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Big Step into Middle School #fightforyourwrite [plus giveaway]

August 19, 2014 by

Middle School is a big step. No more walking the halls with the kindergarteners or hearing his little sister yell his name across the cafeteria. Shaun is no longer a little boy. He’s growing into a young man. In fact he’s already taller than me at age 11. Yep, he’s 11.
This school year is gonna be so different. He gets to stay after for sports and extra-curriculars. Hopefully he gets into guitar. Hopefully he realizes the huge changes that are about to happen to his life. These are very formative years. These are the years that set you up for high school. These are the years that unfortunately box you into a clique. I hope he sees the greatness in everyone not just one group of kids.

School shopping this year was easy. No more crayons. No more scissors. No more glue sticks. This year he needed a scientific calculator and graph paper. Big steps for a big grade.Back to School, Fight For Your Write BIC

Back to School, Fight For Your Write BIC
This year BIC helped with the school shopping by providing a wide arrays of writing tools for Shaun and Shae as part of a new initiative to save handwriting in school. The Fight for your Write campaign is about empowering kids with their creativity and imagination. Handwriting is shown to be beneficial in all aspects of school and life outside the classroom.

improve cognitive development
builds self confidence
better school performance
helps reading skills
sparks creativity
sharpens critical thinking skills

My children’s handwriting is terrible. There is no such thing as penmanship class and cursive is being removed from the classroom all together in many schools. With just 15 minutes of handwriting a day your child engages 14 different abilities.14 Abilities Used When Handwriting

Sign the petition to encourage writing in school. BIC has already committed to donating 50,000 writing instruments to AdoptAClassroom.com but they are extending their partnership till 12/31/14 in hopes of reaching a donation amount of 100,000 writing instruments. Each signature equals one more pen or pencil.

Enter to win a BIC Back to School gift set here at LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! Let me know how you or your child is working to keep handwriting skills in their life.

Examples can be found here

Back to School Fight for Your Write Giveaway

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Tuesday, September 9, 2014. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.




There’s something good coming out of #rainbowloom

October 9, 2013 by

We walk in the store and the displays are as big as the kids. I was regretting this moment for weeks.  The Rainbow Loom had infiltrated our usually trend resistant  home. We didn’t fall for Silly Bandz and Scratch Art just sits in a shelf.  Even the elaborate Star Wars Lego sets weren’t ever an attraction.  BUT Rainbow Loom is make an impact. At first I wasn’t too thrilled. I figured the appeal was going to last just a couple of days then end up in the back of the closet but I think we might be buying more rubber bands this weekend.

#rainbow loom fad for boys too

Shaun is spending all of his spare time learning new weaving styles and matching up color combinations.  This is the kid that would put his iPod down if the house was on fire. Shaun is our electronics addict. Between Xbox, computer, iPod, kindle and tv he’s almost always connected if he’s awake.

Something clicked when Rainbow Loom landed in his hands. The need to be creative overtook his desire to plug in. That can’t be a bad thing. He learned the fishtail weave within a few hours, worked on the Hexafish weave the next day and is now teaching Shae how to make her own bracelets.

working on #rainbow loom

I think he appreciates this activity a little more than other toys and games because he was told he had to pay for it himself. He now knows since he made an investment he should actually take the time to enjoy it and learn it. Oh, and he’s selling them too for a couple $$ each.

I can deal with the little rubber bands and c clips on the floor if he’s working with his hands and brain instead of pushing buttons on a device.

 




Estes Alpha III Rocket Launch Set Recap and Giveaway

May 4, 2013 by

I want to start this post off by saying WOW and I mean WOW in a good way. For the last few days Shaun and I have been assembling our E2X (easy to assemble) Estes Alpha III Rocket Launch Set that we received from Estes. I can say for sure that this is one of the coolest projects that Shaun and I have ever worked on together.

This project that Shaun and I worked on is a first for the both of us. Shaun and I have always seen rocket sets at our local hobby shop but never took that next step and if I knew how awesome they were Shaun and I would have done this activity a long time ago.

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Out of the box the Estes Alpha III Rocket Launch Set was pretty easy to assemble but we needed to work on our rocket in a few steps over a few days since some of the pieces needed to be glued together and we needed to allow time for the glue to dry. I probably did do a little more assembling than I would have liked but that is only because Shaun isn’t the most patient person and I wanted to make sure that everything was assembled properly. The instructions were pretty easy to follow and I made sure Shaun and I took our time so that we built the rocket correctly the first time especially since gluing pieces together was needed. Overall the process was really easy with just a little patience.

