Product Review: Root Touch Up

Okay busy ladies this review is for you! Whether a busy career gal or mom running around from morning until night, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. I'm speaking to all busy women.

The kids keep me busy and I can't get to the salon as frequently as I did B.K. (before kids). Someone once mentioned to me that when they can't get to the salon they use root touch up. I'm so picky I didn't figure the product was for me.

Recently I found myself out of town with 2 inches of gray root. I was at the store and thought "it can't look worse than the gray"; so I gave it a try. Well ladies I want you to know I found the product to be awesome. The color is not hard to match and it is easy to apply; takes only about 10 minutes.

I now know if I cannot get to the salon I can buy myself a little time with root touch up. The one thing I will tell you if using the product is that if you have a lot of gray don't be afraid to leave it on a little longer. The directions tell you to leave it on longer for tough gray. I didn't the first time I used it because I was afraid of the results. I'm no longer afraid of the product and will leave it on a little longer next time.

I am hopeful you will find this review to be helpful. I'm so excited about this product. I can't stand to look at gray while I'm trying to figure out when I can get into the salon.

Happy Halloween

The kids had an awesome Halloween! Zac was a ghost. I tried to get him to be something really creative but all he wanted to be was a ghost. In the end I thought, "hey a $5 sheet and we are all set!" The triplets went as a herd of cows. Originally I wasn't going to dress them up but when I saw the cows on sale at the Carters outlet I couldn't resist.

We went to the two neighbors that we have living on our court then it was off to Uncle Greg and Auntie Ruth's to do up the neighborhood. Zac thought Halloween was really neat. He was so excited to have a huge bag of candy. He gets a couple of treats each day. I think at that rate the candy may last him forever.

Cowdorable Birthday Event

October gave us four big reasons to celebrate; the 3rd birthday of our son and the 1st birthday of our triplets. We are truly thankful that God has given us such blessings in our life. They are growing up way too fast!!

We celebrated the birthdays at Domino's Petting Farm with a cow theme for our herd. The day was absolutely lovely with gorgeous weather and a wonderful family surrounding us.

The farm was clean and the days events including pizza and a hayride were well organized. The only issue I had with the farm is that 2.5 hours is not enough time for a birthday event. We had to cram in; playing with the animals, a hayride, taking photos, pizza, cake and presents. I felt that the event was rushed with little time to visit.

We had a wonderful friend and photographer at our event. We've seen a sampling of the photos and are excited to preview all of the shots. Thanks Kim and Happy Birthday to our herd!!

Product Review: Secret

"Strong enough for a man but made for a woman?" I had to wonder about this slogan the last time I ran out of deodorant.

I know since giving birth to multiples between the hormones, carrying babies up and down stairs, loading and unloading kids from the car and every other activity that goes along with being a mother I'm hotter than normal. The last time I ran out of deodorant I got to thinking that I have used Secret as long as I've worn deodorant. How do I know something else wouldn't work better?

I decided to do a little of my own research and purchased a 4 pack of Dove deodorant at Costco. I used all 4 sticks and found that while it does seem to make your underarms softer it didn't seem to be any stronger than Secret.

I then decided after I ran out of Dove to purchase a 4 pack of Degree. My findings with regard to Degree were that it didn't seem to work at all!! I really have nothing good to say about Degree.

I realize that the findings may be different based off of each person. However my own findings have shown that "if it ain't broke...don't fix it." Once I finish this last stick of Degree I will be going back to my old faithful Secret.

Baptism

The triplets were baptized in August...God bless them!!

Six Flags New England

Last weekend we took the family to Six Flags New England. Our family friend, Judy met up with us at the park.

The day was very sunny and hot! We arrived right at 12:00 p.m. and stayed until 5:00 p.m. I think the next time we go we will get a hotel nearby and make it a two day event. I'm also thinking we'll go later in the day and stay into the evening when it is much cooler.

The park was very clean and the staff friendly. We spent the majority of our time in two specific areas; The Wiggles area and the Looney Tunes area. The lines were not long and Zac got immediately onto the rides.

