With #SwifferEffect! #rafflecopter

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Wed, 17 Jul 2013 11:00:00 +0000

At the Monster House we use the "divide and conquer" method to tackle household chores. Otherwise, it would be me doing everything, and I just have to say, one person cleaning up after nine people just doesn't work out so well.

From picking up to doing dishes, to vacuuming and dusting, everyone pitches in - even the twinnies. But not everyone has 8 other family members to help get things done, like Lee and Morty, a 90 year old couple living in New York. You can imagine how lugging around a heavy mop bucket or stretching on a rickety step stool to get the dusting done could be both difficult and dangerous for Lee, who does all the housekeeping in their home. Check out their story, and fall in love with them like I did:

Everyone has problem areas in their own home, or chores that are difficult to accomplish because of the contortions you have to do or cleaning supplies you have to heft around. Well, Swiffer has all kinds of products to help make your chore time shorter, more effective, and more enjoyable! And you'll feel better knowing that your home is really clean, and safe for your family. If you're anything lke me, and have a child or family member with allergies or sensitivities, cleanliness is a big, BIG deal. And for homes with pets and/or small children, Swiffer products are amazing for quick clean up of those pesky perpetual spills and messes.

But wait, there's more! (Lookit me all sounding like and infomercial...) One lucky Living with Logan reader living in the United States will WIN a #SwifferEffect kit ($20 value) of their very own to make cleaning faster and easier! Enter by using the super simple entries within the rafflecopter form below. Though I love love LOVE blog comments, those entries will not be valid, or counted. But always feel free drop me a comment to let me know how much you love me and the monsters. It makes me feel all gooey and get the warm fuzzies...

Remember: only entrants from the US are eligible to win. Good luck, and happy cleaning with #SwifferEffects!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

**disclaimer** I was provided with a #SwifferEffects kit in exchange for this post, including the provided video. Opinions and views stated within the body of the post are mine alone and were not compensated beyond free product. #SwifferEffect, Swiffer, and Swiffer Wet Jet are products of Proctor and Gamble, and copyrighted by same. Referenced here, for purposes of this post, with permission.

Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp #review

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 11:00:00 +0000

It's that time of year again, when I absolutely hate the way I look. I take a vow to loathe anyone that weighs less than 600 pounds, looks good in a swimsuit, loses their baby weight within 45 minutes of giving birth, or who has a functional metabolism.

I start stalking the produce section as I grocery shop, fantasizing in my head that the Special K diet really *will* work, because I won't do it with sides of French toast and bacon this time. I tell myself that I don't need m&ms or any other form of chocolate. I make a halfhearted promise to myself that I will stop baking no matter how therapeutic it is late at night after a super dee duper stressful day. I vow to stop buying brown sugar and chocolate chips. I take out the yoga DVD and pretend that I love the soft, never irritated voice of the yoga witch who never sweats, grunts, or uses profanity as she smilingly twists herself into positions that normal people need the jaws of life and 16 fire fighters to get out of.

I remind myself how much better I felt last year when I lost 20 pounds in 6 weeks. I remind myself that it got easier every time I exercised, and how exhilarating it was when my pants started falling off my body.

And none of this lying to myself is working. The truth of the matter is, I hate cheerful workout instructors. They piss me off. Do *not* grin and say, "Only 60,000 crunches left to go! You can do it! You're stronger than you think!" No. I can't do it. I'm having delusions about Ben and Jerry right now, thank you very much. So you can take your happy crunches and...uh.. ahem. Sorry.

I despise people who don't sweat and curse and burst into sobs at the mention of aerobics. I need cranky, bitter exercise workouts. I need "have you LOST YOUR MIND?!" from the paid "beginner class" featured in the sessions. I need shrieks of "what fresh hell is THIS?!", so I know that I'm not the only one about to die. And you know, it wouldn't hurt to have some big, burly guy with a six pack shriek, "Medic! Man down!" as he writhes on the floor in excruciating pain during beginning warm up stretches. That would be groovy. I would smile, maybe.

So, imagine my delight when I got the opportunity to review the Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp DVD from Lionsgate Home Entertainment. These would be real people, with real sweat and real edited out profanity! With real cellulite, and real cottage cheese thighs. People who actually know what a caramel roll tastes like, and people who have eaten more than carrot sticks within the last 12 years. This could be awesome! Oh! Maybe someone will punch the instructor in the side of the head and run off with a chicken leg!! I was freaking hyper about this, if you want to know the truth. That is, until I realized that yes, these people would actually be... exercising. Well, crap. Foiled again.

It took two weeks, but I actually did unwrap the protective cellophane cover from the DVD. I broke a sweat and called it good. And then, I started having guilt about the review that I was supposed to write. But then, my pc died a horrible, stupid death, and I had to mourn, you know. SAVED by a "death in the family"!! But then the iPad arrived, and I was doomed. Doomed to exercise hell.

I braced myself by eating a package of oreos, and prepared to become intimately acquainted with Chris Powell, transformation specialist extraordinaire. Here's what I discovered:

four fat blasting workouts is just another way of saying "You're still going to feel like you're about to die. Here's four choices for cause of death"
"Melt inches" is instructor speak for "You will drown in your own sweat. Strap on the snorkel."
"Calorie crushing", "Shred", and "sculpt" are all polite ways to tell you that you will never walk upright again.

All joking aside, here's the deal: this DVD offers a multitude of workout options that will work for anyone, regardless of their love/hate relationship with exercise.With the level options, warm up, and cool down, there are no more excuses for me not to exercise. Starting with Level 1 and working my way up as things get more manageable for me is a great way to get into exercising regularly again. I don't feel overwhelmed and incapable, because I'm sticking to a workout I can manage. And, if I ever get the urge to smash the TV so I won't have to hear Chris' voice, well.. there's a music only option available on the DVD for when I am familiar enough with the routines to do it on my own. The TV will live on.

Past contestants on the Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition show are featured as well, so it's not as intimidating for me. This actually *is* the answer to my exercise needs. Think it's your answer too? You can find Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp on DVD for the MSRP of $14.98. Try it out, people. If *I*, the cynical, oreo loving mother of 7 with all the baby weight to prove it, can do it, y'all can. We'll totally cheer each other on. We'll become like those annoying skinny people on facebook with smiles that look like a mouth full of chicklets, and spray paint six packs on our bellies to embarrass our children. It'll be epic!

**Disclaimer** I received a free copy of Extreme Makeover: Weight Loss Edition - Bootcamp for purposes of this review. Views and opinions expressed in this review are mine alone and were not compensated.