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Here are some additional details about Estes and the Alpha III Rocket Launch Set:

Length: 12.3 in. (31.2 cm)
Diameter: .98 in. (25 mm)
Estimated Weight: 1.2 oz. (34 g)

Plastic Fins, Self-stick Decals, 12 in. (30.5 cm) Parachute Recovery

Recommended Engines: 1/2A6-2, A8-3 (First Flight), B4-4, B6-4, B6-6, C6-5, C6-7

Projected Max Altitude: 1100 ft. (335 m)

Estes model rocketry is recommended for ages 10 and up with adult supervision for those under 12. Unless otherwise specified, all models require assembly. Tools, construction and finishing supplies sold separately. In order to launch, a launch system, model rocket engines, igniters and recovery wadding are required – sold separately-unless otherwise specified.

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Once our master piece was assembled we were ready for takeoff. The launch process was really easy but does require adult supervision due to the model rocket engine which is sold separately.

The cool thing is once Shaun and I launched our first rocket a small crowd of kids and parents from the neighborhood gathered around to get a closer look and they were in awe of the rocket and how high it launched into the air.  I will be honest I was shocked as well but then again I wasn’t sure what to expect.  All in all this was a really awesome project that gave Shaun and me some needed father/son time.

Whether a beginner like us or more experienced, Estes has a big selection of model rocket kits for all skill levels that are available at local hoppy shops, Hobby Lobby and Michaels stores, as well as Walmart and Target.

Are you and your kids ready to do a launch of your own?

Two lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too readers will have the chance to win an Estes Rocket Launch Set (Easy to Assemble or Ready to Fly) of their choice and a $50 Hobby Lobby Gift Card.  All I need you to do is head over to Estes and tell me which Launch Set is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • SUBSCRIBE to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via NEW Email Subscription or BlogLovin‘
  • SHARE this giveaway on your social networks such as Facebook , Google +, Pinterest, Stumble Upon or Other (let me know where you shared)
  • FOLLOW Mom on Pinterest.
  • FOLLOW Dad on Pinterest.
  • FOLLOW Mom , Dad on Twitter and TWEET this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time: I’m entering to win a $50 Hobby Lobby GC and Estes Rocket Launch Set from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/ZFSg7i 
  • LIKE Estes on Facebook
  • ENTER another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Saturday, May 25, 2013. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I Disclose




Revell SnapTite Model Kit Giveaway

April 17, 2013 by

Today’s society is so technology focused that a lot of kids would be happy just watching TV or playing video games all day.  I know my kids would do that if we let them but we try to engage them in other activities like crafts, sports and games whenever possible.

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Recently I was asked by model-building company Revell to spend some screen-free time with my son building a model.  I thought this would be a great activity for Shaun and me to do together so we selected a Revell SnapTite 1970 Chevelle SS.  I can remember when I was a kid going to the store and picking up a model, glue and paint and how much fun I would have just sitting in my room all weekend long and building my model until it was done.  My father wasn’t around so I had to build my models alone but not Shaun because we built it together and had an awesome time.  I can say this is the first time in a while where Shaun and I sat down together and both worked on the same project and I am glad we did.  Parents need to spend more time with their children and model building is a great activity to do together.  Shaun and I plan to do again very soon.

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I really like the Revell SnapTite Model Kits because I can remember when I was a kid and having to use model glue to hold everything together, which was a total mess.  The SnapTite Kits go together really easy (they don’t require any paint or glue) which allowed Shaun to build 95% of the model himself with just a little direction from me.  The instructions were well laid out and the pieces were easy to find and it all snapped together perfectly.  The sticker decals were pretty easy to apply and Shaun did it by himself after I showed him once.  All in all the whole process from start to finish took about 1 hr to 1.5 hrs and like I mentioned was really easy and fun to do.

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Helping Shaun build this model took me back to a place in my childhood that I really enjoyed and I was glad that I got the opportunity to share this experience with my son.

Revell model kits are available at local hoppy shops, Hobby Lobby and Michaels stores, as well as Walmart. Revell offers all sorts of kits, like classic cars, trucks, and planes.

Looking to spend some quality time with your kids?