The excitement of my day came when I was told they have a "baby center". (photo below) I know everyone might not find this exciting but if you have babies and/or multiples you will appreciate the center. The center seemed liked an oasis perched atop of a hill. We walked into a sparkling clean building with air conditioning! We considered just spending the entire day at the baby center.

The layout of the building is that when you walk in you are greeter by the person working. She will offer you wipes or whatever you need and can sell you food, drinks, etc. To the left you will find a nursing room and in front of that a kitchen area with highchairs, sink, dish soap and a microwave. To the right you will find a big living room area with toys, couches and tables and in front of that is a bathroom and a changing room that has 4 changing tables which include the tear off paper like at the doctors office.

I could go on and on about the Baby Center. We were able to put all of the babies in a highchair in order to give them their lunch. Zac played in the living room with toys. We all appreciated the clean bathroom and air conditioning.

All in all I consider it another fun family day. The only thing I would change would be to turn it into a two day event and go later in the day. We are anxious to go back and do up Six Flags New England!!

Ben & Jerry's

On Saturday we went to the Ben & Jerry's ice cream factory in Waterbury, VT. Zac felt the best part of the trip was the playground!

The drive was approximately 3 hours and 15 minutes. Upon arrival you crowd into a small area to purchase your tour ticket for $3. The tours run every few minutes and while waiting you can crowd into a rather small gift shop.

Once they announce your tour you are directed into a small theatre to watch a 7 minute video about the history of Ben & Jerry's. After that you are directed into a small glassed in area to watch the operations of the factory. Unfortunately the day we went the factory was not making ice cream so we simply had to watch a video about the process. We were told they do not produce ice cream on the weekends; I would encourage you to visit when they are making ice cream as I think it would have been more interesting.

Once you learn about the ice cream making process you are directed to the tasting room where they give you a small sample of a preselected flavor; ours was Boston Cream Pie. The ice cream was yummy but the sample very small.

We finished our tour and headed outside to the small area where they sell ice cream; seating is minimal but the views are awesome! John and Zac stood in line for what seemed to be an eternity and returned to our table with no ice cream. John got frustrated with the line not moving and said, "let's just go to DQ!" LOL

Zac's favorite part of the Ben & Jerry's experience was the playground located out by the parking lot and the Ben & Jerry's flavor graveyard. We were surprised that the facility was so small and lacking the "wow" factor. All and all we're glad we went while in the area but have no need to rush back.

Strawberry Festival

We attended the Strawberry Festival in South Berwick, ME on Saturday. The festival was celebrating its 35th year.

The festival is always the last Saturday of June and runs for one day only. I was actually surprised that it wasn't a two day event with longer hours. The festival begins at 9:00am and ends at 4:00pm.

We didn't arrive until 2:00pm as we waited until after the kids had napped and had lunch. The first thing we noticed when we arrived was the aroma of the BBQ chicken they had going on the grills. We also spotted the huge strawberry shortcake which should be huge at $4 per slice. Since it was after we had lunch we didn't eat anything, however, we'll know next year to go for lunch!

The festival was full of firsts for Zac. He had his first pony ride on Cupcake a 21 year old pony and went in his first bounce house. Zac seemed to love the pony but was a little slower to get the hang of jumping in a bounce house. Once he did get the hang of it he wanted to stay and it was a bit difficult to get him to come out!

The Strawberry Festival was a lot and if still in the area we'll return next year. We will plan to go earlier in the day as they break it down at 4:00pm sharp.

The weather was glorious again this weekend. We had another wonderful weekend full of family time and fun!

Pawtuckaway State Park

We spent Father's Day at Pawtuckaway State Park. The park is 5,500 acres with an 803 acre lake and is located in Nottingham, NH.

The beach area is lined with tall pine trees which offer a lot of shade. Also lining the beach is plenty of picnic tables. On the backside of the trees you will find a nice playground and a building that contains actual running water restrooms. The paved parking lot is very large and accommodates a lot of visitors.

