Sunday, July 31, 2011

#caringforcoen online fundraiser starts tomorrow!

Just a friendly reminder that the online raffle to raise funds for Coen and his family starts tomorrow (1 August, 12:01 am (EST) and will run through 14 August, 11:59 pm (EST)!
There are over $1400.00 worth of items up for grabs!
A list of the items can be found HERE!
Not familiar with Coen and his family? You can read more about them HERE!
Rules and guidelines for the auction can be found HERE!

Good Luck and Have Fun!
A HUGE thank you to all of our awesome sponsors too!
~Mama of the Littles~

Saturday, July 30, 2011

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted and Duo Wrap Winner!!

Thanks to Thirsties for sponsoring the review and giveaway!
Out of 354 entries, lucky # 57 "Boyzrule" you are the winner!
You have been e-mailed and have 48 hours to contact me before another winner is chosen!
Congrats!

Are you all ready for the huge online raffle coming up?? It starts Monday morning and will run for 2 weeks. Entries are only $1.00 each and there are over $1400.00 of fluffy prizes to be won, to include $100.00 cash!

~Mama of the Littles~

Friday, July 29, 2011

#caringforcoen Prize packs finalized!!

Happy Friday everyone.
I hope you are all welcoming the weekend!
I have finalized all the prize packs for the upcoming raffle!
The raffle will begin 1 August (12:01 EST) and end 14 August (11:59 EST)!

I want to again thank all of our awesome, fabulous, caring sponsors for donating such wonderful prizes for you all to win! All together, these prize packs total $1479.51!
100% of the funds made from this raffle will go to Laura and her family!
Please note, some of the prize packs are open to USA and Canada, and some are only to USA, and one is only open to Canada (#7). So pay attention when you are entering. Make sure you live in the eligible region!

Here is a list of whats up for grabs!

1. “Cash”
$100.00 cash (PayPal deposit) US and Canada
Value $100.00

2. Organic Boba carrier in Pine US and Canada
Value=$128.00

3. Boba Carrier (classic or organic) US and Canada
Value $100.00 or $128.00

4. "Fabulous Fuzzi Bunz Prize Pack" US Only
2 FB one size Light it up Blue cloth diapers $39.90
1 FB one size spearmint cloth diaper $19.95
1 hanging diaper pail (winner picks color) $21.95
A few samples of detergent
1 Fuzzi Bunz OS Hemp diaper vanilla $21.95
1 Fuzzi Bunz OS diaper in Mac N Cheese $19.95
1 Fuzzi bunz perfect size diaper in winners choice of color/size (subject to stock) $17.95
Value=$141.65

5. "All about Applecheeks"   US and Canada
1 Little Bundle (in choice of color, solid color only) $28.71
Applecheeks little bundle size 2 “Mrs. Robinson” $28.71
Applecheeks size 1 swim diaper in “Corsica” $18.81
Applecheeks one size 3-layer rayon/bamboo insert $10.79
Applecheeks storage sac size 1 in St. Lucia $11.88
Value=$98.90

6. "Blissful Booty Prize Pack" US Only
Blissful Booty
AIO medium in celery $17.99
AIO large in buttercream $17.99
AIO X-large in celery $17.99
wipe water concentrate sample “Coco Mango” and spray bottle
Total value=$53.97

7. "For My Canadian Peeps Only" Canada Only
1 pair of Stonz Booties
Value=$42.95

8. "This ‘n That" US Only
2 4-panel hats from the crafty lady’s store $17.00
1 Tweedlebugs one size diaper cover in white w/ snaps $9.95
1 Oh Katy Cloth diaper (choice of color) $17.95
1 Lil’ Swim snapper small in “surfs up” by www.turtlesoupkids.com $15.00
1 t-shirt in winner's choice from Be knit picky $14.50 (plus a 10% off code “Little”)
1 GroVia aio vanilla with snaps $21.95
Value=96.35

9. "For the Little Traveler" US and Canada
Trunki from Gummy Lump $39.99
Value=$39.99

10. "#10" open to US and Canada
Babee Greens Jersey Wool Shorties in raspberry size large $25.95
$20.00 gc to Nature bumz http://naturebumz.com/
Happy Baby Company $15.00 gc
Eucalan wool wash gift pack $20.00
Value=$80.95

