Adventures of a Military Family of 8

No Anchor Can Hold Us Down...

My Husband Doesn’t Always Feel He Is “Doin’ Good”. Truth Is: He Is Amazing!

by

My Husband Doesn’t Always Feel He Is “Doin’ Good”. Truth Is: He Is Amazing!

My Husband Doesn’t Always Feel He Is “Doin’ Good”. Truth Is: He Is Amazing!  I know first hand what it feels like when you think you are not “Doin’ Good” as a parent.  As a Mom of 6, it’s something that I battle with often; but I see that my Husband also has that problem; or fear. In his eyes, because we live paycheck to paycheck at times, it’s a reflection of him not doing his best for us.  Truth of the matter is, he does an amazing job!

My Husband Doesn't Always Feel He Is "Doin' Good". Truth Is: He Is Amazing!

[Read more…]


Finding MY Inspiration In A Movie About So Much More Than Running, About My Culture #MiInspiracion

by 

This is part of a sponsored campaign with DiMe Media and Buena Vista Home Entertainment. However, all opinions expressed are my own.

Finding MY Inspiration In A Movie About So Much More Than Running, About My Culture #MiInspiracion

Last week I was sent a screening copy of the “McFarland USA” movie, my Family watched it; and I do have to say that I was completely surprised by it and it’s after effects. As a tomboy I am a big fan of sports related movies, especially when they are based on a true story. I knew this movie was based on a true story, but I didn’t really know much more about it.  The fact that I am Mexican and the movie is based on Mexican families had not made me more excited to watch it; despite what my friends thought (which was that I would want to watch this movie because it was about Mexican families living in California (hello! I am Mexican, and my family lives in California))
722fb371899e6b8bb089f073c96a4e6e23f01272

My Husband, our kids, and myself were watching it together. Like with many “popular” movies, I was apprehensive about watching it, trying not to love it at first glance because I wanted to give it a full look before forming my opinion. After the first 5 minutes, there was a scene that caught me [Read more…]

My #Amazinghood Experience with Dreft plus Giveaway

by 

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with DiMe Media and Dreft.  All opinions are 100% mine.

My #Amazinghood Experience with Dreft plus Giveaway
Dreft welcomes families to the big, messy, beautiful journey of #Amazinghood with its new line of laundry care products.

Dreft Family

Babies go through a lot of changes within their first few years, leading to different needs for different life stages – especially when it comes to their laundry.

I am happy to be able to post about “My #Amazinghood Experience with Dreft plus Giveaway” because it’s a dear brand in my heart.  Many moons ago, when my now 15-year-old daughter was a baby; I only used Dreft.  It was just common sense as a Mom of a newborn.  As she got a little older I decided that we were going to start washing her clothes with the same detergent we all used.  I will never forget that day.  After her bath, I put on a sleeper and gave her, her favorite blankie.  I cuddled with her on the couch as I did every night.  She started being a bit fussy, I noticed her face a little red so I took off her blankie thinking she was just a little hot.  15 minutes later, she’s crying.  I look at her and her face is broken out, her lips and eyes are swollen; she looked like a little boxer.  I freaked out and had my Mom rush us to the emergency room.  After a few tests, they said she was having a severe allergic reaction to the new detergent.  To keep her on Dreft for a few more months (she was 8 months at this point).  After she was 14 months I tried the grown-up detergent again. Same reaction, same recommendation.  4 years later, same thing, same recommendation.  She is now 15 years old guess who gets congratulated in the detergent aisle or cashier lane?

She can roll around in dirt, sweat up a storm while she plays in every sports team, every season; but she can not use regular detergent.  She literally swells up like a bad case of Botox experiments.

20150519_173344_HDR

These are my “Couch Blankies”

20150519_174509_HDR

This is her, at 15 years old; STILL using her blankie and napping on my couch…

Make sure to download Dreft’s “Amazing Baby Days” app now available for FREE on the App store. This one of-a kind app helps parents – and parents to be – capture the amazing moments of pregnancy through their baby’s first year and has recently been updated so that moms and dads can make keepsake movies from photos and videos captured within the app!

