New Blog

Hey guys..my faithful friends :)

Well, I decided to start a blog that was more family oriented. I am gonna be less busy with the toy thing, so wanted to take the focus off of that (and get a name that is more "us").

So, for some great new pictures of the boys...

www.steedlyboys.blogspot.com

Thanks for visiting!

I am Invisible

Hey all, I found this little treasure this week. I brought tears to my eyes, and hope it touches your hearts too....

I'm invisible It all began to make sense, the blank stares, the lack of response, the way One of the kids will walk into the room while I'm on the phone and ask to be Taken to the store. Inside I'm thinking, "Can't you see I'm on the phone?" Obviously not. No one can see if I'm on the phone, or cooking, or sweeping The floor, or even standing on my head in the corner, because no one can see Me at all. I'm invisible. Some days I am only a pair of hands, nothing more: Can you fix this? Can you Tie this? Can you open this? Some days I'm not a pair of hands; I'm not even a human being. I'm a clock To ask, "What time is it?" I'm a satellite guide to answer, "What number is the Disney Channel?" I'm a Car to order, "Right around 5:30, please." I was certain that these were the hands that once held books and the eyes That studied history and the mind that graduated summa cum laude - but now They had disappeared into the peanut butter, never to be seen again. She's going she's going. She's gone! One night, a group of us were having dinner, celebrating the return of a Friend from England . Janice had just gotten back from a fabulous trip, and She was going on and on about the hotel she stayed in. I was sitting there, Looking around at the others all put together so well. It was hard not to Compare and feel sorry for myself as I looked down at my out-of-style dress; It was the only thing I could find that was clean. My unwashed hair was Pulled up in a banana clip and I was afraid I could actually smell peanut Butter in it. I was feeling pretty pathetic, when Janice turned to me with a Beautifully wrapped package, and said, "I brought you this." It was a book on the great cathedrals of Europe. I wasn't exactly sure why She'd given it to me until I read her inscription: "To Charlotte , with Admiration for the greatness of what you are building when no one sees." In the days ahead I would read - no, devour - the book. And I would discover What would become for me, four life-changing truths, after which I could Pattern my work: No one can say who built the great cathedrals - we have no record of their names. These builders gave their whole lives For a work they would never see finished. They made great sacrifices and Expected no credit. The passion of their building was fueled by their faith That the eyes of God saw everything. A legendary story in the book told of a rich man who came to visit the Cathedral while it was being built, and he saw a workman carving a tiny bird On the inside of a beam. He was puzzled and asked the man, "Why are you Spending so much time carving that bird into a beam that will be covered by The roof? No one will ever see it." And the workman replied, "Because God sees." I closed the book, feeling the missing piece fall into place. It was almost As if I heard God whispering to me, "I see you, Charlotte. I see the Sacrifices you make every day, even when no one around you does. No act of Kindness you've done, no sequin you've sewn on, no cupcake you've baked, is Too small for me to notice and smile over. You are building a great Cathedral, but you can't see right now what it will become." At times, my invisibility feels like an affliction. But it is not a disease that is erasing my life. It is the cure for the Disease of my own self-centeredness.It is the antidote to my strong, stubborn pride. I keep the right Perspective when I see myself as a great builder. As one of the people who Show up at a job that they will never see finished, to work on something That their name will never be on. The writer of the book went so far as to Say that no cathedrals could ever be built in our lifetime because there are So few people willing to sacrifice to that degree. When I really think about it, I don't want my son to tell the friend he's Bringing home from college for Thanksgiving, "My mom gets up at 4 in the Morning and bakes homemade pies, and then she hand bastes a turkey for three Hours and presses all the linens for the table." That would mean I'd built a Shrine or a monument to myself. I just want him to want to come home. And Then, if there is anything more to say to his friend, to add, "You're gonna love it there." As mothers, we are building great cathedrals. We cannot be seen if we're doing it right. And one day, it is very possible that the world will marvel, not only at what we have built, but at the beauty that has been added to the world by the sacrifices of invisible women.

What a great reminder. So, all you Cathedral Builders...hope you have a blessed week!

Quote of the Day

"Mommy, I BREEKED my new car!"

Translation: Tyler attempting to use his new grammatical awareness to place the word "break" in the past tense.

We have heard some interesting guesses at words, but this is my favorite thus far :)

Look WHO is THREE!

I can't believe my little man is THREE YEARS OLD! This was definetely the best birthday so far, as he understood what was coming, and was SO excited about his special day.

Adrian's birthday is exactly two weeks before Ty's, and his best friend Joey's birthday is a little over a month before his, so he has been anticipating it for that long. He kept saying, "Mommy, when is it gonna be MY birthday?"

Thanks goodness it was only a few weeks difference!

Adrian was as much fun as Ty to watch...the guy went nuts running all over town looking for the right Matchbox cars to fit Ty's current obsession with construction vehicles. He, of course did find some and they are now a proud part of the parking lot that constantly overtakes my living room.

Also, we had a little party for him at the house. Nothing huge, just a couple of friends and a hundred balloons (another birthday fantasy of Adrian's). He managed to convince me, his mom and his dad to blow up and tie the 95 balloons he brought home. He only got half his wish when we all pooped out at 50ish - but it was still fun when we had Ty close his eyes and we poured them on his head. Adrian had visions of the entire living room filled with balloons..maybe if we start now we can do that for his #4 birthday!

The OTHER part of the fun, was when I finally got tired of kicking them all over the house and Ty and the neighborhood kid got to take them outside and pop them all the next day. No doubt we had people wondering if the neighborhood was being overtaken by gun-slinging lunatics..but the kids had a blast! :)

So..having that one behind us, we look forward to the big #1 for Canon in a little over a month! I am excited we will be home with my family to celebrate that one, so it should be fun too!

Conspiracy Theories

So, this morning at 0515 Canon wakes up, wants to nurse back to sleep...which for the sake of my sleeping, I give in to. He nurses for a minute or two, falls back to sleep and again..for benefit of my own sleep, I put him back to bed. The process awakened him a little too much, so he screamed for a good 20 minutes.

This, of course, woke Ty up. So, I pull him into my bed while Canon finishes his screaming fit.

Then, Canon is down. Finally.

0550 - Ty is rolling all over the place in bed, restless and wont settle down. I dont want to take him back to his bed, for risk of waking up Canon again. THAT took him another 15 minutes to get settled.

Then, Ty is down. Finally.

0605 - we are keeping my friends dog, who was in her kennel in the living room (she snores..the dog, not my friend). Somehow, in the business of the past few minutes SHE woke up, escaped her kennel and came whining next to the bed. So, I scooped her up and got her in a comfy spot for all of us (I am now sharing my side of the bed with a three year old and a rat-looking dog).

Then, Kela is down. Finally.

0615 - Goliath is jealous, so hearing the ruckus he TOO starts insisting on joining us in the bed. However, he is in the closet (sounds mean, I know but he likes it in there and it makes him NOT be in my bed) and his usual morning routine is to claw at the door which resembles thunder in our bedroom. So, I quietly yell at her..while trying not to disturb Ty or the other mutt who are resting beside and on me. Yes, Adrian is dead to the world.

Then, Goliath is settled. Finally.

0635 - No lie. Canon is awake, reenergized from his 30 nap and is up for the day.

Yes, I do believe in conspiracy theories. They ALL plot against me. I know it. How else could they all so perfectly sychronize their wake/sleep schedules?