11. “Rockin Green and Mother Ease” US Only
1 bag of Rockin green Hard Rock Motley Clean (old formula) $15.95
Mother Ease cloth diapering system: Total Value $27.90
*inlcudes: 1 Unbleached cotton os diaper, 1 bamboo snap in insert, 1 Rikki wrap large in wetlands
1 tin Rockin Green Delish Yum Bum Butter in Rage against the raspberries $15.00
Value=58.85

12. “Fluffy Love 1” US and Canada
1 Happy Heiny’s os cloth diaper hook and loop “Peace Bears” $18.95
1 Bag of Rockin Green soap 45/90 in winner’s choice of formula and scent $15.95
1 Maxwell Designs/Toots N Tots small wetbag in “Hoot” $14.95
1 Rumparooz 6*r diaper with snaps (white) $23.50
Value=73.35

13. “Fluffy {Green} Love” US and Canada
1 Bumgenius 4.0 OS Diaper (snaps/grasshopper) $17.95
1 Charlie Banana OS snaps in Shanghai Green $19.88
1 Oh Katy os diaper in green apple $17.95
1 Bag of Rockin Green soap 45/90 in winner’s choice of formula and scent $15.95
Value=$71.73


14. “Best Bottom Diapering System” US and Canada
Nicki’s Diapers
Best Bottom Diapering system:
1 Key lime pie snap shell $16.95
2 Stay dry inserts (small, med or large) $7.90
1 Overnight insert $6.95
1 Lime Cocoa Bean Planet Wise Inc. Wet/Dry Bag $21.00
Value=52.80

15. “Fluffy Love 3” US Only
1 $25.00 Gift Certificate from Diva Diapers (divadiapers.com) $25.00
1 Thirsties Duo Wrap and Duo Hemp Prefold $19.75
1 Grovia Vanilla wet bag $6.75
1 dozen gender neutral cloth wipes $13.32 (4 double flannel, 4 white terry, 4 flannel velour wipes)
2 CJ’s Butter samples $3.20 (Bergamot Coriander, Toasted almond and cherry blossom)
Total Value=$68.02

16. “$100.00 gc” US and Canada
$100.00 gift certificate to www.HappyBabyCompany.com
10% off discount code!!
Value $100.00

17. “Absolutely AMP” US and Canada
OS Duo Bamboo set (choice of color) plus a zippered wetbag. $42
Small AMP Duo (choice of color) with a Bamboo insert. $26
Large AMP Duo (choice of color) with a Bamboo insert. $26
$50 Gift certificate to spend at the AMP diaper store. www.ampdiaperstore.com
Total value $144

Which prize pack would you most like to win?

Thursday, July 28, 2011

Yet another awesome sponsor steps up to the plate! #caringforcoen

Are you familiar with AMP diapers?
I had the opportunity to review the AMP Hemp fitted diaper earlier this month! You can read that review here. AMP was also kind to sponsor an AMP diaper of choice for Blog Bash 2011, which we celebrated last month!
I am really grateful to AMP! Annie, has generously stepped forward to donate to the #caringforcoen online raffle (which I will hopefully get up and running 1 August)!
So, what can you win from AMP?? Let me tell you:
Prize pack #18
1 one size Duo diaper with Bamboo insert (choice of color) $28.00
1 zippered wet bag (choice of color) $14.00
1 small AMP duo diaper (choice of color) with a Bamboo insert $26.00
large AMP duo diaper (choice of color) with a Bamboo insert $26.00
$50.00 gift certificate to www.ampdiaperstore.com
Total value $144.00
A huge thank you to AMP and all our awesome sponsors for opening their hearts to help out the Coen Family!

Just FYI this generous donation brings the total retail value of the #caringforcoen raffle to a whopping $1459.51!!! There are now 18 prize packs! Woo Hoo!

Who is excited??

Stay tuned so you don't miss out on the start of the raffle! It will run for 2 weeks!
Balance your checkbooks, and get ready!

~Mama of the Littles~

Tuesday, July 26, 2011

2 more prize packs coming to the raffle #caringforcoen

I am so excited to let you all know that there are two new prize packs being added to the raffle to support Coen and his family.
Not familiar with Coen, you can read more about that awesome boy and his family HERE!