The park boasts a variety of landscapes. You can hike the trails that lead to many special points of interest, including a mountaintop fire tower, and extensive marsh and an unusual boulder field.

Hikers walking the three miles to the 908-foot summit of South Mountain will be rewarded with a spectacular panoramic view from the fire tower. A walk on the Fundy Trail, bordering Burnhams Marsh, can be very enjoyable, especially in the early morning or evening when the beavers, deer and great blue herons are most active.

The Boulder Field is a geologically unique area where many large boulders, called glacial erratics, were deposited when glacial ice melted near the end of the Ice Age. They are so large that rock climbers practice different climbing techniques on them.

The park is very large and unique. We enjoyed our day at the park and will visit again!!

Ogunquit Beach

Friday we took the kids to Ogunquit Beach in Ogunquit, Maine. The weather was near perfect. We really enjoyed our evening at the beach.

Ogunquit beach is a clean little beach with the aroma of the nearby restaurants running through the air. The sand was white and fine. I really didn't think we would be able to get Zac to leave the world's biggest sandbox!

Upon arrival the tide was still up. However it seemed as though we looked away for only a second to look back and find low tide. Zac and I were able to walk way out in less than ankle deep water.

Ogunquit, Maine is a neat little town. The town offers a lot of cute little shops, sidewalk restaurants and a variety of accommodations. The locals are very friendly and helpful. I would recommend it as a place to visit if ever in the area.

Dual Purpose Mom

Yesterday I became a "dual purpose mom" and it was a brilliant time saver! I hope this idea can help you too!

I was at Target last weekend as the kids needed pajamas. I found a bunch of pajamas called "sleep n' play" which look like little outfits but are soft like pajamas. I also grabbed some more Trumpette socks which look like socks and shoes but are just socks.

I gave all the kids their bath and dressed them in their sleep n' play wear with their Trumpette socks. We then ran our errand to Babies R Us, came home, changed diapers, fed bottles and the kids were all ready for bed; no changing of the outfits.

I tell you it felt much less hectic and much more enjoyable to cut out that single step. We moms are already multi-taskers and need to reduce as many steps as we can in order to spend as much time as possible with our children.

Try it moms and let me know what you think!!

Huggies Jeans

I felt compelled to get some feedback from moms regarding the Huggies Little Movers in a blue jean pattern. What are your thoughts on this product?

I saw a conversation going on about this product on another blog. Naturally I put my two cents in on the topic.

My feeling is, "what took so long?" I say come out with more diapers that look like fabric and save me from having to buy shorts all summer!!

You know the first year kids are changing sizes every 3 months or less. I have many items that the kids never wore or barely wore. Right now they are in that 9 month stage which I think they could skip all together. I think once they are in 9 months you may as well buy 12 months as the difference in the size is so small. Come to think of it the difference between 6 months and 9 months is rather small too as they can wear both right now.

Huggies said these diapers are for a limited time only. However, I'm hoping they catch on and come out in all different colors and patterns then I would never have to buy shorts in the summer again.

On a side note I'm not fond of the slogan for these diapers which is, "the coolest you'll look pooping your pants." I think they could come up with something a little more appealing. What are your thoughts moms?? Has anyone tried these diapers and worn them with just a shirt? If so, how did they look??

Pretty Blue Eyes

The kids were playing on the floor in their Bumbos today. I grabbed the camera to shoot photos and video.

I downloaded the photos onto my computer and realized the triplets have very big blue eyes. People always make comments about their beautiful big blue eyes when we are out. I guess when you see them every day you really don't stop to think about the color of their eyes.

I thought these photos truly captured their beautiful big blue eyes and wanted to share them with you. They could melt me with their eyes. I wonder if that will still work when they are teenagers? LOL

We love them so very much!! God has truly blessed us.

York Zoo

We visited the York Zoo in York, ME on Memorial Day. Once again the weather was simply beautiful.

York is a nice area with lots to do around the beach. The zoo was okay; small and needs some updating but we had a nice time all the same.