Parenting Class

Adrian and I had the blessing of being at a parenting class, lead by a sweet friend of ours, this last week. She has successfully raised a daughter, with creative methods and with a focus on Godly instruction. She had shared some of those methods with us personally, and wanted to share them with other parents as well. We had about 6 couples there or otherwise represented by half of themselves being present :) We all learned alot, and have gotten some great ideas.

We have had a time with Ty. He is, as they say, "all boy". He is the tumblin' ist, busiest, active-ist, rowdiest little rootin' tootin' kid ever! Not really..I mean, I am sure there have been kids that are busier, active..er, and rowdier than he. BUT..he still gives us a run for our money with his stubborn and strong will streaks.

He is still precious in spite of himself, however, and we have not given up on him COMPLETELY (though Adrian does suggest that we sell him on ebay and try again for a "better one"). So, for his own safety, we enlisted the advise of parents and those who have been there done that.

Mary (our parenting class leader), suggested some great methods for disciplining that discouraged yelling or beating :) Also, she really stressed to us an important point...

She said that "God MUST be bigger than YOU". Because, we are fallible, but God is not. We may do the wrong thing, or make the wrong rule sometimes, but GOD never does. I liked that.

Ty does have a tender spirit, and it seems that between us and bible class, he has a sense of God and that we need to seek to please him. He also knows that he loves mommy, daddy and Canon. We have been able to really talk alot about how obeying is linked to loving mommy/daddy and God.

Its amazing to me that this little person does understand these concepts, but he does.

So..as we head into another week, armed with some insight into how important our role is, how we are to guide them not only to good behavior but to the Lord in the process, and while we pray for patience to keep our focus, I am praying for all of you who are in the same boat!

Our role is SO important, and these moments so precious.

Usborne Book Party

So, I met a girl at the Kid Shop consignment sale in August. She is getting starting selling Usborne Books, which I love. We are joining forces to get some new contacts!

We are both hostessing eachother a party next week, and mine started yesterday online!

So, if you feel so inclined, please go to: www.ubah.com/HOS96384

My REAL LIFE party is next week, October 23rd, at 10am.

I am also using this time to do a FALL KICKOFF of the new Discovery Toys products! It will be at my house..so please join us!

And, feel free to browse the online catalog at http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/USfl07info/

If only...

I have been pondering to myself, that if I integrated every weight loss, organization, home management, financial management, bible reading schedule, bible study SYSTEM that I want to..this is what my life would look like.

IF I was the PROVERBS 31 wife, I would get up at the crack of dawn and make bread
IF I followed FLYLADY, I would take a shower every morning and moisturize
IF I used the full line of MARY KAY, I would exfoliate also ...after a session of microderm abrasion once a week
IFI followed FLYLADY, I would dress to shoes
IF I followed a DAILY BIBLE READING SCHEDULE, I would read my bible before the children rise while the bread is baking in the oven
IF I followed WEIGHT WATCHERS, I would write down the coffee I drink while I read
IF I did my BETH MOORE bible study, I would read and study for 45 minutes
IF I was on a PRAYER schedule, I would pray for all my family, friends and our needs while not forgetting to thank God for everything He has already blessed me with
IF I was the perfect MOTHER, I would greet my children with a "good morning" smile, and a bowl of healthy oatmeal free of sugar or other additives that would mess up their perfect little metabolisms
IF I followed FLYLADY, the kids' clothes would already be laid out the night before, to make our mornings run smoothly. I would dress them with no stress.
IF I used my GYM membership like I should, I would go to the gym for an hour every morning
IF I used DAVE RAMSEY, I would have my cash at hand when I stop at the grocery store on the way home
IF I followed THE GROCERY GAME, I would have my grocery list and the respective coupons in hand
IF I was the perfect WIFE, I would have a hearty breakfast waiting at home when my husband arrived from work (he works night shift) ...and a promise of a little WINK WINK later (and be awake enough by then to follow through)
IF I was the perfect SISTER, FRIEND, DAUGHTER I would check on those in my life who needed cared for, prayed for, concerned for
IF I did all I should with DISCOVERY TOYS, I would make 5 phones calls, book a party, and make a sale each and every afternoon
IF I was a true FLYLADY, I would stay caught up on laundry, swish and swipe my bathroom, and "Zone" one room of my house once a month. My "hot spots" would stay picked up, and my "5 minute room rescues" would be worth the trouble
IF I followed CREATIVE CORRECTION, I would be brilliant with every "opportunity" to
teach my children
IF I followed SAVING DINNER, I would have gourmet meals every night...preplanned the week before
IF I was the perfect TEACHER, my kids would be read age-appropriate books while discussing the fine points of the stories, say prayers, and off to bed with smiles on faces
IF I followed the MARY KAY skin plan, I would clean all my makeup off and reapply the night solution, night cream
IF I was the perfect WIFE, I would still have energy by the end of the day to be a passionate lover and attentive best friend

IF I did all these things...

I would NOT let them watch as much TV as they do
I would NOT feel guilty for feeding my ten month old chocolate cake :)..yes, I did
I would NOT let them play outside, even on days it rains


But, I STILL would NOT feel like I did enough or was as good as I wanted to be.

So..I will take one day at a time, and use whatever system works for that day!

Busy Bugs

are we!

We have been busy the past few weeks..seems like I havent even had a chance to catch up good with my mom and sisters!

But, to catch everyone up..

• Business is busy, busy. This is the busiest time of year FOR REAL! I have had a daycare setup..it did okay, but not worth the 9 hours I spent there! I went to a "family" day at the park for an organization this past weekend, didnt get a single nibble. I really prefer home parties, really. I love visiting and showing off toys. That is way funner than standing there looking pathetic, asking for people to look at your "wares". Nah..I like the home parties.
• On THAT note..I landed the YMCA! Yeah! I will have to stand around and hope people see me, BUT..I think it will be a good thing. There are hundreds of moms that go throug there, and having a table set up around Christmas time..JACKPOT! I hope..stay tuned.
• Canon is all but walking full out. He is taking a few steps at a time, but he gets around like a mad dog when he crawls, so why convert to the two limb approach?
• He is currently emptying the desk drawer beside me...it takes him 20 seconds to mess up what will take me 20 minutes to clean up. But, I am cool. I'm cool.
• ADRIAN has decided, after much ado..to go to NURSING SCHOOL! Yes..I know. It sounds crazy, but I think he will do great. I will be able to live vicariously through him, and hopefully will RELEARN everything I have forgotten in the past 6 years.

So..that is all the exciting stuff around here!

I need to post some pictures, so stay tuned!

Fall!

I love this time of year!

I have felt energized by the cool mornings and the smell of the fall coming...I have decorated for the fall. I got inspired by my friend Kims house, which she has already dressed up for the autumn with leaves and pumpkins.

I bought my cider scented candles, and some fall folliage to put around the place. Love it.

It makes me want to call my friends, hug my kids, kiss my husband, and clean out all my closets.

Hope that you are feeling inspired to greatness today!

Business is BOOMING!

Well, since I joined Discovery Toys, I have been hearing that the fall is THE selling season! They are not lyin'!

I am excited cause my calender is filling up fast in October! I can see that the thing about 75% of the business being done in October thru December is true.

This week I have a daycare show planned..I am excited and scared to death. It has potential for being huge, and not being much of anything at the same time! It will be my first time doing this type of thing, but apparently it is the way that you make money during this season. We shall see!