Due to a generous donation, I am going to be adding the following prize packs:
Prize Pack #16
$100.00 cash (paypal deposit)

Prize Pack #17
$100.00 to spend at Happy Baby Company
They are an awesome cloth diapering store out of Pittsburgh Pennsylvania!
They always have free shipping, and the winner of the gc will also receive a 10% off discount code!!

Are you excited?
Please feel free to leave a comment and tell me what you'd buy if you won either of these two prizes!!

~Mama of the Littles~

Monday, July 25, 2011

Caring for Coen on-line raffle rules and guidelines #caringforcoen


I am so excited to be able to bring you guys some really awesome prizes for this on-line raffle.
All together, we have over a thousand dollars worth of prizes to be raffled off!
I am going to go over some guidelines here so that you are clear on the rules of the on-line raffle, and will understand how the raffle will work
There will be a few mandatory entry requirements (varying from prize pack to prize pack). These mandatory entries do not give you extra entries into the prize packs, but make you eligible to enter to win.
First, for all prize packs, you must be a public follower of my blog via Google Friend Connect. There may also be mandatory entries associated with each prize pack (basically becoming a fan of the sponsor on Facebook, and/or following on Twitter). Note, these do not give you extra entries, but make you eligible to win that specific prize pack. It's our way of saying thank you to the sponsors for making all of this happen!
You MUST leave your e-mail address with each comment on the blog, in order to win.
To purchase tickets:
1. Send your payment to ljcrowson@yahoo.com via Paypal.
How to make a payment via paypal:
1. Set up a paypal account (it's free) by going to www.paypal.com
2. Add funds to your account.
3. When you are ready to purchase your tickets, click on 'send money'
4. Put in the e-mail address (ljcrowson@yahoo.com) *when sending money, please click on the 'personal' tab and click on 'gift' that way no one is charged a Paypal fee!
If you sent $5.00, that gives you 5 'tickets' or comments.
How to redeem your tickets:
Simply go to the prize pack you are wanting to use your raffle tickets for. Comment under that blog post for the amount of tickets you'd like to use.
For instance, if I want to use all 5 of my tickets, I would comment like so:
1st comment: "Ticket #1 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
2nd comment: "Ticket #2 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
3rd comment: "Ticket #3 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
4th comment: "Ticket #4 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
5th comment: "Ticket #5 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
*NOTE purchasing 5 tickets does not give you 5 entries into all the prize packs, but gives you 5 entries total! You decide where they go. You can put them all towards one prize pack, or use one comment for 5 different prize packs!

Please note that your name and e-mail address must be posted, in each comment. If your e-mail address for paypal is different than the one you wish to use to be notified (if you are a winner) you must leave both! I will have to verify payment through paypal that the payment was made.
If you have questions, please feel free to contact me angela_heffner at yahoo dot com
The raffle will run from 1 August 12:00 AM (EST) to 14 August 11:59 PM (EST).

Please note, each raffle ticket can be used for one entry only, NOT one entry per prize pack!
You ideally could spend $10.00 and walk away with a prize worth over $100.00

Good Luck and have fun!!

~Mama of the Littles~
welcome, welcome, welcome! you have stumbled upon (or purposely found) the Military Monday Blog Hop! while your gracious hosts are military wives and blogging connoisseurs, we invite all of you, military or not, to join in this great new blog hop to get your week started and your blog following grown! feel free to link up as many blogs as you have - but please don't leave links to your facebook, twitter or other blog hops (those links will be deleted!). you can also share this blog hop on your own blog, if you please.... we totally encourage it!
the guidelines are quite simple here!
  • grab the Military Monday Blog Hop button and post it as a new blog post or somewhere on your blog so we can be sure you are at the right hop!
 


 
 


 
  • follow all three hosts {just click the buttons below!} & leave a comment that you are following us! - we promise to follow back, just give us a few days to catch up with everyone!
 


Semper Wifey

  • follow as many, or as few, of the linked blogs as you like - but remember, the more you follow, the more followers you will get in return! be sure to leave a comment that you stopped by from the Military Monday Blog Hop and leave your blog address!!
thanks for joining us, and we hope you make some great new blog friends today! now, let's get hoppin'!