My Unscheduled Rant

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Tue, 16 Jul 2013 05:04:00 +0000

I'm sorry. I just have to do this. Actually, I'm not sorry at all. Here's the deal. I'm cranky about something, and because I know I'm not the only one that's dealt with this particular situation, I'm going to open my big mouth and put it out there. Here it is. Guess what, people? Just because my child can walk and talk, that doesn't mean that he is less deserving of accommodations than anyone else. He's not neurotypical enough to be deemed mainstream, and not special needs enough to make him worthy of notice? Well, I have a few things to say about it.

Every child matters. Every. Single. One. Whether neurotypical, nonverbal, Downs Syndrome, epileptic, autistic, celiac, gluten intolerant, severely allergic, black, white, green, or orange with little pink polka dots. Every. Child. Matters. And every parent will fight for what their child needs, because this is what parents do. Do not tell me we are less than, because he's only 5 and I haven't had to dress him or bathe him every day for 20 years. I know you have, and I can only imagine it. But I respect you. And your child. I learn from you and value your opinion. Do not tell me we are less than because your child started speaking at 9 months old and was reading his own stories to himself by 18 months. I know he did. I am thrilled for you, and to be completely honest, I'm quite a bit jealous. I respect you, and learn from you and value your opinion. I know my child could barely say Momma and was still learning to walk when he was 2. But he's my child. And he matters. Just as yours does.

When did this become a contest? WHY did this become a contest? Seriously, people. Can't we all just get along? It's not. a. contest. It's our children. We are ALL in different situations. We are supposed to be able to lean on each other, consult with each other, gather support from each other. And the petty bullshit (yes.. I just said a naughty word. I'm that irritated) isn't helping anyone.

I get enough of the fight every year when we register for school. I get enough of the "prove I have to accommodate your child in any way, shape, or form" from the school district. I don't need it in other places I go as well. I visit these places (online) either in a professional capacity or for support. And trotting out that "less than" crap is wearing me out.

Okay. That's all. I don't have any solutions here. I just had to blow off some steam. In the words of my good friend Eeyore, "Thanks for listening".

Calmer by Nature #Review

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Mon, 15 Jul 2013 09:50:00 +0000

Y'all, I just have to tell you about the most amazing DVDs we are using at the Monster House for soothing, bed times, and quiet times in the afternoon. I was recently contacted by the awesome people across the pond who make the Calmer by Nature and Calmer by the Water DVDs. These DVDs are phenomenal for my twinnies when they are having a rough time self soothing, or are in the midst of sensory overload.

Packed with video uninterrupted by people, voices, vehicles, freeway sounds, or anythnig else not found in the wild, Calmer by Nature 2 is a super huge hit with the monsterlettes. They never fail to giggle like crazy people during the scene where baby birds start raising a ruckus before the mother bird with the food is even in view. They are always amazed that those "siwwy baby buhds" seem to have radar for their Momma.

Check out this Youtube clip, which incidentally is the one that convinced me to try these DVDs in the first place, after the twinnies were riveted, and watched literally a dozen times in a row.

Calmer by the Water is just as excellent, with video of water, water dwelling wildlife, and sail boats. And people? Watching these in the car? Totally makes the fighting, bickering, and tattling stop. Although I have to admit that I've never been brave enough to use the water one while traveling. I have horrible mental images of having to find every single functional toilet along the way. Call me crazy, but.... stranger things have happened.

I would definitely recommend these DVDs to any family, therapist, or teacher for use as a calming method, whether they have sensory kiddos or not. Much better than any white noise machine ever invented, because of the amazing videography that accompanies the relaxing sounds of nature. Much better than most nature DVDs out there that have voice overs or classical music. This collection gets it right in all the ways we love here at the Monster House.

Want to know some of the back story to these DVDs? Check this out from the press release of Calmer by Nature 2:

After a period of severe stress in his own life, CEO Barry Wheelock began to film rare moments in nature; wild deer in the forest, birds feeding their young, close encounters with badgers and foxes in the moonlight, or even just wildflowers nodding in the breeze. Not only did Barry find comfort in the British countryside, but it kindled a passion for wildlife that has enabled him to help others suffering from stress, sensory problems and particularly autism spectrum disorders.

"One of the things I wanted to do was to share this with other people. It's a joy to me to know it's helping people," says Barry

And, as if you needed any more incentive to check into Calmer by Nature and Calmer by the Water, here's what professionals have to say about this series of DVDs:

"I highly recommend Calmer by Nature for all ages, whether you're dealing with autism in your family or just want some stress relief," says Debi Taylor, Autism Research Specialist, author and speaker (USA). "We still love the DVD and CD and use it frequently".

"Many people I know have found these DVDs extremely useful as a calming and coping strategy. I have taken these DVDs on some of the talks that I give on autism all over the country" says Steve McGuinness, trustee of the National Autistic Society (UK)

"Calmer by Nature offers a freat therapeutic resource, a tool... to help clients with a range of different presentations - from use as a self soothe strategy, to enabling assessment of children in care, to facilitating reminiscence. Something that can be used in so many different ways, especially when access to the great 'green gym' of the healing outdoors is restricted." says Kath Smith, award winning occupational therapist and Director of MBB Connections (Truro, UK)

Learn more and order DVDs of your own by visiting Calmer by Nature. I promise you will be pleasantly surprised at the effectiveness of nature's soothing attributes. And, because of this, these DVDs have earned the much sought after Monster House rating of 18 thumbs up! That's a lot of thumbs, y'all. Well done!

**DISCLAIMER** I received a free copy of Calmer by Nature 2 and Calmer by the Water for purposes of this review. The views and opinions in this review are my own, except where notated as quotes by others, and are not compensated. Quotes are property of Calmer by Nature and used here with permission.

It's Been A While

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Thu, 11 Jul 2013 01:48:00 +0000

Holy cow, y'all! It's been a while! I hope everyone is having a wonderful Summer! I promise I haven't forgotten about ya, and I promise I didn't go anywhere. My computer just... decided that it was time to die a disgustingly thorough death. So, I was without means to post. It was horrible. And terrible. And awful. Traumatic, even.

But yesterday, something awesome happened! The twinnies and I got the most amazing gift ever! When I picked up the mail, there was an iPad there for us from a very generous person that had no idea what a huge thing this would be. And so, Momma can work, the twinnies are doing learning apps and temple run and angry birds and choosing bedtime stories online. It has been such an amazing blessing for us, I can't tell you.

So, tonight this is just a short note to serve as proof of life. And tomorrow, the reviews and the silliness and the family reunion and the swimming lesson stories and all that jazz will start to post. Brace yourselves. I've had writing withdrawals.

If you want to keep up on monster house goings on (good luck...even *I* can't keep up with everything going on here) the latest posts here, autism, food allergies, events, and more, check us out on Facebook! Interact with me and readers, holler at me when there's an important event in your area for SN kids and families, see all the silly memes I just can't seem to stop posting. See pics of the monsters, and commiserate with me when the caffeine hasn't kicked in yet.