Also, my new team mate, Michelle, is having her first Grand Opening parties this week! I am so excited for her! If things go well, she will earn $50 in free toys and some cash this weekend! GO MICHELLE!

Also, I have a sweet friend who is wrapping up a catalog party on Tuesday. It could be a great first week of the month!

I have several parties, an Autism conference (I am really nervous about that one!), two joint ventures with a new business pal in Usborne books, a Christmas Bazaar..and several potential big sales with some daycares and individuals.

I am excited, and at times overwhelmed!

I have plans to earn all my Christmas presents this year for free between free toys earned and commission! Poor Adrian, he is hoping for a new lens for his camera but ...little does he know he is getting a "Flip Tac Toe " for Christmas! :) ha!

I also need to be able to pay for tickets to Dallas for Christmas, so..here is hoping! :)

So, on that note..everyone take a look at the new ONLINE catalog on http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/! :)

King of the Slide

I've got another climber!

He isnt walking full speed yet, but he is sure climbing without much difficulty!

Canon can get to the high places, stands up to celebrate, then panics because he has no idea how to get down...lol. He is so cute, and so proud of himself.

I thought I couldn't possibly make more than one ridiculously cute little boy...I was so wrong :)

He has starting using sign language, with a mastery of the sign "all-done". The kicker is when he says, "a-da" to go with it. He says "hot" too, every morning when he tries to touch my coffee cup.

So cute.

Today, I am so thankful that I have two beautiful, healthy baby boys. Remember to thank God for yours too!

Quote of the Day...

"Suckers are dellllllicious"

This, coming from a two year old, who was savoring the rewards of his first "stinky" in the potty.

Why I go to the gym...

So, I have recently gotten myself a gym membership (I have always wanted to be a 'gym girl') and I am excited at the possibilities that I hold in my own mind of looking like a HOT momma by Christmas time when I see the family for the first time a year :)

But, through the process, I asked myself as well as having been posed the question by my own dear husband, WHY cant I do the same thing at HOME?

Well, I remembered the reasons WHY I CANT do the same things at home this week, when we missed a trip to the gym due to runny noses and teething issues of various descriptions.

So, I popped in a TAEBO DVD..one I was suckered into buying cause they use ACTUAL people on their videos and those fat girls kicking the air made me feel empowered :)

I took the stance, and began the warm up..."1..2..3..lunge...OH! Sorry Canon..didnt know you were climbing on my leg...REWIND..okay, here we go...1 and 2 and 3..and TY! Get off the bar..NO, dont JUMP off the bar! ...Okay, lets focus Billy..okay, and ONE and TWO, and THREE and..WHY do I hear water running?"

PAUSE DVD to clean up the kitchen wall/floor/cabinets.

RESTART.

"And PUNCH, and JAB..and PUNCH and JAB..NO, Ty, DONT punch Canon..stop watching me and go play with your cars."

"HIGH KICK, LOW KICK..oh, stupid dog, its his own fault..Canon is eating WHAT?...and PUNCH and KICK and"..phone ringing.

RESTART.

"One and two and ...Canon is WHERE?"

He is IN the litter box. Of course.

So, I go to the gym to work out :)

What I love...

So, I have had one of the weekends where I was clearly aware of my blessings ...and thankful that I have so many things that I LOVE :) ..things that make me happy, and add to my overall sense of well -being...

• Adrian, Ty and Canon
  
• Downey fabric softener
• order..in any and every situation
• a clean kitchen
• Clean Linen scented Yankee Candles
• water...love it
• coffee..ironic, I know
• Cookies and Cream Blue Bell ice cream
• a blank journal, or Word document :)
• a good thriller book (i.e., Dan Brown)
• when Ty obeys me :)
• when Adrian hugs me :)
• when Canon says "mama"
• a clean car...it doesnt happen very often
• a fully charged phone
• anything written by Angela Steed (Adrian's cousin)....she is hysterical!
• getting to do a Discovery Toys party..I have so much fun!
• when my laundry is caught up
• when all the sheets on all the beds are clean :)
• BROWNIES
• Mom and my sisters
• Daddy and my brother
• That my baby brother is buried in Arlington Cemetry..I am so proud of him
• Beautiful pictures of my kids
• when my husband cleans the kitchen
• when Ty sings "Clean up, clean up" ..and does it :)

When I can look at my life, and be grateful that I have so much to be grateful for!

Everyone leave comments where you tell me what makes you happy...THAT will make me happy :)

FALL is HERE

Okay, not so much in the way of weather but the FALL season of toys!

I am SOO excited..I just returned from my first official "Discovery Toys" event, and I am so excited to talk to anyone who will listen! There are SOOO many wonderful products this Christmas season..I cant wait to share it with you all!

There are truly great toys for EVERY age group, birth through older schoolage. EVERYONE can love and use these toys!

I also got excited about how I can grow my business and share these toys with even more mommies.

So, everyone call me and let me share with you some GREAT Christmas ideas! We can start planning and budgetting now! :)

ALSO...dont forget, if you are at ALL interested in using Discovery Toys to earn some extra cash for Christmas..this is the time to do it! The pack that I bought for $99, plus an extra or two, is selling for $79 (plus delivery and taxes) this month! This is more than $300 dollars worth of toys! This is EVERYTHING you need to get a home business started, you can break the cost up into payments, and this is the BEST time of year to do it!

You can earn ALL your kids christmas gifts for FREE, and still have some cash to buy your hubby something special :) ..or, forget him and get yourself a massage!

This is the best time to do this...EVERYONE buys toys this time of year, that means cash and free toys for us! :)

Let me know if you would like to hear more! ..and thanks for visiting my blog today :)

Mom's Photography..

So, since my brother passed away a little over a year and half ago, we have all really become passionate about taking pictures. We learned after he died, how precious just a snapshot of his face was..we call them our "treasures".

Its still amazing to me when I look that those eyes and smile, that he is not here anymore. We have some pictures that make him seem so real, so happy, and so alive. Those are truly precious treasures.

Anyways, since then, all of our family has become obsessed with photography. Especially mom, who is working on creating a business from this passion, with a focus on capturing families and people in the unique way those few wonderful pictures of my brother did.

So, please, take a moment and visit her site, where she shares her heart and spirit through her photography in memory of my brother...CPL Dustin L. Kendall.

www.xanga.com/pjkphotography

Countdown to the new FALL SEASON!

Hey everyone!

Only three days left til the Summer/Spring catalog is OLD NEWS, and the new catalog comes into play.

What that means for you, is this:

• You have til Friday to order the toys that will be discontinued from the old catalog..see previous post for the ones I will miss the most!

• AND, only three more days til the 7 NEW fall product sale (all items 20% off the price they will be in the new catalog) will be OVER!


• AND, only two more days to take me up on my offer to book a party for this fall and GET the Sunshine Market at my sale cost of $15.99 ..that is 40% off the price it will be in the new catalog!
  

So...take at look at the sale, the catalog, and think about when you can book a party..a catalog OR in-home party!

Welcome, Michelle!

I am excited to welcome Michelle Browning, of Kansas City, Missouri to my Discovery Toys team!

I am excited to be working with her as she builds her new home business and is able to stay at home with "her kids" - a group of special children she ministers to in her home!

So glad to have you Michelle!