Sunday, July 24, 2011

#caringforcoen prize packs revealed!!

I am so excited to be able to offer such AWESOME prize packs for you guys to win. I am blessed to have such wonderful sponsors that have opened their hearts to help support Coen and his family!
*please note, sponsors are still being secured, so these prize packs may change a little*
Also, a few VERY IMPORTANT announcements!
In order to be eligible to win, you must follow all the mandatory entry requirements! These requirements don't give you an extra entry (only the raffle tickets sold count as entries), but there will be some mandatory entry requirements (mostly follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect, fan the sponsors on FB and/or follow on Twitter)!
Each individual prize pack will have a list of Mandatory entries (if any)!

Okay, here they are!!!
Prize Packs:

1. *Still under construction* (stay tuned)

2. Organic Boba carrier in Pine
Value $128.00

3. Boba Carrier (classic or organic, winner's choice)
Value $100.00 or $128.00

4. Fabulous Fuzzi Bunz Prize Pack
2 one size Light it up Blue cloth diapers $39.90
1 one size Spearmint cloth diaper $19.95
1 hanging diaper pail (winner picks color) $21.95
A few samples of detergent
1 one size Hemp diaper vanilla $21.95
1 one size diaper in Mac N Cheese $19.95
1 perfect size diaper in winners choice of color/size (subject to stock availability) $17.95
Value $141.65

5. All about Applecheeks:
1 Little Bundle in winner's choice of solid color and size $28.71
1 size 2 Little Bundle in Mrs. Robinson $28.71
1 size 1 swim diaper in Corsica $18.81
1 one size 3-layer rayon/bamboo insert $10.79
1 size 1 storage sac in St. Lucia $11.88
Value=$98.90

6. Blissful Booty Prize Pack
1 AIO medium size diaper in celery $17.99
1 AIO large size diaper in buttercream $17.99
1 AIO X-large size diaper in celery $17.99
1 wipe water concentrate sample “Coco Mango” and spray bottle
Total value=$53.97

7. For My Canadian Peeps only!
1 pair of Stonz booties (design/color chosen by Fulton Sales, depending on what size you need)
Value=$42.95

8. This ‘n That
2 4-panel hats from the crafty lady’s store (etsy) $17.00
1 Tweedlebugs one size diaper cover, white with snaps $9.95
1 Oh Katy Cloth diaper (choice of color) $17.95
1 Lil’ Swim snapper small in “surfs up” by Turtle Soup Kids $15.00
1 T-Shirt of choice by Be knit picky $14.50
1 GroVia aio cloth diaper in vanilla with snaps $21.95
Value=96.35

9. For the Little Traveler
 1 Melissa and Doug Trunki of choice of color from Gummy Lump
Value=$39.99

10. Babee Greens Jersey Wool Shorties in raspberry size large $25.95
$20.00 gc to Nature bumz (US and Canada)
$15.00 gc to Happy Baby Company
Value $60.95

11. Rockin Green and Mother Ease
1 bag of Rockin green Hard Rock Motley Clean (old formula) $15.95
Mother Ease cloth diapering system: Total Value $27.90
Includes: 1 Unbleached cotton os diaper, 1 bamboo snap in absorbent liner, 1 Rikki wrap large in wetlands
1 tin Rockin Green Delish Yum Bum Butter in Rage against the raspberries $15.00
Value $82.35

12. Fluffy Love
1 Happy Heiny’s one size diaper, in Peace Bears (hook and loop closure) $18.95
1 Bag of Rockin Green soap 45/90 in winner’s choice of formula and scent $15.95
1 Maxwell Designs/Toots N Tots small wetbag in “Hoot” $14.95
one size Rumparooz 6*r diaper, white with snaps $23.50
Value $73.35

13. Fluffy Love 2
1 Bumgenius 4.0  one size diaper in grasshopper, with snaps $17.95
1 Charlie Banana one size diaper in Shanghai Green $19.88
1 Oh Katy one size diaper in green apple $17.95
1 Bag of Rockin Green soap 45/90 in winner’s choice of formula and scent $15.95
Value $71.73

14. Best Bottom Diapering System
1 Best Bottom Diapering system includes:
1 Key lime pie snap shell $16.95
2 Stay dry inserts (small, med or large *winner's choice in size) $7.90
1 Overnight insert $6.95
1 Lime Cocoa Bean Planet Wise Inc. Wet/Dry Bag $21.00
Value $52.80