I've missed this, and am looking forward to getting back into the groove of things. It will seem like there is a lot of promotion going on for the next while. This is because I'm really behind, and I need to get caught up on my PR. I'll ask for a bit of understanding while all that is going on. Those of you that have been following for a while know that I make it a point not to have promotional posts all the time.

Looking forward to catching up!

Chicken Soup for the Soul for ASD parents! review and #giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Tue, 28 May 2013 17:11:00 +0000

We all know, as parents of kids "on the spectrum", the feeling of being alone, not having anyone around us that understands what it's like day to day with these amazing, incredible, wonderful kids of ours. It can be frustrating, exhilarating, exhausting, hilarious, and heartbreaking to parent these unique little people of ours. Most days, I'm convinced that Logan teaches me far more than I have ever taught him.

As Autism and Asperger's diagnosis' increase, and as awareness increases, the number of parents looking for support and understanding increases as well. Chicken Soup for the Soul has come out with a book of 101 stories written by parents of children with Autism and Asperger's, and I was impressed! In keeping with the high standards of other Chicken Soup books, this book will offer comfort and support and understanding apart from support groups online.

Covering such topics as therapies and tips, funny moments, getting the diagnosis, school and camp, family and siblings, hopes, expectations, and leaving the nest, this CSS book will be appropriate for every ASD parent.

Some authors may be familiar, like Big Daddy Stark, Dawn Hentrich , and Leigh Merryday. But regardless of whether I was familiar with the writer or not, each and every story in this book touched me in some way, and left me feeling a little lighter. Advertised as "A portable support group for families with children on the spectrum- with inspirational stories, useful tips, and solid advice from other parents!", this book is right on.

Though I read it from cover to cover, it's formatted in a way that going from story to story in no particular order would be just as satisfying. I have to say... CSS, you get 18 thumbs up! I love this book, and think that every parent should have one, whether they have a child with ASD or not. It's that good.

This quote from co-author Nancy Burrows says it all:

"I remember when my son was first diagnosed. It was like I was staring into the abyss, and I felt this need to turn somewhere for information...

"...I would have loved to have this book to turn to for support, guidance and tips. There's a big difference between Googling 'autism' on the internet and reading 101 stories from parents who have already been there."

And, the great news is, one of my lucky lucky US readers will get to win one of these books of their very own! How completely cool is that?! Enter to win by using the rafflecopter form below. Entries made in blog comments below the post will not be counted. Please read all terms and conditions within the rafflecopter form before entering. Giveaway ends 6/12 at 12am EST.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Chicken Soup for the Soul, CSS, and cover art are property of Chicken Soup for the Soul Publishing, LLC and are used here with permission for purposes of this review.

I was provided a free copy of this book in return for my honest review. My opinion may vary from yours.
This giveaway is not affiliated with facebook or twitter in any way.

Bounty DuraTowel Review and Giveaway!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Tue, 14 May 2013 17:00:00 +0000

If you're anything like me, when the winter weather gives way to sunny days and warm breezes, I get the urge to purge. I go through the monsters' clothing, I sort through toys. And... much to the shock and horror of the entire fam, I start cleaning everything. Yes, folks, I have been bitten by that evil little Spring cleaning bug. Spring has sprung, even though Mother Nature wasn't all that cooperative for the first little while.

Now, here at the Monster House, we make messes. Lots and lots of messes. Some of them are easy to take care of, and some of them aren't. And with Logan's allergies and sensitivities, I have had to become really aware of things that could pose a potential hazard to him. I don't just mean chemicals, though I am starting to shift to chemical free cleaners.

One major change that I have made is that I have stopped using the traditional dish rag. That little scrap of fabric is a breeding ground for bacteria, and something I don't even want to think about seeing under a blacklight or microscope. But, it's tradition, right? The dishrag folded over the partition between the sinks after the dishes are done and the sinks wiped out. The same dishrag that I just used on the counters, rinsed, used on the stove top, rinsed, used on the coffee pot, rinsed, used on the cabinet doors, rinsed, washed dishes with, and wiped sinks with. And, because of all that, I effectively spread bacteria and germs evenly all over my kitchen. Yummy, right? Who could ask for anything more?

Well, Bounty has come up with a much better alternative. Bounty's DuraTowel is my new favorite cleaning tool in the kitchen. The disposable dishcloth. The cloth-like texture and weight of this paper towel makes it a worthy opponent to any kitchen clean up task. And using disposable dishcloths can leave surfaces up to three times cleaner than your traditional dishrag.*

Now, you know me. I have seven monsters running around. I cook from scratch every day. We have sit down dinners together every evening. I bake a lot. I do a lot.. a LOT... of dishes. There are fingerprints on everything, and pretty much anything that can be spilled usually is. So I was skeptical. Very skeptical. Because you just have to know that things that work for smaller families with fewer disasters usually are not up to the task of the Monster House.

Scary stove

So, I decided I would use DuraTowel on the meanest kitchen job I had available. Scrubbing the stove. And people? This was not just a few spatters of tomato sauce. This was after Sunday dinner, with the pot roast and the real mashed potatoes and the gravy and the honey glazed carrots and the dinner rolls and the veggie sides. You should know that anything that could boil over, splatter, spill onto the burner and cremate itself that day, did. And it scared even me. So I thought to myself, "Self, let's see how this....(little snicker in my head).. paper towel... does on my stove." I have pictures as evidence. You won't believe this. *I* didn't believe it. And I was there! Check this out. Look to the right. Observe the scariness. Usually? I have a routine where I use a razor blade, rinse, use scotch brite pad with powdered cleanser, rinse, use a spritz of my favorite liquid cleaner, and do a little polish with a dishrag. But this time.. I didn't.

I did the spritz with the kitchen cleaner. And I used a shake or two of powdered cleanser. But I didn't used a razor blade. I didn't use a scotch brite pad. I didn't use anything except 2 DuraTowels, certain that they would be in shreds within the first 34 seconds of cleaning. And then I would get out the trusty razor.

PRETTY STOVE!

It was not in shreds in 34 seconds. Or even in 5 minutes. Or 10. In fact...well.. the pictures speak for themselves. So here's another one. People? It held up. It held up as well as the scary bacteria breeding dishrag. It didn't shred. And though I have to admit that by the time I was done with it, the layers had separated, there was not one hole in those paper towels! I'm not a gentle cleaning person. I hate to do the dirty cleaning at the end of the night. I put major elbow grease into it. And I am so impressed, I can't even tell you.

To be completely fair, I took a picture of the before and after, side by side, DuraTowel. The two sheets on the left are after scrubbing my stove, the oven door, the control panel, the knobs and the part under the knobs (yes, I have more than one knob. But I have to hide them, because the monsterlettes can turn on my stove if I don't.).