Two lucky Look What Mom Found…and Dad too readers will have the chance to win a Revell SnapTite Model Kit of their choice and a $50 Hobby Lobby Gift Card.  All I need you to do is head over to Revell and tell me which SnapTite Model Kit is your favorite.

EXTRA ENTRIES:
To receive these extra opportunities for entries, you must fulfill the first REQUIRED entry above. Please note the changes to the entries and frequency, entries that don’t follow rules may be disregarded/ignored/deleted.

  • SUBSCRIBE to LookWhatMomFound…and Dad too! via NEW Email Subscription or BlogLovin‘
  • SHARE this giveaway on your social networks such as Facebook , Google +, Pinterest, Stumble Upon or Other (let me know where you shared)
  • FOLLOW Mom on Pinterest.
  • FOLLOW Dad on Pinterest.
  • FOLLOW Mom , Dad and Revell on Twitter and TWEET this giveaway (1 time per day), please leave your twitter link each time: I’m entering to win a $50 Hobby Lobby GC and @RevellUSA model kit from @lkwhtmomfound @anddadtoo http://bit.ly/14uk5DM
  • LIKE Revell on Facebook
  • ENTER another Giveaway – let us know which one in the comment
  • COMMENT on any other Review/Our Life/Our Travels/Our Thoughts post, let us know where to find it

Your entries must follow the rules or they won’t be eligible for prizes. This contest ends 11:59 pm, Wednesday, May 8, 2013. The winners will be emailed and will have 48 hours to claim their prize. This contest is open to Contiguous US residents, age 18 or over. For complete rules please read our blog contest rules page.

I Disclose




Managing Technology Sucks

January 28, 2013 by

Back on 12/31/12 Melinda wrote a post about Shaun and his love of gadgets.  Xbox, TV, iPod and computer mean everything to Shaun and his life seems to revolve around them.

Recently while at dinner with Melinda’s parents her father asked us why Shaun was blinking so fast and hard.  Just an hour before dinner Shaun was playing Xbox Live with a few of his friend for probably three to fours hours so we told him video games was the reason.  He told us that it didn’t look good and he was concerned and I must admit after hearing his concern I understand why he felt that way.  Once we got home Melinda and I sat down with Shaun and told him three to fours hours of video games a day wasn’t good for him and we placed a limit on his gaming.  During the week he could only play for an hour and on the weekend we let him play for about two hours.

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After having this discussion Melinda and I noticed another problem related to video games cropping up.  Shaun has always disliked doing homework (what kid doesn’t to some degree) but since he got Xbox Live his hatred of homework has become more and more of a problem for us to the point where he was rushing so fast to get it done so he could play his hour of Xbox that there was so much wrong with his work that he needed to do it all over again.  Like I mentioned Shaun hates doing homework the first time so you can imagine how he reacted when we told him he needed to redo his homework.  It was an instant meltdown and total fight because all he had on his mind was playing Xbox Live.

Another problem we are having is he is in the 4th grade and has a hard time spelling simple words.  Shaun is not a dummy by any means and I know part of the problem is him not thinking and just rushing because he is focused on playing video games.  It also doesn’t help that at this point in the game his school doesn’t seem to place any emphasis at all on vocabulary.  All school year long he has received math and reading homework but not a single vocabulary list.  I can remember having to study vocabulary all of the time for weekly tests when I was in elementary school but not Shaun because he hasn’t gotten one vocab list all year.  So Melinda printed a 4th grade vocabulary list from the internet and we have been quizzing him.  The first time I quizzed him he couldn’t spell some of the simplest words that I felt any 4th grader should know so Melinda and I put another rule in place.  We quiz him daily on random words from the list and for every word he gets right he get two minutes of Xbox time and for every word he gets wrong we take one minute away.  I feel bad doing this to him but like I told him he needs to be able to spell words like correct, royal and bananas without any trouble.  Today I quizzed him and he did awesome, he got 45 right and 10 wrong so he got a decent amount of Xbox time today.

I told Melinda that we need to quiz Shaun daily on vocab and hopefully his spelling will get better.  I am sure it will over time as long as we stick to our rules we should be fine and so should he.

Us as a society always seem to want more and more technology to make our lives easier but sometimes I feel like we are so surrounded with it that it’s to hard to manage.  Kids don’t use their imagination like they used to ten years ago and I feel like that is hurting them in the long run.