15. Yet, some more Fluffy Love
$25.00 gc to Diva Diapers
1 Thirsties Duo Wrap and 1 Duo Hemp Prefold (winner's choice of color/print, and size) $19.75
1 Grovia Vanilla wet bag $6.75
A dozen gender neutral coth wipes $13.32 (4 double flannel, 4 white terry, 4 flannel velour wipes)
2 CJ’s Butter samples $3.20 (Bergamot Coriander, Toasted almond and cherry blossom)
Total Value $68.02

So as you can see, the grand total of all these prizes together equal $1139.00 (and some change)!
That's not including prize pack #1

I want to ask you, what would you like to see offered here as a prize? A donation was made and I have a few hundred dollars to spend... any ideas, or suggestions?
Comment here and let me know!

This is going to be so much fun! I just wish I could enter *wink*
~Mama of the littles~

Saturday, July 23, 2011

Babee Greens fitted #clothdiaper giveaway!!

How would you like to win this diaper??
The Folks at Babee Greens need out votes! Cast your vote for a chance to win!!
This is an amazing cloth diapering company out of Asheville, NC! They make awesome cloth diapers. You may recall my recent review of their hemp/organic fitted diaper! Right now, there is a voting contest going on. There’s over $1 Million in grants at stake; your votes help decide who gets the grants.
If you have already voted for Babee Greens, thank you!
If you are a new voter, you can follow these simple instructions below to vote. Once you've voted come back here and leave one comment stating that you voted (include your e-mail so I can contact you if you win). At the end of the voting period (31 July) I will use random.org and choose one lucky person to win a Babee Greens Organic Cotton fitted diaper! Winner will be e-mailed and announced here on the blog! Winner will have 48 hours to respond to claim prize before another winner is chosen!
**You can only vote once, if you have already voted, you CANNOT vote again**
So, how do you vote?
It's simple, you can either text "iluvbabeeg" to: 244326
Or, go online:
Simply go to this website HERE, click on "I'm a fan of a local business" then type "Babee Greens" where it says "enter business name" and for the city and state type "Asheville, NC"
Then click on Babee Greens. Then, type a screen name, put in your e-mail, and leave a comment as to why you LOVE Babee Greens, then click on "vote"
Its that easy!
Once you have done that, come back here and leave a comment letting me know you did!
*You must follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect in order to be eligible to win*
Good Luck!
~Mama of the Littles~

Friday, July 22, 2011

Winner... Tropical Traditions Moisturizing Lotion

Out of 35 entries, lucky number 5!! Strange, the name says "Attila @amp; Tamara" not sure why I am seeing it like that, but whatever, you are still the winner *wink!
A huge thank you to Tropical Traditions for sponsoring this review and a huge thank you to all of you that entered!
I am e-mailing the winner now!
Don't forget about the Caring For Coen online raffle coming next month!
There's over a thousand dollars worth of fluffy goodness up for grabs!
~Mama of the Littles~

Caring for Coen! On-line raffle sponsor spotlights!! #caringforcoen

Two more awesome sponsors have stepped up to bat, to support the online raffle!

A huge thank you to our sponsors for your awesome support!

~Mama of the Littles~

Thursday, July 21, 2011

AMP Hemp Fitted Diaper review!


Have you heard of AMP diapers? AMP diapers are made in Canada and I had never had the chance to try one until recently. AMP graciously sent me their hemp fitted diaper, I chose size large.
This is what I received:


This is a picture of the inside of the diaper, and insert:
Here is a bit of information about this diaper (taken from the AMP website):
AMP Hemp fitted diapers are made of two body layers of hemp fleece (55% hemp/45% cotton) plus an additional layer of internal soaker making three layers of absorbency in the diaper body. An extra three-layer hemp fleece doubler is included with each diaper. A two-part diapering system drastically reduces drying times! Soft stretchy elastic gathers at the legs and the back for a great leak-proof fit! Hemp fleece is a nice stretchy fabric that will gently hug your baby. It’s a fantastic fabric for diapers as it’s very absorbent and durable, plus it has antimicrobial properties. High quality resin snaps for ease of use and durability. AMP hemp fitted diapers are very trim fitting and absorbent! Available in two sizes for a great fit from birth to potty learning. Hemp grows with much less need for water and pesticides which means it's not only better for baby but better for the environment as well! Hemp is also much more durable than cotton which means if you're planning on diapering more than one baby hemp is a great choice! All our hemp products are made of pre-washed hemp fleece to minimize shrinkage on finished products.