Dirty. Greasy. But NOT SHREDDED! WOW!

Bounty DuraTowel can be found at your favorite grocery or mass merchandise store for the MSRP of $3.19. AND.... you can enter here to be one of three, yes THREE, lucky winners of Bounty DuraTowel by using the rafflecopter form below. It just doesn't get much better than that!

a Rafflecopter giveaway
*based on a secure P&G demonstration comparing a used dishtowel to DuraTowel under a blacklight after cleaning up 1tsp. spaghetti sauce, 10 mls coffee, and 1/8 tsp creamer on a laminate countertop.

Bounty and DuraTowel are property of Proctor and Gamble, and images and references are used here with permission for purposes of this review and giveaway only.

I was given free product for purposes of review. I was not compensated monetarily, or otherwise, for my honest opinion on this product.

The Day The Tears Showed Up

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Wed, 17 Apr 2013 16:32:00 +0000

The Monster House sends love and prayers to Boston

Today, I have a post up on Special Happens, (I'll wait on ya, so you can know what I'm referencing, if you want to click over and read before you continue here.) because I specifically did not want my monsters to see it here. I don't let them watch the coverage in Boston on CNN, and I won't let them read the post I wrote for SH. Yet, as I listen to the monsterlettes play in the other room with #1, I feel the need to write a little more. I'm still... just too raw.

I'm still wondering. And I'm still reflecting. And today...today is the day the tears showed up. As I listen to the monsterlettes, I cry. I cry and I ache for the family that lost their son. I ache for the families that lost their daughters. I have vivid video in my head of the mother, sobbing as she tried to have a press conference, trying to tell the world about her daughter. And the only thing she said that I can remember with clarity is, "This doesn't make any sense!"

She said this through sobs that wracked her body, the anguish apparent, her soul screaming because her baby was taken from her with the type of violence that no one understands. And the tears keep coming.

I'm just a small town Momma with a mouth way too big for my own good. And that's okay. But the truth remains. I am scared for my monsters. I am terrified to know that my monsters are growing up in a world where children are shot and killed at school, and bombs go off at a family event. I am horrified that I am having to create explanations that my little monsters will understand, for things that even adults don't understand.

Early yesterday morning, by accident, #5 saw coverage of a bomb dog working. He wanted to know what was going on. I had to think fast. So I did. "Well! Did you know that even dogs are superheroes sometimes? There are special dogs with super powers that work with policemen and firemen and other heroes for our country, and they can actually *smell* bombs or drugs or other bad things and show their human partners where to find the bad stuff! How cool is that! So, that dog you see? He's showing people how he does his job!" #5 was properly awed and half whispered, "Cooooool!"

And I hated every minute of it. I had to explain a bomb dog to my 7 year old. My seven. year. old. I could go into the inevitable comparisons now, with the "when I was 7, I was only traumatized by the fact that my cousins had all the Strawberry Shortcake figures and I had none!". But I won't. Because the fact of the matter is.. there is no comparison.

I don't know how to deal with this. I just don't. Give me an autism meltdown. Give me a sensory overload. Give me an allergic reaction. Give me a significantly overtired 4 year old that wants to eat ice cream for dinner. Give me a poop-splosion. Give me...anything... instead of having to explain what a bomb dog is to my seven year old son. Granted, he thought this was some nifty televised show and tell. But that's not the point.

There was another 7 year old. He put it better in four words than I can in four thousand. "No more hurting people". And that's all that needs to be said, though the tears are flowing again. Now, we just need everyone to.... listen to the four words and take them to heart.

Epilepsy Warriors ~ A Force to be Reckoned With!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Wed, 10 Apr 2013 13:00:00 +0000

It is my great pleasure to introduce you to a non-profit foundation dedicated to helping our kids with epilepsy, and their families. Founder and president of The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation, Susan Noble, has tirelessly dedicated her time and effort for more than two years to get this truly vital foundation the respect and recognition it deserves, as well as providing a valuable resource which "addresses the ever growing needs for advocacy and research as well as lift the societal burdens and limitations brought about by epilepsy".

Did you know...

2.2 million people in the United States, and more than 65 million people worldwide have epilepsy
In the U.S. more than 300,000 people who have epilepsy are under the age of 14; more than 500,000 are over the age of 65
Sudden Unexplained Death in Epilepsy (SUDEP) accounts for 10% of all epilepsy related death; 85% of these fatalities occur between ages 20-50

The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation is made up of parents and caregivers of children, teens, young adults, and adults who suffer from seizures, and/or have been diagnosed with Epilepsy, Dravets Syndrome, LGS.

Impressed? So was I! But there's more! The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation is hosting a Bridge of Hope Gala Dinner in Chicago,IL on Saturday, April 20 from 6-1030pm at the Holiday Inn Mart Plaza.The dinner will benefit University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Changing the Face of Beauty, and The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation. Funds given to the Epilepsy Warriors will be donated toward an Epilepsy Research Center to be located at University of Chicago Comer Children's Hospital, and to the Health Learning Center at Northwestern Memorial Hospital to have more resources for Epilepsy families and patients.

Jere's a little teaser for you: not only will guests of the Gala get dinner, but they will hear Joey LaRocque, former linebacker for the Chicago Bears, and president of Guardian Helments speaking about epilepsy, there will be video messages from Minnesota Gophers coach Jerry Kill, and CBS 2 Chicago News Anchor, Rob Johnson, a silent auction, and entertainment sure to delight everyone that attends. It will be an evening that every guest will be talking about for months to come.

If you live in or around the Chicago area and would like to attend the Bridge of Hope Gala Dinner, you can purchase tickets through eventbrite by clicking here. If you don't live near Chicago, but would like to help promote the Gala, donate to The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation, or offer an item for the silent auction, please contact Susan Noble (susan at epilepsywarriors dot org).

Image and links property of The Epilepsy Warriors Foundation, and used here with permission.

Watch Out for Falling Rumors

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 16:54:00 +0000

Today I found out just how bored people get. And I found out what happens when people get bored and mix it with a little too much curious, and add a dash or twelve of speculation and gossip. It would seem that there are people with nothing better to do than spread vicious rumors about the Monster House. Rumors which, if they were true, would destroy a family -any family- in nothing flat. What a sick and disgusting thing to do. But hey.. that's entertainment, right?

I could be angry, and some part of me is. Very very angry. But more than that, I'm hurt and I'm sad. I'm sad that there was nothing better to do than gossip about my family and cause pain. It must have been a slow TV night.