 I skeptically tried the new different baby stages detergent’s and we had no reaction!

  • Dreft Newborn (Stage One): Expectant and new parents can wash their little one’s fabrics with Dreft’s same beloved hypoallergenic formula, designed to be tough on stains and gentle on baby’s skin with the beloved Dreft baby scent.
  • NEW Dreft Active Baby (Stage Two): Specially designed with a growing, developing baby in mind, NEW Dreft Active Baby helps to remove 99% of baby food stains and other outdoor messes with a gentle, hypoallergenic formula and fresh scent.
  • NEW Dreft Blissfuls (Stage Three): NEW Dreft Blissfuls in-wash scent boosters gives families the baby fresh scent they love. Safe on all fabrics, these buy clonazepam usa beads help bring back that nostalgic, amazing baby scent (and all those memories) with every wash.

Understanding that laundry needs for little ones change as they grow and develop, Dreft, the #1 baby laundry detergent choice of pediatricians, the #1 dermatologist recommended brand for baby clothes and a trusted brand for more than 80 years, has expanded its product line-up to better meet the different life-stage needs of babies and their families. Now with Dreft’s new line of laundry care products, families can focus less on the mess and more on the amazing moments they share together. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=q_pgiOH1a_g&index=1&list=PLUUY9_XLg2LkOWJr72_i8rwd0jrCoF2_l

And can I tell you personally about the scents?!?!
The Dreft Newborn stage is the well-known baby clothes smell we smile with.
The Dreft Active Baby Stage Two smells amazing, it gives it a little “cooler” kick,
The Dreft Blissfuls Stage Three in-wash scent boosters is the bee’s knees!!!
It has a “Rosey” smell, and when you use it on your favorite adult blankie; it’s just perfect!

Being that I have to wash not only her clothing with Dreft, but I also have to use it on all the common things we use like my “couch blankies”, and her siblings’ and my bedding; I am glad that there are 3 different scents now that I can use to give my home a different mood in each room.
blankets

Whether parents want to swaddle their newborn in fabric washed in gentle, hypoallergenic Dreft Newborn detergent; gently tackle tough stains while developing babies explore their world with Dreft’s NEW hypoallergenic Active Baby formula; or experience that delicious, nostalgic baby scent with NEW Dreft Blissfulls scent-boosting beads – Dreft is there for every amazing step of the way.

20150519_182831-1

I am happy to be able to bring you a giveaway in which YOU can also fall in love with the new scents!
Thanks to my wonderful sponsors, this giveaway will include:
NEW Dreft product line-up (1 of each)
Little Me receiving blanket (1 blanket)
Ingenuity Booster Chair (1 chair)
Aden by Aden & Anis Lovey (1 Aden)
Carters 5 Year Memory Book (1 memory book)

To Enter:
Make sure you leave a separate comment with name/link you used for each entry.  You may enter as many times as you wish. 
Mandatory entry:

Giveaway ends June 1st at 11p.m.  Must be 18 & up to enter.  Open to US only.  Winner will be notified immediately after giveaway ends, and winner will have 12 hours to respond with information or second winner will be chosen; fast turn-around for prize information submission.

Congratulations, comment number 14 is James Robert!!!!!
winner

Doin’ Good for a Special Mother on Mother’s Day! #DoinGood #DiMe

by

Doin’ Good for a Special Mother on Mother’s Day with Minute Maid! #DoinGood #DiMe

DISCLAIMER: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Minute Maid and DiMe Media.  Minute Maid will provide this prize. Minute Maid is not a sponsor, administrator or connected in any other way with the contest – and all opinions are my own.

Have people ever told you that you’re a great Mom and you didn’t feel like one?
Have you ever told someone that they are a great Mom and they told you they didn’t feel like they were?

I can tell you that many people have told me countless times that I am a great Mother, a good Mother, and a wonderful Mother;
and every single time I responded with “I don’t feel like one”
Truth be told, not many of us Mothers ever feel like we are great. We are our worst critics, I know this first hand.