They also have an amusement area that is in need of some updating. I believe they did have a new kids roller coaster. Regardless, I won't be jumping on any of their rides.

The good thing is you can buy a zoo only pass, an amusement only pass or a combination pass to attend both. We purchased the zoo only pass and it worked out well for us. I'd call it another successful day here on the East Coast.

Zac Sings 2

Zac singing Itsy Bitsy Spider

Storytime Live

On Saturday Zac & I attended Storytime Live presented by Nickelodeon in Boston, MA. We met our dear friend Judy (who Zac lovingly refers to as Juney) had Chinese for lunch, attended the theatre and then played on the playground.

The weather was beautiful, the food was yummy and the show was great! The costumes and sets were very colorful and the music was good. The Wang Theatre was just beautiful and the staff very accommodating; not a bad seat in the house. Zac sat the entire time awaiting the arrival of Dora; who naturally hit the stage last!

After the show we found a nice playground. Zac played while Judy and I got a chance to visit over a bottle of water. Unfortunately, our day had to end and we parted with "Juney" in opposite directions heading toward different subways; Juney going to the Red Line while Zac and I headed to the Orange Line.

The subway was a completely different experience; especially if you do not know what you are doing. You cannot locate help and are left to your own devices to find your way. First you must figure out parking, then the subway schedule, then figure out your fare, how to pay, then where and how to board your subway. Also a hint for people with strollers there actually is a "small" elevator you just have to find it! On another side note, "no bathrooms at the stations!!" By the time we went home we felt like real pros; got our ticket, found the elevator and our train. Zac did enjoy the "train" ride and people watching. All in all a successful and fun day with my beautiful son.

Funtown USA

We took the kids to Funtown USA in Saco, Maine yesterday. The day was near perfect with sunshine, 75 degrees, a slight breeze and moms got in free as a post Mother's Day discount. Zac and the triplets were free too while John received a discounted rate. The whole day of fun and adventure only cost us $20.00 and was money well spent!

The amusement park was very clean and the staff exceptionally friendly. The guests were all very friendly too! Kiddie Land is set up with all rides very close together so there wasn't a lot of walking involved in the day.

They have a big tented area with tables which was nice for feeding the kids and grabbing some shade. You are allowed to bring coolers. We noticed a lot of guests bring coolers with drinks and food. They leave them right there in the tent for frequent visits to replenish and rehydrate. The bathrooms were clean and accessible too!

John and Zac waited in lines and rode the rides. The triplets and I found shady spots at each amusement from where we waited, watched and took photos. Overall, I would give Funtown USA in Saco, Maine two thumbs up. The amusement park makes for a fun day in which to have a family outing; don't forget the hats and sunscreen for the kids!

Zac Sings

Zac taught himself the song Twinkle Twinkle Little Star. He learned it from Leapfrog Learning Baby Tad. I recommend Tad as he does teach children and they find it fun to learn from him.

Gifts for Mom

Today on Mother's Day I thank God for my beautiful and healthy children. I am thankful he has trusted me enough to allow me to be a mom.

I received two wonderful gifts today. The first was a dozen roses which were hand delivered by Zac who said to me, "thank you for being my mother!" The next was an afternoon nap; it truly is the simple things in life that mean the most.

I felt compelled on Mother's Day to open up a discussion about gifts for new moms and moms of multiples. Please feel free to jump in with your own ideas.

I have three ideas. The first two are good for new moms and moms of multiples. The third is geared specifically to moms of multiples.

1. Cook a meal or pick up a meal and deliver it to the new mom. After the birth of a child the last thing you want to do is cook or think about what to cook. Besides the fact you want to spend every waking moment with your child, you are exhausted and sore. I found especially with the triplets there was no time to cook. I immediately lost 18 pounds from not eating and my mom who was staying with me lost 8. One day my sister-in-law delivered food to us and you would have thought we hit the lottery!