Ethan Powell

For those who may see this before they see their update, Ethan Powell's leukemia is back...please pray for Becky and Ben. They have said before that if it does come back, there are no more treatment options. I can't imagine what they must be going through.

www.ethanpowell.com

Quote of the day...

"Mom, hold my worm."

Yes, the being a mom is a glorious thing :)

A confession...

So, I have found a new vice ...no, its not drinking (though, when kids are screaming all around me, I wonder if a margurita is not a good idea).

Adrian got this stupid "Guitar Hero" game, mostly because his friend Joe got it, and we most follow suit, of course! I can't say that I fully understand the whole video game concept..seems like a monumental waste of time to me.

BUT...that being said, I love being a ROCK STAR! In so much as I play the guitar controller, hitting the right color buttons when they tell me to WHILE strumming the thingy...an impressive feat if you know me and my level of coordination, or UNcoordination, as the case may be.

And, its nice to get praise from someone who tells me "YOU ROCK!" with the slightest accomplishment. So, I withhold my critisism of the video game thing for now..cause its fun.

Oh, and Ty likes to "play" as well, though he just holds the "GItar" and makes the face that the guy on the game makes, which is pretty hysterical. He also would prefer "WigglyParty" to
"I Love Rock n Roll." That song isnt on the game yet buddy, but maybe Guitar Hero 17 will have it..we will wait and see.

Good Mom Day...

Well, some days its like "what was God thinking!" ..by making me a mother of these kids. Because, there are days when I SOOO dont have a clue what I am doing! Most days, in fact :)

But, today I tried some creative disciplining and it worked! Yeah!

By the way, if you have a toddler then you have to get the book, "Creative Correction" by Lisa Whelchel (Blair, from Facts of Life). Its a great book with creative ideas on how to really touch your kids' heart AND get them to obey, besides spanking or yelling at them all the time :)

So, we had to go to Walmart..yeah, I know you moms of mulitple kids know where this is going!...a production, to be sure! So, after reading up on some creative methods of discipling/motivating while out and about I settled on one I thought would work for Ty. It did, and so now I must share!

I gave him a handful of coins that equaled 50 cents, told him to put them in his pocket. If he still had that money by the time we got the check out, he would have enough to buy himself a treat (a double reward, because he also loves to pay for stuff at the check out line!). However, if he threw a fit, or cried to get out of the basket, or grabbed stuff off shelves, or tripped the old man with a cane, or pulled the bottom apple from the apple pyramid, or knocked over the mop bucket down the dairy isle, or dumped a dozen eggs out onto the floor (true story)...you get the idea, then I took a coin away. If I took enough coins away, he would not have enough for a treat.

It worked! He chose french fries from MD's (in the store), which was more than he had but the lesson was not lost on him! I decided to keep the "value of money" lesson for another day :)

He was great! Though, at times he did need alittle gentle reminder of what the goal was. I hope it works next time I am crazy enough to go the store with both of them :)

Another thing we do, is to "practice" obeying. The first time I did this was when we were doing yard work in the front yard and he kept running into the street to get the ball.

I took him to the edge of the road, threw the ball into the street, and then told him that when that happens to STOP, call mommy to help you get it, and DO NOT GO INTO THE STREET!

Then, we did it over, and over, and over again until I thought he was starting to get bored with it. The next time the ball rolled, I watched him start to run, stop, and turn and ask me for help.

Yesterday, we used this when I was trying to make him understand to stop immediately when I called his name. So, he would turn is back to me and walk away, I would say "Tyler!" he would stop, grin and come running. He thought it was funny (so he said) and I hope made more of an impression than a time out!

So, lest you think I am wonder mom or think I am ...these glorious moments of sunshine through the clouds, were proceeded by a 1 1/2 hour nap battle! Oh well, cant win them all!

Little WONDER man

Canon is taking off! My little man is actually trying to take steps. He has been standing and drinking out of cup or playing with a toy for awhile now. But, he has taken a few steps here and there lately. So cute.

For now, he holds the land record for fastest crawler. The kid can haul it when he wants to get somewhere! His favorite thing is the bath, and when he hears the bath water running from anywhere in the house he turns on the turbo chargers and pops his head around the edge of the door in the bathroom in record time...I could just eat him up!

He also is trying to say words. He already has "tyty" down (Ty's pet name...all the kids at church think that is his name), and I swear yesterday he said some form of "drink". He has been sayin' "mama" for a little while, and occasionally whips out a "dada" when he wants something from him :) . Oh, and he has been working "hot" - a necessary word when his mommy drinks as much coffee as she does.

And, I have to say I was in love with my child yesterday when he was perfect ANGEL while I did a booth at Kid Shop (a biannual child's consignment shop in Mount Pleasant). He just played in his portacrip, or hung out in the exersaucer from 8-3pm. He missed getting both his good naps in, though he did actually crash for about 30 minutes while kids were running screaming all around him :) He was perfect...sweet baby.

Okay, so that is all. I am off to get my massage and facial (a thankyou from my husband for his long weekend with the guys last weekend)..yes, I am SOOO excited!

Good deal...

I am so excited that Discovery Toys has just announced a HUGE deal to entice more of us mommies to get on board with this company!

The Rocket Start Pack..which I bought for $99 ($300 worth of the best toys!)..is being offered for $79 for the next month! AND..they are adding a book that I am SO excited about for free!

The ONCE UPON A TIME book, which we offer in the current catalog, is a precious book for 2+ age group where they get to chose the story! Ty loves it. I am excited, because they are introducing a second book with a more masculine theme, AHOY! PIRATE PETE (the FREE book added to the new Rocket Start Pack).

Adrian will be happy when Ty is not deciding who the Princess wants to marry!

So..this includes everything you need (truly) to get a home business off the ground, or over $300 dollars of toys for a great price with a 20% discount thereafter either way!

Let me know if I can help you get started!

Feeling blue today...

Hey..so I am feeling a little blue today. I started my day dwelling on a friendship lost, and it has really effected my whole day!

Poor kids..they really get the brunt of mommy's bad days :) I hate that though, I end up yelling when its so not necessary and "throwing fits" as much as them!

I also hate that I have let something so far beyond my control effect me so strongly, for so long. I feel like I am getting over it, when I read something, or hear someone talk about them and it all comes back. All the grief over having lost this person's friendship, regret over mistakes made, sadness at knowing that things will never be right really floods my spirit.

I am reading a book by Beth Moore, called "GET OUT OF THAT PIT!". Her thoughts are so profound, and so right on. She talks about when you look around and you realize that you have found yourself in a place of darkness, of hopelessness, of an overwhelming sense of gloom and despair ..even if it is just in one area. That is a pit.

This friendship, or lack of, certainly is that for me. I feel so overwhelmed at times with the knowledge that it is all beyond my control, that I can do nothing at this point to fix anything, that I have made mistakes that cannot be undone or that I may never be able to say that this is resolved.

So, I have had to pray for peace, once again.

And it leads to me wonder, does God, like even the best of best friends, ever get tired of hearing the same things over and over again?

Does He want to say GET OVER IT ALREADY! ..I would.

Thank goodness, that "His thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and his ways are higher than my ways..."

Potty Training...

Geez...This potty training stuff is exhausting! Be SO concerned about someone elses' elimination patterns hardly leaves me time to worry about my own! :)

Ty is getting the hang of it..finally. Actually, to be honest he has gotten the hang of it a long time ago, but has chosen up to now to stick with the diaper gig a bit longer. Last week, though, when I spent WAY too much money buying diapers for both kids I said..ENOUGH!