Let me tell you how I came to the realization that I am not as bad of a Mother as I thought myself to be.
Last October our lives changed drastically.  During one week we lost ALL of our material possessions.  On Tuesday the kids and I were in a terrible car accident, with only liability insurance; our SUV was totaled.  The next morning, while we were in the hospital, someone broke into our house and stole everything from my back office and home store (we didn’t have renter’s insurance).  Two days later, while at the grocery store, our neighbor called us to say that our house was on fire (still no renter’s insurance).  In one week we went from living happy normal lives, to being homeless.
As we watched our house go up in flames, I continued to try to calm my kids down by telling them that at least we were all safe and together, that the worst was over.  Since that night we started our 4+ months of hotel & shelter living.  We relied solely on clothing donations and Prayers, and every time I had the chance I always told my kids that this would be an adventure we would laugh about in the future.  I always tried to make jokes, play games, cuddle; anything I could to make sure they knew they were loved.  Months passed and a week before Christmas another tragedy happened.  Their Great Grandmother passed away, one that they were very close with.  Our Family took another hit.  But I kept reassuring the kids that things would get better, to keep their spirits up.  After Christmas a wonderful organization donated $1,000 to our Family and we were definitely going to use it towards clothes for the kids.  New Year’s came and we celebrated that we had made it through the year.  Hoping that the worst was behind us, we hugged and enjoyed our night.  A week later, on Jan. 6th, I got one of the worst calls in my life.  My husband called me to tell me that our God-Daughter of 5 months had passed away.  Bella was our world, my kids adored her and they were all so close.
Our world once again broke, this time it was harder than the rest.  You can rebuild from a fire, but you can never replace or erase the pain from loosing a baby that you were all so close with.
The next week, while spending the entire day at her funeral and the evening at the re-pass, we packed up and were heading back to the hotel; when I looked in my wallet I saw that someone had stolen the $1,000 that were donated to us.
Another hit to our Family and to our hopes of things getting better.  That night Bella’s parents (Sam & Dom) came to live with us at the hotel since they couldn’t bear to go back to their home where Bella had passed.

20150205_184711_HDR

20150205_020854_HDR

About one and a half months later, we got word that we could move back into our rental, we were all so hopeful for a new beginning.  When we arrived, it was so hard.  The landlord left the walls covered in soot from the fire and dirt and debris from the construction.  It was hard for my children and for us adults.  We moved through it and cleaned up ourselves.  We were able to get a dining room table at the thrift store and I recruited the kids to help me sand it and make it into a chalkboard table, the biggest adventure for us yet was going to be rebuilding.  For a few weeks we slept on blankets on the floor and had no couches either, but I never once stopped telling the kids that this was just temporary.  That this was our biggest adventure yet, and it was our glam way of camping until we can afford furniture.  I never saw them cry, they always understood, supported, encouraged, and were grateful for anything and everything.

20150308_035650_HDR

I cried often, broke when they were asleep, hated my life at times, but always remained Faithful that things would get better, they had to.  I loved seeing my kids tell other people the stories of what we had been through, their responses to the shocks were priceless; they always responded with something to the tune of “we’re just happy that we are together” or “we’re glad that we are all alive”. Always gratitude and always joy.  I never took any credit for this, why should I; it was their beautiful hearts.

Last week I had a breakdown, a big one.  I cried to a friend and told her how big of a failure I was as a Mother and how certain I was that I had ruined my kid’s childhood.
She went on to give me not only every example she has from knowing me as a Mother, but also everything my kids have ever done, said, acted like; because of my influence in them.

  • She pointed out how my daughters dare not wear short shorts or low cut tops, not because I have ever told them they can’t; but because it’s the way I dress and they have chosen to be a bit more modest than all of their middle and high school friends.
  • She pointed out how my children have come through possibly the toughest 5 months of their lives, and have never stopped smiling.
  • She pointed out that my children’s Faith is so strong because they see how strong my Faith is that things will be okay.
  • She pointed out that despite the million bad things we have ever gone through, I have some of the most well mannered children she has ever met.
  • She pointed out that my kids went through 15 years as Military kids and survived 6 deployments without ever falling apart; she credits that to me but I give them the entire credit.
  • She went on to tell me that I have taught my kids so much, that I have made them into the strong independent and resilient kids they are today; because I am a great Mother.
  • She reminded me how my kids are the only kids she has ever known that never walk by me without telling me they love me, or giving me a hug, or a kiss; because she knows it’s what I always do to them.
  • She told me that my feelings of helplessness and inadequacy are normal, and as normal as they are; I am always so much better than I feel I am.