How do you manage technology?  Do you have rules and time limits in place?

I Disclose




It’s All Our Fault

December 31, 2012 by

We’ve created the monsters that we call kids. We’ve showered them with gifts and review new products that span every tech gadget imaginable. Now I have a 9 yo boy who can’t seem to find anything else to do with his life but play video games, watch videos on his iPod and play on the computer. I blame us.

video gamesI’m first to say I’m lost without my laptop or computer. I don’t leave a room without my phone in my hand or pocket. BUT I also know the enjoyment from reading a good book (nevermind that it’s on a kindle) or getting creative with a craft. Shaun seems lost without something with an on/off button lately. He’s at a age where toys aren’t appealing anymore. Playing outside is hard lately. It’s cold, rainy and the other kids in the neighborhood aren’t around much. That leaves him to play with his sisters. Shae wants to play kitchen and put puzzles together and Sabreena is experimenting with new make-up techniques and working on a script for a school project.

No one wants to do what Shaun wants to do so he’s left to occupy himself with electronics. I take them away for a few hours and he roams around the house. He spends 15 minutes looking through football cards then moves onto tossing a basketball through a mini net on his door then usually ends up falling asleep out of sheer boredom. I tell him he’s not allowed to fall asleep when it’s time time to unplug, that doesn’t count as down time. Board games seem to be the best way he spends his down time. They usually take up lots of time and Shae is always up for a game. I do join in the fun too but sometimes I have to work or cook or clean.

What do your kids do when it’s time to unplug?

I Disclose




Shaun Hitting The Sled

September 26, 2012 by

Here is Shaun (in the red jersey) hitting the sled at football practice on Monday. It’s a little hard to see but this picture takes me back to high school because Shaun is playing the same positions I played. I can remember hitting the sled daily in practice now Shaun is doing the same thing.  

I Disclose




It’s All in the Eyes #WordfulWednesday

August 15, 2012 by

I love my children’s eyes.  They are very different from each other but each unique and beautiful.  I love seeing them peeking through. We don’t do Wordless Wednesday or Wordful Wednesday often but I knew I wanted to share this.

I Disclose




People Think The Grass Is Always Greener

August 1, 2012 by

I am sure you have heard the saying “the grass is greener on the other side” but I am here to conform that it is not.

In the last week and a half I have been home a TON alone which I thought would be awesome but has been extremely boring. When the kids are home I complain sometimes that they are being a pain because in the moment they are. It starts when I walk into the house from work with Shae and her nonstop sentences that start like this: dad did you know that, dad guess what, dad today I, dad, dad, dad; LOL. Not that I mind because I love her to death but I wish she would stop adding dad to ever single sentence. Then Shaun starts in with his nonstop can I watch TV, can I play Xbox, can I play the iPad, can I play your phone, can I have a snack. Oh my goodness, if he is idle for more than two minutes he starts freaking out.

So like I said I have been home a ton recently alone as Melinda and the kids went to the beach all last week and this past Sunday night into Monday Melinda and Shaun were in NYC, Sabreena was at a friend’s house in Maryland and Shae spent the night at Mom Mom and Pop Pops. So it has been just the dogs and I and I am going to admit I have been bored out of my skull and miss ALL of the kids’ questions and nonsense. I can’t believe I am actually saying that but it’s true. The house had been so quiet without the kids

So now I need to remember the next time the kids are driving me up to wall to appreciate every moment because when they aren’t around I wish they were.

I Disclose




Diary of a Wimpy Kid Press Event

July 28, 2012 by

Greg Heffley, the kid who made “wimpy” cool, is back in DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS, an all-new family comedy in the hit movie franchise based on the publishing phenomenon by Jeff Kinney.

Reading is not Shaun’s favorite pastime but since last summer he’s been hooked on DIARY OF A WIMPY KID book series. He’s collected each book along with the Do It Yourself Book. He brings one of the book everywhere we go, just in case there is some down time while running errands or spending a lot of time in the car.
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Tomorrow Shaun and I will be hoping on a train to NYC to participate in the DIARY OF A WIMPY KID: DOG DAYS press day. We’re not only going to see a sneak peek of the movie we are going to be meeting with author Jeff Kinney and stars of the film.
Shaun is obviously very excited not just for the movie but for the entire experience. He’s trying to decide what book to bring with him.
I’ll let you know how the event goes.




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