Knowing that he was fully capable, were the desire there, I told him we were done with diapers! He was gonna wear "undies" all day long. He could wear a diaper for nap, and at night. That is it..

I totally was accepting of the fact that I would most likely be doing a BIT more laundry, but seriously. Its cheaper than these diapers! So...after a day or two, he is doing great.

He actually was dry for three solid days, including naps and nighttime. I thought I had this one in the bag..OH NO! Then yesterday, he woke up stating that he didnt "want to wear undies today". Um, not an option buddy. Well, he made sure I had a whole pile of laundry to do while I thought about my decision :)

But, this morning we are back on track apparently. He woke up this morning, walked straight into the bathroom, did his business, and stated that he wanted a "EmaEm" for his work. Well, I guess EmaEms are THAT bad for breakfast..right?

Whatever works. Whatever works.

So..we arent in the clear yet, with his mood still coming into play when it comes to his desire to control himself but I see us on the right track. I have already saved at least a few days worth of diapers trying!

Sunshine Market

Okay! We got our "Sunshine Market" this week..and it is a HIT!

I am so glad I got this while it is on sale..it's a steal and I love it. And, more importantly, Ty loves it!

Far from a basic shape sorter box, this toy has multiple places for the fun shapes (pizza, fish, bread and lemon) including doors, windows, interchangable blocks/holes on the roof, and indentations inside the "market". The shapes also have their respective "guy" who matches their shape and color - which Ty loves.

The best part, I think, is the SHOPPING cart that has wheels and everything! It is as big as the inside of the market itself, and you can drop the "food" directly into the cart when it is parked inside the market.

It has potential for LOTS of creative play, as the child can pretend she is grocery shopping, running a restaurant, parking cars in the "garage" (Ty taught me that one), playing house..etc.

When they are done, everything fits neatly inside itself, and has a sturdy handle for them to carry their treasure wherever they go!

This is a GREAT for kiddos from 1 year all the way up to toddler. The official age on the toy is 18+ months..I think you can enjoy this way before that.

The best part, it is ON SALE! This is a NEW fall product, that is featured as a 20% off toy in our Countdown to School sale! The sale price, until September 17th, is $19.99. After September 17th, the catalog price will be $24.99.

Remember, to those of you who are Education Consultants (including those Grandmas who purchased the Grandma Special last month!) ..this toy is an ADDITIONAL 20% off, making your price $15.99!

You could also get this toy for FREE by hostessing a live or catalog party!

Call me or write me with your order: 843-532-1840 or discoveringplay@hotmail.com

And the WINNER is...

Isabella Hope

Isabella is an up and coming socialite from Arkansas. She is almost 2, and is the daughter of Brian and Amy Kelton. She also has a sister, Olivia.

Congrats to her and her mommy :)


They will receive a $15 dollar gift certificate to use on their next purchase with Discovery Toys!

A solid second, is Calliegh Abigail. She is a precious 7 month old, who is very popular in the nursery at church :)

Thanks so much to everyone who participated!

All of our contestants will receive a 10% coupon as a thanks for their entry!

Kid Shop

I just found out that I am gonna get to hostess a table with my toys at "Kid Shop" in Mount Pleasant next week! I will be there on Thursday, 9-5pm so you local girls come see me!

Its also 1/2 off day, so you cant beat that!

Coutdown to School Sale!

Okay guys! I know you all love a good sale...

The Countdown to School Sale features 7 products that are all new for our fall catalog due to be out in September. ALL of these toys are 20% off the price they will be when the catalog comes out!

There is one toy that I think I am going to love - Amy, you might wish you had waited for this one! This is the new season's version of the "Busy Box"...

The Sunshine Market is a shape sorter with an imaginative twist. The box itself is a market, restaurant, grocery store..whatever they want it to be, with a carrying handle, and a cute shopping cart to store the "food". The brightly colored shapes are little people and "food" that they deposit in the "market" and they can carry it with them wherever they chose! Its a great pre-toddler/toddler toy, and is on sale for $19.99!

We get ours tomorrow in the mail, we cant wait to share!

So..this sale only last three weeks (until September 15th) so take a look!

Also, the Spring/Summer catalog is about to be outdated!

There are LOTS of toys being discontinued so if there is something you LOVE
in the current catalog you had better jump!

On my own...

So, Adrian is off to the races! He is at Bristol Motor Speedway with a group of guys from church. This is their annual trip and he looks forward to it ALL year long. I am excited for him..but dreading being alone with the kids for 4 days!

Most days I look forward to a relief (of sorts) when he wakes up at 4pm, then we can tackle the bedtime routine as a team for the evening. I am not looking forward to no weekend naps, and no "teaming" up. Oh well..

I am trying to NOT feel sorry for myself, as many of my sweet friends do this ALL the time and usually weeks at a time. Living in an Air Force town, I know lots of girls who are often on their own to deal with lifes many obstacles AND the kids :)

So, no complaining. AND..I might even find some time to scrapbook after the kiddos go to bed :)

A musing...

So, I am realizing something as of late that I think I should really share...this is for all of us SHAMs who are SO lucky that we get to be with our kids all day long! ..even when that doesnt feel like a good thing :)

I have two, beautiful "all boy" boys. They truly are firmly committed to the task of being a toddler and a speed "cruiser". I have to say, due to these precious blessings, it is an extreme effort every day to keep the living room and kitchen in some kind of order. MOST often, I work all day doing the same thing OVER and OVER, and OVER with nothing tangible to show for it when I drop into bed exhausted at night. So often the TO DO list does not get shorter, the list of failures in achieving gets longer, and my overall sense of having it together fades into an overwhelming sense of being incapable for this monumental task.

I have asked God for so many different things related to this dilemna. Requests have ranged from "give me more energy," to "let them take just ONE nap at the same time!", to "give me more patience", to "please turn me into one of those crazy moms who HAVE to stay up all night to get the house clean!" Lately, though, I have added "please decide FOR me what the priorities are, and you set my daily to do list.."

I think its because of that prayer that I have really felt knocked over the head with HOW important sitting down with kids and focusing on them is. I think being home all day makes me feel on some level that I am here, they are here, we are here together so the need is met...right?

Actually..not so much.

I have been making a real effort to give each my kids a focused amount of time each day...its different for both of them, and sometimes I have to set the timer for our play time because I have so much going on but...it always pays off. In the end, I feel like I HAVE done the most important thing of the day. Not having the house clean, or the laundry done, but having savored a moment with these little people in my life who are growing so fast!

Babies, Babies...

Well, August 15th will go down in history for me - two of my dearest friends had sweet baby boys yesterday and only an hour apart!

Dana had a little one, Andrew Wesley at 8lbs 7oz and 18 inches long. I am so excited they finally decided on naming him Andrew cause I love "Andy". It fits well with his brother, and Ty's bestest buddy, Joey. Andy and Joey. So cute. Love it.

And, Mel had Isaac Daniel almost an hour exactly after Andy was born! He weighed 8lbs and 1oz.

As you can imagine, I was a nervous wreck yesterday afternoon! At least my SISTERS had the compassion to seperate their first babies by a couple of weeks. Geez girls, how bout spreadin' the love a little next time, huh?

Both mommies are doing great, and I am so excited for both of them!

So sweet.. makes me wish.. HA! just kidding!

What are they watching?!