So, without giving credibility to the gossip mongers, let me say this. We are all still here. We are all healthy, functioning people. If ever that changes, well, that would be my business and no one else's. And if I ever feel the urge to spread my business from here to kingdom come, rest assured I will rent the first billboard to be seen in these parts, and inform everyone all at once.

Consider this your warning, gossipers. I'm cranky, I'm stressed, I'm cynical, and I'm loaded for bear. Do not approach my children and pump them for information. Because what you've heard? Are rumors. Which means they know nothing about what you're talking about because.... it's NOT TRUE. And also? If you approach my monsters? It would not be in your best interest.

So glad we had this little discussion. I'm sure we understand each other very well now. That. Is. All.

Rumors image via google images by sodahead.com

someecards image via google images by topaz93 on pinterest

Confessions of a Non-Conformist

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Wed, 03 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

I have a confession. I did not wear blue today. I wore purple. It was clean, I was running late, and it was the first shirt I yanked out of the dryer. And I'm not sorry. I know, I know. Flog me. Shoot me at dawn. Ban me from baking for a week or more. I should be punished. How dare I not wear blue on World Autism Awareness Day?! Blasphemy!!

To be honest, April wears me out. Truly. I'm starting to have a real love/hate relationship with April. On the one hand, I love April because it's Spring and I keep having delusions of impeccable landscaping. And on the other hand, I have this dread. This overwhelming "MUST SHOUT ABOUT AUTISM FROM THE ROOFTOPS OR I'M A BAD PERSON!" dread.

But I decided I'm not going to allow the guilt to get to me this year. I've never been a "Light It Up Blue" kind of girl. I did promote the heck out of the Chili's Light It Up Blue Give Back Event, but that was for donations to help the Autism Council of Utah. This is my state. This is my child that will benefit. I couldn't say no. I wasn't waving banners and screaming, "I heart Autism Speaks!" (Because, I don't. Heart Autism Speaks, that is. I appreciate some of their information. That's it.) I'm not putting a blue bulb in the porch light. I'm not providing pictures of Logan for facebook events - that was part of the deal with the Daddy when I started blogging. I would not use Logan as a poster child in any way, shape, or form, away from the blog. I'm not having fundraisers for Team Monster House. I do have several friends that participate in these things, and I support them wholeheartedly. But this type of thing is not for us. I don't live in a large area, where if I took 7 monsters to the store all dressed in blue, people would ask questions and provide a golden opportunity for me to wax poetic about ASD. Everyone pretty much knows everyone else here. They're aware, ok? I have a really big mouth. REALLY big. I'm sure they appreciate the reprieve.

I consider myself to be a fairly outspoken advocate for my child, as well as other children with various special needs. I don't need to prove my mettle in April just to feel better about myself. We all know that autism is every day at the Monster House. Short of taking daily video of Logan singing "Da da da da dalalalalalalalalala!" at the top of his lungs every time he hears "I'm Gonna Be (500 Miles)" by The Proclaimers and posting it here, what more am I supposed to do? Video of Logan on the sit 'n' spin every. single. day. in the middle of my kitchen floor for hours at a time? Yeah.. not gonna happen. Sorry 'bout that.

So, bring on the insults. Bring on the guilt. Bring on all the things that you're supposed to say when you encounter a non-conformist, if you must. I can handle it. I may respond with, "Can't we all just get along?!" But what I won't do is engage in a huge debate about why you're right and I'm wrong. Because it just isn't true. Your choices are right for you, and ours are right for us. And guess what? Neither of us are wrong. We're just doing things.. differently. May the force be with you.

oranges and a lime image by google images via hisdancingleg.com

Celebrate World Autism Awareness Day with Caden's Autism Heroes

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Tue, 02 Apr 2013 14:00:00 +0000

As part of World Autism Awareness Day, Caden's Autism Heroes on facebook is inviting everyone who is interested to celebrate by posting a picture (or several photos, if you wish) of a loved one with an ASD, or yourself, if you have an ASD . To participate with this event, please visit the page and either post a pic directly or message Caden's Autism Heroes with your picture or story and they will post it for you. Please make sure that if you are posting pictures of a family member or friend that is not yourself or your child, get their permission first! This event is entirely online and will be seen by followers of the page. You are also invited to share autism stories of pre-diagnosis, diagnosis processes, successes, challenges, etc. All that is asked in return is that you share the page and show the world what autism really looks like! This is a great way to share stories and information in a neutral space, and get support. Go to it, y'all!

There's No Place Like Home, Unless You Have ASD

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Mon, 01 Apr 2013 15:54:00 +0000

One year ago tomorrow, CBSnews published an article; What Are the Top Places to Live for People with Autism? The article cites the resource guide provided by Autism Speaks' (hereafter referred to as AS) website, as well as Top Ten Places to Live on the same site.

While I am thrilled that there is such a thing as a resource guide, and a Top Ten available, I was disappointed in the fact that the Top Ten list is part of the AS press release for April 2011 and has not been updated as of today, 4.01.2013. We all know that ASD has been getting much more press, much more visibility, much more recognition in the last two years. And while I don't expect miracles, I would have appreciated a more recent Top Ten.

For families who are willing to do everything, right up to and including moving to another state, getting new jobs, new schools, new providers, and uproot everything familiar for the sake of the potential good the new location has to offer, a 2 year old list just isn't adequate. Don't get me wrong. Autism Speaks has had a lot of impact on the awareness of ASD. But if they're going to keep their "expert opinion", and cutting edge status, don't you think that a current listing would be helpful? But guess what? After doing google searches for longer than I care to admit... I couldn't find anything newer than 2011. Not from CBS, not from LA Times, not from AS, not USNews or WebMD. But all of those sources had something to say in 2011. I'm baffled, to be honest. What made 2011 a red letter year? Especially now, after a phone survey to parents got everyone all het up, and made the numbers of ASD potentially grow from 1 in 88 to 1 in 50. Wouldn't it stand to reason that we need new listings? Makes sense to me...

Now, as far as the AS resource guide, let me tell you - it's a thing of brilliance, constantly added to and revised, not only by those at AS, but by families who live in any given state and use those services. I cannot say enough about it. Hey.. wait. You mean I can click on my state and enter my zipcode and find what I need to know (or the lack thereof) right now? How freakin' cool is that? 18 thumbs up for the resource guide, AS!

Having a child with ASD and other diagnosis' causes parents to constantly reevaluate. Are we in the best place for our monsters? Should we move to upstate New York? Is there some way to get what my child needs medically and for therapy without being more than a million dollars in debt (and if you figure that out, could you please email me? Because we are..more than a mill in debt, that is..)? What can I do more of, at home? How can I rearrange my schedule/methods/perception/ability to better serve my child? Am I doing enough? Am I asking the right questions? Is my child's diagnosis my fault? What more can I do? If I go from sleeping two hours a night to one hour a night, could I get more research time in? Is my child's diet harming or helping?