Small fits approx 8 - 15lbs
Large fits approx 15 - 35lbs

I used this diaper on my 3 yo son. He is a very HEAVY wetter at night. Though we are potty training, he is still not wearing underwear at night time.
This diaper worked great. I love that its made of hemp!
The size large fits approximately 15-35 lbs. My 3 yo is 33 lbs and as you can see from the picture below, it fit him just right! (He is really close to the max weight for this diaper).


This is the same diaper on my 17 month old:


The hemp fleece doubler that comes with the diaper is unlike any I have ever used before. All of the other hemp fitteds I have tried have doublers that snap in. At first I thought this was a bit strange, that the doubler didn't snap to the diaper, but it worked just fine and was nice not to have to unsnap the urine soaked doubler from the diaper when it was time to wash it!
AMP was kind enough to provide this diaper for my review. They also sponsored Blog Bash 2011!
I would really recommend this diaper to those of you with heavy wetters at night. I find that fitted diapers (hemp are my favorite) paired with a wool cover is the only thing that has worked for us for night time!
AMP also makes some other really great diapers!
One Size Duo
All-in-two
AMP Duo Pocket
Stay-Dry AIO's
Hemp Fitted
Original Pockets
Inserts and Flats
They also carry a slew of accessories to include pail liners, wet bags, washable wipes and stay dry liners!
The prices are reasonable as well! I would really love to try the AMP One-Size Duo, or the AMP duo pocket next!!
Have you tried an AMP diaper?
Feel free to comment here on this post and share your thoughts!
A huge thank you to AMP for sponsoring this review and for being a sponsor of Blog Bash 2011!

~Mama of the Littles~

Wednesday, July 20, 2011

Caring for Coen! On-line raffle sponsor spotlights!! #caringforcoen

Here are a few more sponsors that have graciously agreed to support this fundraiser!!
I am amazed at how many companies have stepped up and offered to help out with this event! Thank you to all of our sponsors!
Now, I'll bet you all are wondering whats up for grabs?
I will be getting that sorted out and hopefully posted this weekend... so stay tuned!
~Mama of the Littles~

Tuesday, July 19, 2011

Let me introduce you to great friend Laura, and her family #caringforcoen

I would like to take a moment to introduce you to my best friend Laura.
Laura and I have known each other since middle school. We both grew up in Oregon. While growing up, I considered Laura's mom (Linda) my 'second mom' because I was always at Laura's house, and Linda always treated me like I was one of her own! Laura also has a younger sister (Nerissa). Nerissa and I used to go to private, Christian school together, and were in the same grade. Laura, however is a few years older than me.

In 1997 Laura and I went on a missions trip to Wales. We ended up going back there after the missions trip to attend Bible College. I stayed one year, and Laura stayed 2!
Soon after coming back from Wales, I joined the Army. I served 5 years active duty and during this time, I met and married my husband of 8 years, Troy!

Laura returned from Bible college and I was living out of state serving in the Army. Laura moved to Tennessee, because that is where God was calling her to serve.
While living in Tennessee, Laura met Andy. They fell in love and were married.
Laura gave birth to Coen, her first son in August 2006. I can remember how happy I was for her when she told me she was expecting. I also couldn't help but feel a bit sad. You see, at this time, I believed I could not have children (little did I know that God had other plans)!

Shortly after Laura had Coen, Troy (who is currently serving in the Army) and I were reassigned to Maryland. So we packed up our two cats, one dog and a fish, and drove from Oklahoma to Maryland.
On the way to Maryland we stopped in Tennessee and I met Coen. He was such a stinkin' cute baby!
I was so happy for her and her little family.

Shortly after arriving in Maryland, I found I was pregnant with my first son, Aaron.
I was filled with joy! God was faithful indeed!