You know what?  She was right, I have always been so focused on all of the things I haven’t done with my kids yet, on all of the wrong things I did, on all of the short comings I have had; that I never sat and thought about all of the good things I have done.

20150508_184235

I AM a Good Mom, I have moments when I am a better Mom, a greater Mom, and even moments when I am a not-so-great Mom (just ask my kids when they are grounded);
but she’s right…
I am always Doin’ Good!

A new video from Minute Maid shows how parents really are “Doin’ Good.”
Check out this new video from my partners at Minute Maid. Share it with the friends and family in your life who could use a reminder that they, too, are doing a great job as a parent.

 

Do you know of a mom who’s doing a great job but may not realize it?
Let’s show them how great they are with an awesome drawing for a chance to win a Minute Maid prize pack, which includes a $50 Visa gift card.

Use the gift card to continue “Doin’ Good” with your kids (or give it to someone you think could use it to keep Doin Good with her/his family).

All entries must be in their own comment

  1. To enter, leave me a comment letting me know of what Mom you want to celebrate, by “shouting” them out.  Tell me what makes them an awesome Mom.
  2. 2nd entry:  Follow @militaryfamof8 on twitter.  Leave me your username in a comment.
  3. 3rd entry:  leave a comment on any other post, leave me the link to the post.
  4. 4th entry: share this post on any social media channel. Leave a separate comment with link to your post.

You may enter as many times as you’d like, but limit of one entry of each daily.
Drawing ends Thursday May 14th at 9 p.m.
winner will be notified immediately after the closing of the drawing

Winner randomly chosen:    S. Mcneill (emailed & confirmed)

New Release Alert for Come, the Dark & Giveaway

by

New Release Alert for Come, the Dark & Giveaway

Thanks for stopping by to view this quick announcement on Rebecca Hamilton’s latest release, COME, THE DARK, book 2 in the Forever Girl series. Although this book is the second in the series, it is a complete standalone following a completely new set of characters. And you can grab your copy today for only $0.99! Still apprehensive about reading the second book in a series? Well, you can grab the prequel, HER SWEETEST DOWNFALL, off kindle–Always Free–and on January 9th, THE FOREVER GIRL will be free also, for the first time ever! Worried you might forget the date? Join the mailing list using the option on the Rafflecopter below and you’ll receive a reminder on January 9th to download your free copy anytime between January 9th and 13th!

***

COME, THE DARK

by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Hamilton

Rose desperately wants to escape the abuse of the father who impregnated her and the dark spirits that haunt her life. Being thrust from Georgia 1961 into the era of Salem’s infamous witch trials isn’t what she had in mind, and now her daughter is left hopelessly out of reach.

The only way to return to her daughter is by facing certain death to banish the dark spirits that plague Salem. If she doesn’t eliminate these dark spirits in time, they will destroy civilization and trap her in this strange new place, ages away from her daughter.

Even if she can complete the task in time to return home to save her daughter, there’s still one problem: she’s falling in love with a man who can’t return with her. Achieving her goals will force her to choose between the only man who has never betrayed her and a daughter she can’t quite remember but will never forget.

A heart-wrenching tale of a mother’s love for her daughter, this romantic paranormal fantasy underlines the depravity of both historical and modern society while capturing the essence of sacrifice and devotion.

TRIGGER WARNING: This book deals with the sensitive subject of sexual abuse.

Buy Now for $0.99

***

***

THE FOREVER GIRL

by USA Today Bestselling Author, Rebecca Hamilton

NOW OPTIONED FOR FILM!