Sometimes... it's time to take a breather. Sometimes.... even though it's April, and April is sacred because everyone touched by autism is supposed to have a blue porch light and a shiny new bumper sticker that says "I love someone with Autism!" and wear puzzle piece jewelry and change their Facebook profile picture to "Light it up Blue!"... well, sometimes it's time to not do that. Sometimes it's just time to say, I don't need to Light it up Blue. Autism is every day here. And we might move to improve access to resources my child needs. Or we might not, if we can find the resources here. And we might try a different diet for three years, but we might go back to the original if nothing changes after that time. And we won't care what other people say if we eat gluten and casein. Maybe April is a good month for you to just be...you. Because really, if we're being honest, does April change who you are? Or who your child is?

continental US map by google images, via searchroots

parents swinging child by google images, via itriagehealth

Utah Chili's Locations Give Back for National Autism Day

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Sat, 30 Mar 2013 18:38:00 +0000

I just got the most amazing email forwarded to me that I just had to share. By now, I'm sure most, if not all, of you have seen the story circulating on facebook about the "broken cheeseburger" at a Utah Chili's and how incredible the server and manager were when they apologized to the girl with autism and replaced her burger- whole, and with smiles. Well, this story inspired a Give Back event and Chili's has taken it one step further. On April 2, all Utah Chili's locations will donate 20% of your bill to benefit the Autism Council of Utah, to celebrate National Autism Day . Now, in order to get this donation made from your purchase, you will need to provide a printed copy of the email annoucement. Don't have a copy of the email? Don't worry! Contact me at frazzledmomma@livingwithlogan.com and I'll be happy to forward it to you. Well done, Chili's!!! Well done! Standing ovation from this Momma in Southern Utah! We need more businesses like you.

image via Chili's Facebook page, as shared by Anna MacLean

Special Happenings

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Fri, 22 Mar 2013 06:53:00 +0000

It occures to me that I have been negligent to my readers. Shame on me! I should be flogged, or prevented from baking for a week, or something equally drastic. So, let me remedy this situation. You all know about the awesomeness here, because well... you ARE here. But did you know that you can find even MORE awesomeness written by me over at Special Happens? That silly owner/editor over there, Gina St. Aubin, actually has me as a contributor. Sometimes I have a great deal of pity for the people that work with me. *ahem* Where was I? Oh, yes. If you don't know anything about Special Happens, let me enlighten you! Special Happens is:

a growing community resource, full of inspiration, information and insight (mostly) from contributors who have children with special needs. We are focused on sharing our experiences and developing a community of support for caregivers, families, friends, therapists, and educators surrounding children with special needs

Now, even though I know you have stopped reading my post at this point, and clicked right over to check out the incredible that Special Happens is, I have even more to share! Special Happens is currently accepting applications for new contributors! I can personally guarantee that it is a pleasure to work with the team of contributors that is there currently, and I really love the communication we all have with each other. We bounce ideas off one another, encourage each other, upon occasion there's a bitch and moan session... you know.. like a family!

So, if you have been wanting to write about your experiences with your child who has special needs, or you are a caregiver for a child with special needs, or you have anything else to do with special needs children that you'd like to be able to share with others, what are you waiting for? Oh. You want to know how to go about the process of applying, do you? Well that would be helpful. Here ya go. To apply, click this link and read all about it!

Good luck to you! I'm looking forward to seeing who joins our fabulous team of ~~nutty~~ ~~exhausted~~ ~~partially lucid~~ incredibly gifted writers (I'm there for comic relief and snark. Really. I so don't measure up to the greatness that is available there).

Image and quote are property of Special Happens and used here with permission.

Wake Up To Wonder Forge on Easter Sunday!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Fri, 15 Mar 2013 12:00:00 +0000

As you know, I'm posting non-food Easter basket ideas this week and next week. So, our non-food Easter basket filler feature (whew! Try saying that five times fast!) today is Wonder Forge! I do so love this company!

Their new Spring games are sure to tickle the fancy of your monsters, just as they did for mine. For all the little monsterlettes out there, Disney Easter Matching Game is a great way to spend some quality time together while playing a game that even a 3 year old can understand. All your favorite Disney characters, decked out in fun Easter outfits, ready to play!

There will be all kinds of silliness as matches are found. If your family is anything like the monster fam, you'll be screaming "DONALD DUCK! WOO HOOOOO!" when a match is successfully made. Okay, if it's Phineas and Ferb or Tinkerbell, you won't shriek Donald Duck, but you know what I mean. And the pride of finding those matches creates the most awesome smiles on little faces! Check out *my* monsterlettes as they found their first matches! Yes, I am painfully aware of the state of nakedness. Sensory issues. What can I say?

Judging from the reaction of my monsters from preschooler to high schooler, I'd have to give this game my Momma smile of approval. It's good, clean fun, with the familiarity of characters that Disney brings to even the youngest of children. This is one game that is an Easter basket must have. Appropriate for players age 3 and up, each game includes 72 picture tiles and one game rules manual. With the low, low MSRP of $7.99, you can't lose! Disney Easter Matching is available now at your favorite Target store. Head on over, people!!

If your monsters are a little older, and want more of a challenge, Nickelodeon's Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles Clash Alley Strategy Board Game might be just what they're looking for! All the cool of a 3D board game, with the added attraction of strategic thinking, cooperation and teamwork, and physical dexterity as the turtles race through a warehouse on important missions like rescuing April, recovering objects, and the most important mission to any ninja turtle.... picking up a pizza!

You'll battle Shredder, mutants, and Kraang, as you make your way through the warehouse and complete your mission. This game is appropriate for players age 6 and up, and comes with 1 game board, 4 movers, 4 mover bases, 4 mission tiles, 12 villain tiles, 3 dice, 13 platforms, 44 action cards, 4 mission cards, and 1 game rules manual. Some assembly is required, but it's worth it! Check out my little ninja turtles!

Reasonably priced at the MSRP of $16.99, it's sure to be a hit with the monsters and your wallet! What could be better? Well... this game is also available at your favorite local Target store, and it won't cause a sugar high, sticky hands or faces, or purple tongues during family pictures. It's Easter basket nirvana for parents! Thank you Wonder Forge! You've done it again, and earned the highest honor the monster house has to offer: 18 thumbs up. Keep up the good work!

Disclaimer: I was provided with free product for purposes of this review. All views and opinions are my own. I was not compensated monetarily for my opinion. Product images property of Wonder Forge and used here with permission. Images of nearly naked monsters and game playing monsters are my own.