In February of 2010 Coen was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD)!
When Laura told me, I was heartbroken. The news shot through me like an arrow through my heart. Part of the reason for that was the simple fact that her and I grew up together, and that Coen and Aaron were so close in age.
When you are young and carefree, you feel so indestructible, invincible. Then you grow up, get married, have kids and the responsibility creeps in. I regard my family as the most precious things to me in this universe!
When something happens to one of your children, its like your world crumbles around you.
But wait a minute here, even though I feel this is my story as much as it is Laura's, I will let her tell it to you in her own words!
Let me introduce you to my dear friend Laura and her precious family:
Left to right, Coen, Andy, Laura, and Rylee

Here is Laura's story, in her own words:
"Caring for Coen… A family’s journey with an autistic child.
This is the story of my family (me, Laura), my husband Andy, our 4 year old son Coen, and of course Rylee our 2 year old daughter. This is the story of how the diagnosis of “Autism” changed our lives forever. When Coen had just turned 2-1/2 yrs old, we noticed that his speech seemed a bit delayed. Coen being our first child, we really had no idea at what rate a typical 2 year old should develop. At a ‘routine’ appointment, Coen’s pediatrician suggested we have him tested for speech delays. In the midst of the testing, several other tests were done to rule out other possibilities. 

In February of 2010, our son Coen (at the age of 3) was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder.
That has been a year and a half ago. I have walked this road for some time now and have come to realize, while a common thread exists among parents of autistic children, each has had a different path to find. Even as the number of cases continues to rise, there still seems to be no clear cut solution to indicate what a family must do when faced with such challenges. We made a decision to find Coen the help that he needed; regardless of where that would take us. Because we lived in the country, the resources that Coen needed were not readily available. The closest place that I found that could take Coen right away was 2-1/2 hours away. There were a few that were a little closer but there was lengthy waiting lists for most of the places and then they could only see him for 1-2 hours a week. I knew we just couldn’t wait any longer and I was certainly not going to settle for 2 hours when I knew he needed as many as he could stand. I left out on Mondays with the kids and returned on Thursdays, only to work for two days, see Andy and then do it all again the following week. We had to stay in a hotel during the week because we still had a house in West Tennessee. It was only after one year of travelling back and forth that we were able to rent a home closer to Coen’s therapy center. After many miles and many nights in a hotel, my son has made progress and my daughter is now a well seasoned traveller.

Coen has been in intensive therapy in Nashville, Tennessee, for over a year and a half. His progress has been remarkable, but he still has a long way to go. CoenCoen will be enrolled in a pre- k class consisting of typical and special needs children. While school will become a new addition to his busy schedule, he will continue to have several hours of therapy per week. This will help Coen learn to function in everyday situations.

Studies have shown that early intervention can result in a better chance for these children to live productive lives. Funding varies from state to state and in most cases has to be paid out of pocket for those seeking effective therapy. Doctors suggest at least 20 hours of therapy per week but the reality is that many families can only afford a fraction of that. The financial burden can be overwhelming for those parents who choose aggressive treatment options. For our family, many sacrifices have been made, but the reward has been seeing Coen slowly put things together piece by piece.
With the necessary support and guidance, Coen will be able to have a happy future. Until a breakthrough happens in the research of this disorder, families must rely on the support of those who are able to lock arms in the fight for the minds of these precious children.
Thank you for taking the time to read my story and for your prayers and support for our family!"

How many of you have been directly effected by Autism? Maybe you have a child that is autistic, a niece, nephew or brother? Autism is a very challenging disorder. I know that by entering in an on-line raffle, we are not going to find a cure, but I do believe that if we all pull together, we can help out this one family facing financial crisis. We can help provide Coen with the future he so richly deserves!

By participating in the upcoming on-line raffle #caringforcoen (beginning in August), you will be helping to relieve the financial burden this family is currently facing!
100% of the proceeds will go directly to Laura and her family!

Thank you all for following my blog!

~Mama of the Littles~

Thirsties Duo Fab Fitted Diaper Review AND Duo Fab Fitted AND Duo Wrap GIVEAWAY!!