So, my sweet friend Melanie considered the things our kids were watching..I have pondered such things many times as I have watched my bright eyed little boy watch adoringly all those shows.

So, while her giving her the credit for the idea spark, I feel that I would be remiss if I didnt also share with you MY thoughts on these characters who entertain our kids...lucky you, right?

* Wiggles - Oh, the Wiggles. Ty loves them, as in, HE could have SO replaced Greg when he ducked out to enjoy an early retirement under the pretense of an illness (yeah, right..you are OLD and running around like that would make ANY adult exhausted!). Until fairly recently Ty thought that the color yellow, purple, blue and red were actually refered to as "Greg", "Jeff", "AnFonny" and "Murray". Another thought, their kids must be felt for..I mean, when you are 4 its COOL that your dad is a Wiggle...when you are 14, not so much. Oh..and they sing about the most RANDOM stuff. I wonder how many two year olds can honestly say, like Ty has on many occasions, "I LOVE ATHENS..OPA!"

*Dora. Okay. That chic needs to be slapped. Why does she feel the need to yell at me so much? And, she has no patience. "SAY WISH! SAYITSAYITSAYIT!" The repetition thing is its only catagory of annoying, and I try not to be insulted at her assumption that I dont remember the last review (30 seconds ago) she yelled at me. Of course I remember..I was traumatized!

*The Doodlebops. I often wonder how Rooney, Moe and DeeDee (or as I refer to them, Cyanosis, Jaundice, and Hot Flash) can play those instruments with those huge fingers. AND..is a "keytair" an ACTUAL instrument, or are we just expected to believe that it is?

*Little Einstines - where are those kids' parents? I dont know that I would want my kids galavanting all over the universe exploring and solving peoples problems in a rocket I am SURE hasnt EVER been serviced! ..even if they DO listen to great music and have an unatural appreciation of art. :)

*Wonder Pets - makes you wonder if your pet is a superhero whenever you turn your back doesnt it? Dont say you havent thought of it...:) I can say that MingMing has made me consider the possiblity of ONLY singing everything I say. It could be cool.

I'm just sayin'.

From the mouths of babes...

So, we were rocking for our pre-nap routine, and Ty says:

"frowin' a fit is not a good idea."

How true.

Note, this was after a long battle of wills LAST time he went down for bed when he and Adrian faced off for about 20 minutes. I am glad we got through :)

Water Family

I could say that both of my boys are "water" babies. But, that would only be half the story! This summer, we have become a water FAMILY.

We got a summer pass to the water park, and have used it WAY past enough times for it to pay for itself. We figured up if we used it 7 times, it would pay for itself. Well, the first week we got it, we went 4 times. That was two months ago - and we have SOO gotten our money's worth out of it!

We "Slip-n-Slid" yesterday - actually, daddy and Tyler did. Mommy cleaned out the car, and Canon "helped". I tried to leave Canon in the backyard with the boys, but when Adrian slid Canon FREAKED out. He didnt like it at all!

We have also had been able to get the beach alot this summer. Mostly because we have had a few guests that needed the South Carolina beach experience. That was nice..though a little salty, but wet enough to qualify!

Finally, to make sure we could make it through the winter without getting dehydrated, we got a membership to the YMCA yesterday! Yeah! I am so excited. They have an adult pool, and a family pool. We will most certainly use it all year round!

We can even do swimming lessons this fall, which will make Ty a "Polliwog"...how cute will that be?

So..in summation. We love water...and its a good thing, cause its HOT outside!

Help Wanted..no NEEDED

NEEDED: a fellow home-business owner wanna-be, for part-time or full-time hours!

I love sharing this products, but there is alot of work and only one of me. I am learning that to really succeed, I need a partner in crime! She doesnt have to be local (actually, long distance is even better!), or even a saleswoman! I certainly am NOT a salesman - but, I love these toys.

Let me give you a few details:

*Discovery Toys provides you with everything you need to start a home business when you purchase our Regular or Autism Parent Support kits for $99 (plus delivery and tax). These kits all provide you will a great sampling of our best sellling toys, as well as a supply of catalogs, order forms, party invites, a 3-month free website service...all to help you start making money immediately

*a $25 deposit can get you started, with the remaining balance divided among the next three monthly payments. I paid for my kit before the payments were even due! You can also pay in full at the time of signup.

*You get a 20% COMMISSION all every sale you make OR 20% off every purchase you make for yourself or business

*You can give as much, or as little time to your new business. Truly, you set the schedule, mode of sales...you build your business your way, in your time

*NO sales minimums. This is HUGE for me...some months I do great, others not so much. I dont have the pressure of the company to sell a specific amount each month. In order to keep your "Education Consultant" status, you must make one order in a year...that is all!

*Discovery Toys makes getting your business started very REWARDING! With the Rocket Start Rewards Program you get FREE toys by meeting realistic sales goals, and recruiting people within your first three months. I earned more than $500 in free toys my first three months!

*You get an ADDITIONAL 20% off all the sales! I love that...not only to benefit my business, but for the benefit of having these toys in my home, I can purchase from DT's sales and feel like I am getting a great bargin!

* YOU DONT HAVE TO BE A SALESMAN! ...truly. I simply love these toys, I take them to people's house, and share my excitement. People buy because my love for them, combined with the quality, the guarantee, the affordability. They sell themselves!

I do this so I can stay home with my kids...I would love to have a team member

who will join in my building this business locally and long distance!

Please, contact me if you are interested! I would LOVE to talk to you about the possibilities!

Autism Speaks

One of the attractions to Discovery Toys for me, was its focus on Autism. DT has partnered with Patricia J. Krantz, Ph.D., Executive Director of the famous Princeton Child Development Institute to develop a designation of toys for specific areas of difficulty along the autism spectrum.

They also provide the Autism Parent Support Pack ($99+delivery and tax). This pack is especially designed for parents with children with autism, with 10 toys that have been designated as beneficial for areas they typically struggle with. These toys include, Measure Up! Cups, Toddler Talk phone, Playful Patterns, Giant Pegboard, ABC book set, Hammer Away Boat, Discovery Chest, Roll and Play, Boomarang Rings, and a Lifestyles Product.

This pack, as well as all our packs, are designed to give a great overview of our favorite and most popular products, so that FIRST, we may we provide these toys to homes of children who need them! Second, we want you to share these toys!

All the DT packs provide everything you need to casually share these with people you know, OR make a booming home business happen! However, if you are intersted in simply using the benefits of being with DT to serve your own family and its needs...that is okay.

With the kit, whether you sell, share or keep for your own family - you get a 20% discount on all purchases thereafter.

I hope you can use Discovery Toys to touch a child in your life! I would love to show you how!

Please contact me if you are interested in purchasing this pack, purchasing toys for your child struggling with autism, or have ANY suggestions as to toys that you as a parent of an autistic child have found beneficial!

Measure Up! Cups

I want to take minute to highlight another one of my favorite toys...

Measure UP! Cups are one of my favorites, because they are incredibly versitile and can do WAY more than I would have ever thought!

These little nesting cups, 12 in all, come as three sets of four different bright colors. Each cup as a printed number, as well as "dot" stickers associated with each number, a play dough stamp, and are volumetrically correct (cup #1 filled with water, when added twice to#2 fits perfectly!).

For those teachers out there, these are an OBVIOUS tool to use for teaching colors, patterning, size differentiation, stacking and so on.