New DVDs from Lionsgate Home Entertainment as Easter Basket Fillers!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Thu, 14 Mar 2013 21:38:00 +0000

With every holiday, we are faced with the dilemma of food allergies and candy. There is very little in the way of candy that Logan can have, so we try to make sure that the candy kept to a minimum, while still allowing the children to have their Christmas stockings, Easter baskets, Halloween buckets, etc.

Just in time for Easter, and much to the delight of the monsters, all new Care Bears and Power Rangers DVDs are now available from Lionsgate Home Entertainment!! This brings back pieces of my childhood, when Care Bears was popular (the first time!), and my teen years, when Power Rangers was a big hit (the first time!). Ok. I'm dating myself, I know.

Get to know the Care Bears again in Care Bears: Totally Sweet Adventures! This all new CGI animated film shows the bears as they go on all new adventures, with new music, a new look, and a new attitude! Take a trip back to Care-A-Lot and revisit your childhood with your children. This DVD includes 4 new episodes: Emerald Bridge, Jealous Tea, Sad About You, and Lazy Susan. You'll watch Grumpy get unstuck from "Stick-'Til- You're-Stuck sand, see the bears teach a new friend how to find her courage against the sneaky Beastly, and see them bringing sweetness back to Sweet Dreams' Bear's bad dreams. And you'll LOVE the bake off bonanza that happens when Share Bear gets jealous of Grumpy's delicious cookies at her potluck!

This DVD runs 88 minutes, and is available now for the SRP of $14.98. Also available via digital download and Video On Demand beginning March 5, 2013.

If you've got a house full of boys that think the Care Bears are a little too tame, check out the other DVD available on DVD and digital download March 5th from Lionsgate Home Entertainment! Power Rangers: Clash of the Red Rangers - The Movie. 2013 marks 20 years of global success for Power Rangers as the #1 kids' live action series. How cool is that?! This new Power Rangers movie is loaded with high energy entertainment and action packed, as the Samurai Rangers team up with the mysterious RPM Red Ranger to fight off dual threats from Master Zandred's Mooger army and a robotic super villain from the RPM Ranger's dimension.

This feature runs 45 minutes, and is available now for the SRP of $14.98.

So if you're looking for something to fill those Easter baskets that won't cause an allergic reaction, rot teeth, stain the carpet, or cause a sugar high, pick up one or both of these DVDs and watch the eyes of your monsters light up with surprise and delight!

Program Content and Package artwork:™ and © 2013 SCG Power Rangers LLC. Power Rangers and all related logos, characters, names, and distinctive likenesses thereof are the exclusive property of SCG Power Rangers LLC. All Rights Reserved, Used under authorization. Package design and summary: © 2013 Lions Gate Entertainment Inc. All Rights Reserved

Video courtesy Lionsgate via youtube, and used with permission

My Comedy of Errors

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Sat, 23 Feb 2013 22:23:00 +0000

If I had a dollar for every time in the last ten years that someone said to me, "You should write a book! You're an amazing writer. You make people feel things when they read. It would be a best seller!", I wouldn't HAVE to write a book, because I could go buy an island somewhere with all the dollars I got.

But here lately, I can't get that thought out of my head. It's perpetual. It's psychological warfare. It's brain washing. Or something. Write a book. Writeabook. Writeabookwriteabookwriteabook.... ad infinitum.

Here's some facts about me. I don't think I'm anything great. I'm a mom. I have a buncha monsters. I have perpetual drama at my house, and I'm snarky and sarcastic and occasionally profane. I hate doing laundry, going to IEP meetings, scheduling appointments of any kind, standing in lines or sitting in waiting rooms, and listening to people that have no idea what they're talking about. I love old movies (especially those darn musicals!), shoe shopping, nights off, and have a terminal addiction to reading. In short, I'm just.... (brace yourselves, people)... normal. In this case, normal is not just the setting on the dryer. And..... it's not something that is necessarily marketable. Occasionally, it's entertaining, as you've seen here. But that's the exception to the rule.

So here's the problem. What would I write about? Fiction? Okie dokie. Here ya go. I looooooove it when I have to schedule three days worth of meetings for IEPs for my kids, the monsterlettes have fevers and are projectile vomiting, we're out of the organic juice popsicles that Logan isn't allergic to, and the car is out of gas. It makes me all giddy and giggly! No?

Non-fiction? Okaaaay. But you asked for it.

Me, texting a dear friend:

"I think it's time to start to consider the possibility of thinking about writing
a book. But what would I write about?! Heaven knows I have words. It's just
the getting the words in the right sequence......"

And her reply:

"How about how all your kids came about?"

Me ( I couldn't help myself):

"Um. Uh. Well, you see... once upon a time there was a bird who met a bee,

and they loved each other very much..."

Her:

"Oh, no. You know what I mean."

Me:

"That whole thing with the marriages and the husbands and the divorces and

the stupid that is life in the present tense would make people throw the book

down screaming. Not exactly the story I was imagining.. ;)"

Her:

"Put a fun spin on it. Snark it."

Me:

"Comedy of errors? Lucille Ball-ish?"

Her:

"Yes!"

Me:

"You know I'm transcribing this whole convo on the blog as a post, right?"

Her:

"Whatever."

Me:

"zoom in"

What?!? It's nonfiction! And the un-named friend above knows me and my version of humor rather well. And.. I have to admit - comedy of errors? Sounds strangely appealing. Lucille Ball-ish? Sounds intriguing. Me writing it as a book? Instant stage fright. And also? I do NOT look good with red hair. Don't ask. It was a mistake. A big mistake. And I couldn't bludgeon the stylist that did it because I was 8 months pregnant with the twinnies, and the walruses on the Nature channel looked like Sports Illustrated swimsuit models in comparison.

So the question is, my dear, fabulous, incredible, wonderful, fantastic, unbiased readers who have never met me in real life, whaddaya think? Seven monsters and snark? Could it work? And one more thing.... what would YOU want to read about, if I wrote a book about seven monsters, a Momma with rapidly dwindling sanity, and a monthly grocery bill to rival most mortgage payments? Seriously! I wanna know what you wanna know! Lay it on me, people. And we'll see if I can't get you some entertainment on the blog while I'm at it. Practice makes perfect, after all! I'll start you off. Do I sleep? Only on alternate weekends and holidays. How do I do it? The same way you do. One breath, one step, one day at a time. How often do I get to shower? Is this a trick question? With or without monsters pounding on the door? Be more specific!!

Okay. I'm done. Ask those questions, people! You can find me by commenting here, below the post, leaving a comment on my fb page, send me a DM on twitter (but I really am not on twitter very often, if at all), or email me at frazzledmomma at livingwithlogan dot com. I will respond. Just remember.. if you send me snark, you'll get snark back! And so forth and so on...

note to self by empowernetwork.com via google images

screen pic belongs to me

Quote to Note

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Fri, 15 Feb 2013 18:35:00 +0000

"Never, for the sake of peace and quiet, deny your own experience or convictions" ~Dag Hammarskjold

UN Secretary General 1953-1961

Dag Hammarskjold image by www.daghammarskjold.se via google images

Sacred Family Saturday!