At twenty-two, practicing Wiccan Sophia Parsons is scratching out a living waiting tables in her Rocky Mountain hometown, a pariah after a string of unsolved murders with only one thing in common: her.

Sophia can imagine lots of ways to improve her life, but she’d settle for just getting rid of the buzzing noise in her head. When the spell she casts goes wrong, the static turns into voices. Her personal demons get company, and the newcomers are dangerous.

One of them is a man named Charles, who Sophia falls for despite her better judgment. He has connections that might help her unveil the mystery surrounding her ancestor’s hanging, but she gets more than she bargains for when she finally decides to trust him.

The Forever Girl is a full-length Paranormal Fantasy novel that will appeal to lovers of paranormal romance, urban fantasy, witches, vampires, ghosts, paranormal mystery, and paranormal horror.

View Now on Amazon

***

***
a Rafflecopter giveaway
***

About the Author

Rebecca Hamilton is a USA Today Bestselling Paranormal Fantasy author who also dabbles in Horror and Literary Fiction. She lives in Florida with her husband and four kids. She enjoys dancing with her kids to television show theme songs and would love the beach if it weren’t for the sand. Having a child diagnosed with autism has inspired her to illuminate the world through the eyes of characters who see things differently. She is represented by Rossano Trentin of TZLA and has been published internationally, in three languages. You can follow her on twitter @InkMuse

What is a Forever Girl?

Thanks for stopping by!

It’s too late for me, Save yourself! #LuvsLeakFreeHoliday

by 

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers and Luvs.  All opinions are 100% mine.

With having 6 kids, you must know that I have plenty of embarrassing and funny stories, but like everyone; I have a favorite.
It was 14 years ago, my oldest daughter was a baby; 7 years after my first-born (which makes me almost a first time Mommy again).

My In-laws had come to visit us, I had the baby all dressed up in a pretty dress; it was the second time they were seeing her.  After an exhausting afternoon time with her Grandparents, she needed a nap, so Grampa offered to go feed her and put her down for her nap.  As a Mommy of a newborn I was a bit worried when Grampa hadn’t returned after over 30 minutes, so I went to go check on them. The sight I saw was to this day, one of the sweetest things ever; picture Grampa curled up on the bed with the baby in her best dress.  I ran and got my Husband, Mother in law, and took a picture.   It was always one of my favorite pictures of her and one of the sweetest memories of her and her Grampa; with whom to this day has a super close relationship with AND UNFORTUNATELY; that beautiful picture was lost in our house fire.  The funny and embarrassing part? [Read more…]

From Little Boys to Little Men, #SmellcomeToManhood

by

Disclaimer: This is part of a sponsored collaboration with Latina Mom Bloggers and Old Spice.  All opinions are 100% mine.

 From Little Boys to Little Men, #SmellcomeToManhood
To spray or to over-spray, that is the question many teen boy miss.  I have had my share of walk-by attacks by those innocent yet over powering over-sprayers.  I used to think that they purposely over sprayed, until I had my own boys use deodorant sprays.  We have 4 boys, ages 9, 12, 17, 21 and obviously deodorant is something that MUST be used.  The older they have become, the more conscious they are about wanting to have certain scents and certain effects on “people” (my heart breaks a little every time because those “people” are of the “she” species)
Old Spice Holiday Smellcome to Manhood Kit

This holiday season, giving the gift of manhood couldn’t be easier with Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray, featuring the brand’s innovative and first-in-category Re-fresh Technology, which eliminates the need for guys to overspray or reapply throughout the day. With Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray, “One Spray Lasts All Day.” The brand also has a variety of manly smelling products for every guy on your list. Older boys and teens can “Scent Responsibly” with this gift that keeps on giving, one spray at a time.

The younger boys want to be like their Daddy, Uncles, and their Brothers, so they try to sneak their spray deodorant.  My Husband had to sit down and have a little talk with them about only needing one spray instead of 10.  Little do they know that for Christmas I will be giving them their own Old Spice “Gift of manhood” kits.  Not only will my nose thank me, but my wallet as well since Old Spice has a great coupon just in time for Holiday shopping!