Aside from these uses, the toy guide (a FABULOUS tool that comes with every DT) gives you about 15 other ways these little beauties can be used, including: multiplication/division, volume comparison, addition/subraction, gross motor development, etc!

Who would have thought that toy that I used for the tub has so much potential! In the right hands, every toy can become a learning tool!

As one of our lowest regularly priced toys ($10.99), Measure UP! Cups make a GREAT baby or toddler gift. They truly grow with the child, and are so much fun to stack, nest, line up according to size, chew on, and pour from!

Check these and ALL our toys out at http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/ ...dont forget to contact me to order rather than through the website!

Want some FREE toys?

Okay moms! I know you are JUST like me, you LOVE a good deal, and will go great lengths to feel good about a purchase!

So, I want to share with you how you can get these toys, for FREE. Its not hard - and it feel so go to get stuff this good for such a great price!

So - let me tell you how to do it... AGAIN with the list!

5. Make a personal order of $100 or more...you start earning free toys!

4. Collect orders from friends, grandmothers (they love to get stuff for their grandkids that mom approves of!), aunts/uncles... Think your kids' birthdays, Christmas, etc. If your order equals $100 or more...you start earning FREE toys!

3. Have a CATALOG party! Long distance or not, I will mail you a stack of catalogs. Take these to work, church, share with friends/neighbors/family - collect orders for a week or so.
THEN...you have earned FREE toys!

Now..stay with me, this is where the REAL FREE stuff starts multiplying!

2. HOST a Mom's Night Out, a Girls Night In, a Dessert Supper, a GET TO TOGETHER. Get 5 friends together, I will show 10 toys, and talk for 15 minutes! The average party earns about $30 in FREE toys! My first one did!

1. The BEST way to earn free toys in large quantities - is by becoming an Education Consultant. Beginning at the sign up, you are already earning toys at a HUGE discount ($300 worth of toys, for $99 dollars). With a little work, Discovery Toys will pay you BACK for that toy kit - PLUS you are earning free toys as you order (you guessed it, $100 or more), you are earning a COMMISSION of 20% in cash, and as part of the rewards program for sales, you can earn unlimited $$$$ in free toys in your first three months with Discovery Toys.

I am telling you - it IS as easy as it sounds.

Also, if you are interested in the benefits, but not the sales aspect, call me!

As an Education Consultant, we want you to sell...even if it is just to you and your friends and family. The 20% discount is available as long as you remain active (an order a year, no minimums!).

That discount DOES apply to all DT promotions (even the 60% off ones!), and as you buy, you are still earning FREE toys!

SO - if any of these sounds good to you - let me know! I cant wait to talk to you about it!


Wanna see what you could earn for FREE?

Go to www.discoverytoyinc.om - remember to contact me to order, rather than ordering on the website!

Why I Sell DT!

I wanted to give you just a few reasons I sell Discovery Toys because being a SALESMAN is not one of them!

5. I really enjoy having an excuse to get to know other moms in my demographic. Its hard to meet other moms while we are locked down by baby schedules and naptimes (babies' and otherwise). I love having home parties..they are my favorite!

4. I love the 20% commission I make on the toys I sell - honestely, since joining, my commission has gone right back into toys for my boys. That was my original goal - to build our "toy" library. We have a great library going, and these will last us long past the ages my children are now.

3. I love getting FREE toys! Since joining DT in April, I have earned and used commission to collect close to $1000 worth of toys for our home. As I sell, I earn free toys. Everytime I make an order, I get to pick out free toys for me, my children, and the other children in my life. I love it!

2. I LOVE giving FREE toys away! To every hostess of home or catalog parties, or just someone who talks to friends and collects a few orders for me - I get to give free toys. Those are from the company - not my pocket. I love that I can help other moms get these toys in their homes!

1. I LOVE being able to be at home with my kids! I can be involved as I want , or am able to be with the business at any given time. In April, I had 6 parties. This month, we have been busy with friends/family visits, and those have been my priority! I get to pick when and how long...and I still get all the benefits!

Most of all, I love these TOYS! I want for you, me and our

children to have the benefit of these wonderful educational tools!

I would LOVE to talk to you about selling yourself! Please contact me if you are even a little bit interested! YOU CAN DO THIS if I can...

Remember, I AM NOT A SALESMAN! I just love these toys - they sell themselves!

CUTEST BABY CONTEST!

okay, girls!

We all know that we think our babies are the CUTEST ones! I think we need to PROVE it!

We are gonna have a CUTEST BABY CONTEST!

So - here is the deal!

• Email me a picture that really captures that BEEEEEAUTIFUL baby
• Send the child's birthday, your name/address/phone number so I can let you know if you win!
• Ages range: birth to 3 years
• DUE DATE: August 10th
• NO professional photographs please!
• One photo per entry
• Voting will take place here - stay tuned for voting instructions after the 10th!

The winner will get $15 off any toy in the current catalog!

I am so excited - I have seen some of your pictures, and I cant wait to see what happens!

I attached one of my favorites of my 7-month old, JUST to get you motivated!

Tell a friend...10% off!

If you found me through a friend..OR you can think of someone who would love to find some great information about how to get the most out of these formative years...the REFERER gets 10% off a single item from their next order!

Be sure to tell me if someone shared Discovery Toys with you!

They must think you are a great mom, grandmother, aunt or "adopted" any one of these!

Our Favorites

My "TOY TESTERS" have designated these as some of their favorites!

Canon's Favorite:

Curly and Pals ($19.99)- Curly is a stuffed, soft octopus whose arms are stimulating on every level! He makes rattle, squeak and crunchy noises when he pulls, chews, and holds this great toy. It is colorful and WASHABLE.

Why mommy loves it: This toy is large enough that it can sit on his chest while in the car seat, and he has a hard time losing it! There are octopus arms everwhere!

Ty's Favorite: Toddler to School Age

Firehose Hero ($29.99)- Ty loves to play with this great summer toy! He straps on the backpack filled with water, his fireman hat and is ready to go put out imaginary fires all over the place! He gets to chose between a stream and a spray and loves to get himself (and all of us) wet.

Why mommy loves it: Its so cute! And, I love how durable it is. The hat is not one of those cheap numbers. It has been sat on, stood on, and played with like crazy. The pump action of the hose is great for his coordination...and, most of all, he loves it. This is GREAT for family play, too!

Mommy's Favorite:

Busy Bugs ($16.99)- This is one of my FAVORITE favorites. This toy is all about color and tactile stimulation. It has 36 colorful, textured "bugs", which Ty loves. It comes with 23 double-sided activity cards with difficulty levels ranging from simple color matching, to complex predictive patterning and premath activities. LOVE it.

So - these are our current favorites!

But, we have LOTS more toys that we LOVE..we will share more with you!

If you would like to look at these toys, click on the links to the catalog to catch a peek. You can also see our OTHER favorites! http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/

Remember, if you decide you would like to purchase any of these or any other toys from the catalog, please contact me, rather than purchase online. I can take credit cards over the phone and the order will go out the same day! Thanks!

Why Play?

`

I have to admit, that I have always thought that providing TOYS for my boys to play with was an important part of their development...as well as my sanity! Toys, afterall, are entertainment and them being entertained means a moment they are not focused on needing me!

I have learned, though, that my focus was on the wrong thing. It was not the TOYS, but the PLAY that provided the stimulation and the true benefits. And that play, mixed up with focused mommy-time is invaluable to their development!