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Sat, 09 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

How to Make Calvin and Hobbes Snowmen

Okay, people. See that thing up there ^^ in the big bold print? Click it already!

Seriously, click it! This is what we're going to ~~screw up~~ ~~slave over~~ attempt today! We say we're going to have a Calvin and Hobbes front yard every year, and never manage it. Even if I have to steal other peoples' snow, we WILL have Calvin and Hobbes snowmen. We WILL!!

Snow Day! image by d10watch.blogspot.com via Google images

Calvin and Hobbes walking by movie-posters.fedio.net via Google images

Prophets of doom by onceuponageek.livejournal.com via google images

Momma's Hit the Wall

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Fri, 08 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

I have hit the wall. And hit it and hit it and hit it, and recovery is not going well. I really am past the point where I can back up and regroup. There is so much going on, all the time, and I just don't have the elasticity anymore. This Momma is having a little moment.

You know how people say, "I don't know how you do it!"? Well, I want to grab their faces in both hands, and say, "I don't know, either! Please find a new role model. Please. I beg you." I am cranky. I am sad.. a lot. I cry more now than I ever have in my life. Spare me the insta-diagnosis of depression. Little pills won't fix the trouble my #5 has in school, the freakish massive allergic reactions Logan has been having even while on meds, the perpetual anger and drama with my teens, and a multitude of other things pertaining to my family that I don't know how to deal with.

Here's the thing: I'm no different than anyone else. Certainly I'm no different than any other parent of special needs children. I'm no different than any other mother of a large family. The problem is, I forget. When I see other mothers, other families, out in public, I forget that we're out in public. I see well mannered children, smiling mothers, clean cars, creased khakis, combed hair. And I wonder, "Why? What is wrong with me, that I can't be like that and do all that, too? Why?! Why am I not Donna Reed?!?!"

Ok. Let's take a breath here. Donna Reed? Really? I want to be Donna Reed, and wear high heels while vacuuming, have facial muscle cramps from smiling all the time, remove an earring to talk on the phone, and apply makeup and style my hair as though I'd just walked out of the salon by no later than 5am? That's what I want? Don't let's be silly now.... I am far, far too in love with my yoga pants and hair clips to be able to embrace that nonsense!

But it's easy to feel inferior, inadequate, and ineffective. It's soooo easy to walk around feeling like I'm just spinning my wheels in this rut I've dug for myself. What's that line from Pretty Woman? "The bad stuff is easier to believe." And there's that one other issue; I feel like a hypocrite.

I have a blog (obviously). I write on this blog. I talk about my special needs son. And all the monsters. But, I created this blog specifically to find and share resources that would be helpful to other families with special needs kids. Here's the problem. Logan is doing great now. I mean, he's doing really, really great. And I feel like a hypocrite.

Now, in my rational mind, I know that he isn't "cured" (because there is no such thing). And I know that he still has struggles. And I know that his medical issues will never, ever go away. But it's hard to know all that in the Momma part of my mind, while sitting in a meeting discussing test results with the school, and having them tell me that he no longer qualifies for any services because clearly, none of his "issues" are affecting his ability to learn. I struggle with this every day. Am I a hypocrite? Is this all some wonky, ongoing bad dream? Are Logan's PDD, SPD, seizures, fine motor struggles, and allergies really figments of my imagination, as the Daddy insists? Realistically, no. They are not figments of my imagination. But I second guess myself every. single. day.

I have hit the wall. So where do I go from here? Online support is amazing. I love knowing that I'm not the only one. But I have to tell ya... I'd give about anything at this point for a hen party, friendly voice, some good news, a night off. Something.

hitting the wall by onsconnect.org via the google images

donna reed and fam by dvdtalk.com via the google images
confused woman by nannanormasgranddaughters.blogspot.com

How to Behave When You Win a Giveaway

noreply@blogger.com (Caryn) — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 14:00:00 +0000

Everyone enters a giveaway at least once in their life. At some point, everyone wins something, whether it's the PTA raffle or Publisher's Clearing House. Online, the opportunities to enter blog giveaways are nearly endless. And we all wait with our fingers crossed to get that thrilling email:

Oh, joy! Oh, rapture! I'm a WINNER! And we walk around all day feeling proud of ourselves for being the random winner that rafflecopter pulled out of it's databank.

Recently, however, I have seen posts from different bloggers about winners that kinda overstepped their boundaries. So, today we shall go over the proper behavior for a blog giveaway winner. Because all giveaway winners should be as well behaved as this blog's winners have been!! Y'all are the bombdiggity!

When you receive a winner email from the blogger hosting the giveaway you entered, respond ASAP! There is usually a time limit to claim your prize. Usually 24-48 hours. If that time limit expires without a response from you, another winner is chosen and you miss out. Bummer!!
After replying to the host blogger's email with thanks and oodles of praise for choosing you, do not, under any circumstances, contact the company supplying the prize. It's tacky! And seriously, what are you gonna say? "I won, so cough it up or you sleep with the fishes!"? Just don't. At most, tweet your excitement about winning @so-and-so's giveaway, and you're so thrilled to be getting a prize from @such-and-such company.
When you receive your prize, make sure to email the blogger to inform them that it arrived. Tell them how thrilled you are. Thank them for the giveaway again. Bloggers love happy email! Conversely, if you never get the prize within, say, 6 weeks, it is absolutely acceptable, and appreciated, to send a quick email to the host blogger to let them know that their sponsor did not follow through. The blogger and the sponsor work closely together before and during giveaways, and the blogger will have the quickest and easiest access to the proper person to let them know the prize is missing.

This isn't hard. It's basic good manners. Why anyone would take it upon themselves to contact, say, Proctor and Gamble, and tell them that they won a year's supply of Oil of Olay (FOR EXAMPLE! Seriously. This is just an example.)through my blog, and think that it would be taken seriously by the P&G people is beyond me! And also, it makes the blogger look bad. Really really bad. So bad, in fact, that bloggers have had companies sever their professional relationship with them. And that is so very not okay.

So, be good little boys and girls. Be mature. And enter those giveaways! We bloggers love it when people are excited about things we're able to offer! Don't let a few dingbats ruin the fun for everyone. By nipping this problem in the bud, and spreading the word, companies will continue to view advertising and giveaways on blogs as a positive thing. Which means giveaways will continue, which means people will continue to win.

Go. Enter. Win. Be mature. That is all. Good luck!

image by iamanitinerantpoet.blogspot.com via Google images