Click the picture below for a great Old Spice Coupon…old spice coupon

How old are your boys?  How old were they when they started to ask for specific hygiene items?  My “babies” are definitely in that phase of growing from childhood into Manhood; and I know my Husband is happy to say: #SmellcomeToManhood

Maybe it’s because we have lived in a hotel for the last 2 months, but I had never noticed just how “manly” my little boys smell; until living in such closed quarters… wowzers 😉
My husband laughs and says it’s the smell of them turning into Men, my boys all joke and say “it’s the smell of a Man”;
I say it’s the smell of a Mommy’s heart breaking buy fluconazole online usa because I don’t want my babies to grow up yet.
If you have loved the previous Old Spice video campaigns of the past, you will love this one; it describes so many of us Moms and Dads…

Was it not just too cute?!?!

Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange

In a boy’s journey to manhood, toys provide laughter, fun and exploration of the world. Building off the “Dadsong” ad creative, and bringing attention to the massive quantities of boxed up children’s toys in garages and attics around the country, Old Spice will launch a holiday toy donation program with non-profit Second Chance Toys, an organization dedicated to keeping plastic toys out of landfills by donating them to children in need throughout local communities in the U.S. The Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange, which runs from Dec. 3 through Dec. 15, encourages moms and dads to donate their sons’ gently used plastic toys in exchange for Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray. For more information on the Old Spice HoliSPRAY Toy Donation Exchange, visit www.secondchancetoys.org/corporate-sponsorships/oldspice.

As a true Holiday Tradition, we are having a great giveaway; a gift pack for you to “Give the gift of manhood” to a Man in your life #SmellcomeToManhood …

  • Old Spice Re-fresh Body Spray– The gift that keeps on giving, one spray at a time. Be among the first to enjoy new Old Spice Timber – the best way to get that lumberjacky smell without working at a local tree lot.
  • Old Spice T-Shirt– The manliest chest tattoo on the planet without the regret when you turn 60.
  • Old Spice Branded Earbuds– Silence mom’s singing in the car. You’re welcome.
  • Bear Paws Meat Tool– Cutlery your dad, his friend Dave and Uncle John will be impressed with when you’re given the reins to carve the holiday bird.
  • Duct Tape– Fix anything on the planet, except holiday lights, where only half the strand works.
  • Art of Manliness Book – Full of wisdom and New Year’s Resolutions.
  • “Scent Responsibly” Instructions– Nothing will earn you grandma’s fruitcake faster than overspraying. Thanks to Old Spice Re-fresh technology – where one spray lasts all day – you can smell like a man and not a middle school locker room.
  • Smellcome to Manhood Certificate– A made-up diploma for the inside of your locker or to add to your LinkedIn profile.

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Giveaway ends December 15, 2014 11:59 p.m. Open to US residents only.  Giveaway winner will have 24 hours to confirm or a 2nd winner will be chosen.  Tight time frame is to ensure Holiday delivery.

Thankful for the Memories Giveaway: Canon EOS Rebel T3i kit

by

Welcome to our November Giveaway: Thankful for the Memories Giveaway: Canon EOS Rebel T3i kit.
I am so excited to be able to share this great event with you, it is perfect for the for everyone, from an amateur to a pro.  This giveaway is for the complete kit which is valued at over $700, you will not need to buy any additional items at all…
Our Sponsors and I thought you’d like that!

Thankful for the memories Giveaway!
New Dates: Nov. 1- Nov. 25!

Thankful for the Memories Giveaway: Canon EOS Rebel T3i kit ARV $700+

Thankful for the Memories Giveaway: Canon EOS Rebel T3i kit ARV $700+

Thank you to our wonderful sponsors, we are off to a great Holiday beginning with this giveaway, it truly is the stuff of Holiday Magic!

Sponsored by
Adventures of a Military Family of 8

Co-Sponsors:
Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog
Dragon Blogger
Giveaway Contests
Giveaway Lovers

Co-Hosts: 
Just Plum Crazy
Mommy on the Money

[Read more…]