Here are some facts that really opened my eyes to how important I am to that equation

• 50% of a child's development occurs by the age of 4


• A child in Kindergarten spends only 750 hours with his or her teacher by the end of the year. The same child spends 56,000 hours with people who take care of him outside of the classroom

Taking focused time everyday with my children, has added so much to the "play value" of our toys. Sitting down with my 2-year-old and playing WITH him as he plays with his 'Busy Bugs' brings more than just entertainment. It brings stimulation, focused learning, sweet memories AND entertainment!

So - set that timer for 20 minutes this morning...sit down with your kids, choose a toy that they love, and make it one they can learn something from too (I happen to have some you should try ;)

My time, mixed with toys that have developmental value is a PRICELESS combination. That is why we use DISCOVERY TOYS!

These little moments are so precious - treasure each one, and get the most you can out of every second!

Check out the catalog online at http://www.discoverytoysinc.com/ - then contact me to get those toys on their way to you!

Why Discovery Toys?

Okay moms, you know the drill...in Walmart, a yelling SCREAMING 2-year old who HAS to have that $15 toy you know isnt worth the plastic mold it was poured from. You pay for it, only to have it break on the way home from the store, OR it is tossed aside with no acutal attention past the entertainment they get from watching you try to open the package!

Yes, we have all been there. So...when I say that I have something you will love..trust me.

As we have determined in the recent past, I love to list things. So, lets begin there!

My #5 Top Reasons I WANT These Toys in My Home:

1. They are safe! We moms have enough to worry about without worrying about their toys being a hazard unto themselves. All of DT are measured by standards more strict that the industry's standards, both national and international.

2. They are not mind-numbing noise makers...and each and every one of DT has educational and developmental value.

3. They are GUARANTEED for life! Just contact your DT consultant and she will get it replaced for you!

4.They are DURABLE...I have two boys. We have most of these toys in our home, and I can still use them at home parties as samples. They are played with everyday, and they are as beautiful and as NOT broken as the day we got them! I love that!

5. They are affordable..ESPECIALLY if you shop the sales! Just like retail store, DT has multiple sales throughout the year, with many current and discontinued toys on sale.

As a mom, I want the toys I bring into my home to be ones that are going to be valuable to my children's development, and be a good financial value. I love selling Discovery Toys, because I feel great about the fact that they are all those things!

All About Me...

So...I figure you all cant WAIT to find out MORE about me...right? RIGHT! I like this list I saw on a friend's site, so..here goes!

100 Things About ME:

1. I have TWO baby boys...Ty (2 1/2 years) and Canon (7 1/2 months)
2.I have ONE husband...6 years and counting
3. I am one of SIX siblings, three sisters and two brothers
4. I have FIVE nieces and ONE nephew...they love their Auntie Court
5. My husband is my bestest friend
6. I HATE chaos
7. I LOVE chocolate chip cookies
8. I cook 7 nights a week..I know, is he lucky or what?
9. I was a nurse in my "past life" ...3 years in the ICU..loved it
10. Love being home with my kids more
11. I get frustrated with my kids sometimes
12. I get frustrated with myself more...for being so frustrated with them
13. My mom is my hero
14. I LOVE LOVE LOVE order
15. Did I mention I HATE chaos?
16. I love FLYLADY...if you know her, you get it
17. I love DISCOVERY TOYS!
18. I love Publix grocery stores
19. I hate shopping at Walmart
20. I always wanted a mini doxie puppy
21. Got one a couple months before I had my second child
22. That was the worst idea I ever had
23. His name is Goliath
24. My cat's name is Weeda (my mother-in-law named her)
25. I LOVE living in Charleston, South Carolina
26. I love COFFEE (two creams and two sugars, please)
27. My boys nicknames are "Bubba" and "Pickle"
28. I would love to live in Nashville, TN someday
29. My roommate in college, was Amy Kelton
30. My best girlfriend, is Dana
31. My mom and sisters are also my best friends...love you guys
32. I am, and always will be, on Weight Watchers!
33. I have lost 40 plus pounds..but never at once, and some of those pounds I lost a few times
34. I HATE going to the mall
35. I LOVE Old Navy, ACMoore/Hobby Lobby/Micheals
37. Favorite place to eat...Wild Wing Cafe!
38. I love going out to eat...but, lately that has been a LITTLE difficult
39. I met my husband at Harding University...graduated 2001
40. We are DEBT FREE! except for school loans..see above
41. We are DAVE RAMSEY worshippers
42. Girls I keep with from college: Amy, Mel, Emily, Sheila, Callie, Adrienne, Lara, Christie, Rachel, Brian and Darlene
43. I am ADDICTED to Ethan Powell's website... http://www.ethanpowell.com/
44. I am so thankful that my kids are healthy
45. I lost my brother, CPL Dustin L. Kendall, on January 15th, 2006 in Iraq
46. I miss him so much
47. I cant wait to see him in heaven
48. I think about heaven ALOT
49. I LOVE brownies...leftover overnight, with ice cold milk
50. I will NOT drink expired milk
51. I LOVE April Fresh Downey fabric softener..it makes me happy
52. I want to go to Italy someday
53. My brother is a sign language interpreter, I am so proud of him!
54. I am a preachers kid
55. I LOVE watching The Office, My Name is Earl and Amazing Race
56. I could SO win Amazing Race
57. I would take my husband
58. I love lists... can you tell?
59. I have been selling Discovery Toys for 4 months...and love it
60. I have lived in Russia
61. I have been to Canada, Haiti, Jamaica, Hawaii, Grand Cayman Island, Belize and Cozumel
62. Three of those were because of our ..."Quick!-We-Are- Pregnant-And-Havent-Been-On-A-Cruise-Yet!" Cruise
63. My sisters are some of the best moms I know
64. I have a 14-year-old sister...I was 15 when she was born
65. I LOVE being organized
66. I am always on a quest to BE organized
67. I LOVE decluttering
68. I am one of Goodwill's favorite contributors
69. I go to bed between 9-10pm
70. My boys are up at 6am!
71 I love Pottery Barn...but never bought anything from them
72 I am NOT a perfectionist
73. But, I love ORDER
74. I love beautiful pictures
75. I hate being hot, blech
76 I hate to exercise...see above
77. I am addicted to Fox News Channel
78. I grew up on Star Trek, old school AND Next Generation...yep, I admitted it
79. I love quiet
80. One of my sisters is a doula, and a Bradley Instructor..and she is awesome
81. I want to be a gentle, quiet spirit
82. I am NOT a gentle, quiet spirit
83. As a nurse, I had a passion for working with dying patients and their families
84. I would love to go back, and teach nursing on a college level
85. I wish I would have appreciated the body I had in college
86. I am a secret agent for the CIA
87. I drive a 2008 Honda Odessy
88. I never yell at my kids, and I always have it together
89. The last three things I wrote, were not true
90. I love the fall
91. People who stand too close to me in the checkout line drive me crazy
92. I hate weeding in my flowerbed
93. I HATE roaches...spiders dont bother me too bad
94. Unless, they are on me..then, no.
95. I am running out of things to say about myself
96. I wonder how many people will make it this far down the list
97. I know you did mom..thanks :)
98. I want to use my home business to touch families with children with Autism
99. I LOVE Disovery Toys!
100. I have HOPE, PEACE and knowledge that I am here for a purpose...I am so blessed.