Mom = Taxi Driver

It's getting to be that time of year again...parents you know just what I'm talking about. School is about to be back in session here in Columbia and I know it has already started back in a lot of other cities. My car has been tuned up, oil and filter changed, wipers checked and all greased up and ready to go go go! My mommy taxi driver gig is back in session! I have already started driving kids to tryouts and practices. This week is orientation and registration for both girls. I will be driving for at least an hour or two each day (not counting waiting periods). Too bad kids don't have gas money hee hee!

Here are a few photos of Chardie and Brie at their best friend Haley's house. They have thoroughly enjoyed their Summer and are trying to get prepared for back-to-school. Lucky for me they LOVE school so this it's really easy!

They both went through a growth spurt this Summer.

William and I are officially the shortest people in our house!

I will surely miss these girls when they go back to school. Chardie is starting high school...YES high school! She's even talking about getting her driver's permit *gulp*

William has a new toy!

A few weeks ago I was asked to test toys for a company called ebeanstalk. They sent out a number of baby toys and toys for 1 year olds to toy experts (moms) for their review. Through reviews such as mine, this helps ebeanstalk select great learning toys . The toy they sent was First Shapes Jumbo Knob Puzzle from Melissa and Doug who makes lots of wooden toys.

I was really impressed by the quality of this puzzle and really can appreciate the toddler friendly features. I am sure we all can relate to needing something destruction-proof when you have a 16 month old! Since this puzzle is made out of wood I feel there is minimal chance of breaking it. I really love the big knobs that make gripping each piece so much easier.

I also like how basic this puzzle is featuring simple shapes and colors. Another sneaky way to teach a busy toddler! William is really enjoying his new toy and I would certainly recommend it to anyone and I think it would make a great first birthday gift for a boy or girl. The prices are reasonable and there are so many different varieties of puzzles. I think William's next one will be the map of the United States of America.

Do you currently own any toys from Melissa and Doug?

Need some toddler advice

The subject I need some advice on is speaking. I don't know what it is but it seems as if William has quit talking for now. He was saying very simple words before and now he just won't. We don't know what to do about this since it's never happened to us before. Will is 16 months old now and is very active and intelligent. He responds to most commands and shows that he does know what you are saying most times. He just won't speak. Please please please friends, tell me I am not the only one here. He does not go see the pediatrician for another month and a half and I know this is not an emergency situation. I am sure his doctor will assure us that it is perfectly normal like she does for everything else. Usually she is right but this not speaking thing is starting to get to us. Does anyone have any advice for us on what we can do? I look forward to hearing from you! Thanks in advance :)

One Lovely Blog Award

I was presented this sweet little award from Lisa over at Lisa C Writes. She was so gracious to choose to give it to me because of the friendship with have built over the past 2 years through blogging. It's really neat how you "meet" people from all over the world through blogging and I have made some amazing friends that have truly become like family. Lisa is one beautiful woman inside and out and is an outstanding mother and wife. You can count on her to always have kind and encouraging words. If you ever want to know more about natural living then she is your girl! Now I will share the love. I would like to pass this Lovely Blog Award on to:

• Kristin- I just love her sense of humor and spunk! She is so ridiculously creative.
  
• Renee- she is amazing and is very inspiring.
  
• Beautiful Mess- just because when she leaves comments she always ends it with *HUGS* and she makes me smile.
• Sean- such a cool guy that makes your mouth water when you stop by his spot!
  
• Tanyetta- because she is as genuine as they come. I love her!!!
  

You folks truly rock and I'm so glad to know you!