2. Arrange for a cleaning service to go and clean the home. Again being a new mom you are busy, tired and sore. I wanted to clean so badly but didn't have the time or energy. You know how good it feels to have a clean house. A clean house in the middle of chaos is a priceless gift.

3. A great gift for moms of multiples is a bottle propping gadget of some kind. A mom of multiples will be alone at some point and it is impossible to keep the babies on the same schedule if you cannot feed them all at the same time. Also there will be times a care giver may need to be left alone with the babies while the new mom attends a follow up doctor appointment or simply needs to get out for a mental break. I found a great one at www.justmultiples.com under simple solutions and then under feeding solutions. They are only $22.95 and worth every penny!

I'm hopeful you will find this information to be helpful. Please feel free to add your "gift ideas for new mom."

Until next time...wishing each of you a very happy Mother's Day!!

What's In A Name

My blog today is all about names; names not meant for any other reason but to be fun!

1. Rock Star Triplet (+1) Mom = I feel as though I should explain that "Rock Star Triplet (+1) Mom" is a name I was crowned & not one I gave to myself. The name is a simple example of how you can turn a negative into a positive. The name started out simply as Rock Star Triplet Mom and without going into too much detail let's just say it was done in a catty manner (remember kids sticks & stones). Being surrounded by wonderful family & true friends everyone saw it as a positive, loved it, and added the (+1) in order to include Zac & the name to this blog was born.

2. Zacism = The name Zacism refers to all of the funny things Zac says during a given day. A good childhood & High School friend of mine (shout out to Terri Clodfelter Hylton) dubbed Zac's sayings as Zacisms. She told me I should keep track of them as you forget them over time. I know I've forgotten so many of them already. I think Terri was also the one that dubbed my children as my Posse; gosh she's good! The Posse stuck because it is much quicker to just sign Michelle & Posse :)

3. Zac Man = The name Zac Man was given to Zac by my BFF (shout out to Lisa Ballard Alexander). She gave him this name from the time he was born. She calls him Little Man & Zac Man. Zac Man has been used so much that he now refers to himself as Zac Man. He will say, "I Zac Man" and when you try to tell him his last name he will say, "No I not..I Zac Man." I can just imagine when he goes to school and they try to refer to him by his first & last name and he proceeds to tell the teacher his last name is "Man"!!

4. Gidget = The name Gidget refers to the navigational system in the van (shout out to Chrysler for having the best mini vans on the market). We simply thought it was a gadget changed the "a" to "i" and we now have a Gidget. Sometime we ignore Gidget and go our own way, sometimes we yell at Gidget when she makes no sense and other times we simply mute her when she becomes confusing & annoying. Last night we were out driving around and Gidget was telling us when to go left and when to go right when a Zacism happened; Zac said to me, "mama that lady is going to tell you to go left now" then he paused a few minutes to think about it and said, "mama next that lady is going to tell you to turn right" & finally he said, "mama is that lady going to give me a cookie?" (referring to the lady at the Meijer bakery who always gives him a cookie). LOL I guess he listens to Gidget too!! I only regret that Gidget has no cookies!

Well that's it for the "name game." I hope you've enjoyed our time together. Today I have four children that are all coughing & sneezing. I'm hoping it isn't anything that stays with them for too long.

Prayers for the day are going out to; Retzy & her daughter Ashley who recently underwent lung surgery due to cancer, Taylor English & her family as Taylor fights to overcome a returning brain tumor, and to the family of Evan Huskisson (an Avon student) who lost his battle with lukemia on 5/1/10. Please join me in lifting these families up in prayer. Amen

The Blog Begins

OK..Everyone keeps telling me I need to start a blog so I am going to give it a try..if nothing else maybe it will help me remember what happens each day :)

The day started with Zac (who we refer to as Zac-Man) flipping on the bedroom light and saying to me, "wake up sleeping beauty!" Now that is a great way to start the day.

The boy makes me laugh out loud all day long. We use suckers as his reward in the potty training process so later he sees me go into the bathroom and then come out of the bathroom and says, "mama I'm gonna go get you a sucker now!" LOL