A few months back (I know, Blog Bash 2011 really set me back on my reviews), while I was just learning about wool covers and fitted diapers, I contacted Thirsties Diapers to inquire about their Duo Fab Fitteds. Thirsties generously sent me their Duo Fab Fitted Diaper in Ocean blue, size 2, and two hemp inserts for review.
This is what I received:

Here is a picture of the diaper and hemp inserts after taking off the adorable ribbon (their products always arrive so nicely packaged)
It was love at first site. I could not believe how soft both the hemp inserts and the diaper were!
I mean, super, silky soft! Most hemp inserts are a bit rough, and if lined dried, they get hard and stiff. These hemp inserts felt soft and pliable (note they still needed to be prepped)!
I was unsnapping the diaper and noticed that there was a rip in the fabric surrounding one of the snaps!
I e-mailed Thirsties and they immediately sent another one out. Whats more impressive, is that I was told that Thirsties has their defective diapers fixed and then they donate them to mother's in need! How awesome is that! What a way to "pay it forward."
Thirsties is a great company. This is the second review I have been privileged to do for them. I have also reviewed their duo wrap diapers and hemp prefolds. That review can be seen here!
You know what (in my opinion) makes this diaper so unique? Is the fact that there is a 'tunnel' on the inside of this diaper which allows you to add an extra insert to increase the absorbency!
This is where the hemp inserts come in!
My plan for this diaper was to use it on my 1 yo son at night, with a wool cover over top!
My plan was a success! This diaper works perfectly at night. I have used it on both boys during the day and at night. I have used it on my 3 yo heavy wetter at night with a wool cover, and no leaks!
This is the diaper on my 1 yo:

Don't you just love how vibrant that blue is? This diaper fits him really well on the middle setting!
Here is the diaper under a Tiny Tush wool cover:

I really LOVE this diaper. It is so super soft, really absorbent and just an all around perfect fitted diaper!
(The following information taken from the Thirsties website)
"The internal soaker is composed of spongy microfiber terry that can absorb up to seven times its weight in liquid! A maximum absorbency of 18 oz. makes this diaper appropriate for both light and heavy wetters alike. There is a tunnel behind the soaker which allows for stuffing additional absorbency, and for better washing and quicker drying."
How awesome is that? This diaper really does soak it all up. I love the fact too that you can add one of their hemp inserts for extra protection!
You can purchase the Duo Fab Fitted diaper for $17.00. You can click here to find a retailer near you!
Or you can win one here!
Thirsties has generously offered one LWML follower a Duo Fab Fitted diaper in choice of size, color and closure, and a Duo Wrap in choice of size, color and closure!!
Mandatory Entry:
♥ You must follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (1 entry)
Optional/Extra Entries:
♥ Visit Thirsties, take a look around and come back here and leave a comment about something that you learned, or a product you would like to try! (1 entry)
♥ Grab my button! (1 entry) *be sure to leave a link in your comment as to where I can find it*
♥ Become a fan of my FB page and leave a comment stating you are a fan. If you already are a fan, just state that you already are! Please include your facebook username in the comment! (1 entry)
♥ Like Thirsties on Facebook (1 entry) and copy this note on their wall being sure to tag me in your comment "@Mama of the Littles sent me, thanks for the giveaway on her blog http://tiny.cc/5uzja" (1 entry)
♥ Subscribe to my blog via e-mail right sidebar *account must be activated* (2 entries)
Follow Thirsties on Twitter (1 entry)
Follow me on Twitter (1 entry)
♥ Tweet about this giveaway. Tweet the following: "Enter to #win a @ThirstiesInc #clothdiapers from @oregongal1 http://tiny.cc/5uzja #giveaway (28 July)" (can be tweeted once per day for 1 extra entry per day)! leave your status link and twitter id in comment

♥Giveaway will end on 28 July at midnight (EST). Winner will be chosen using random.org and will be notified by e-mail. The winner will also be posted on the blog. Winner will have 48 hours to contact me to claim their prize, or another winner will be chosen.

Disclosure: I received the product mentioned above in exchange for this review, Thanks to Thirsties Inc! No monetary compensation was received by me. This is my completely honest opinion above and may differ from yours.

Good Luck and Have fun!

~Mama of the Littles~

Monday, July 18, 2011

welcome, welcome, welcome! you have stumbled upon (or purposely found) the Military Monday Blog Hop! while your gracious hosts are military wives and blogging connoisseurs, we invite all of you, military or not, to join in this great new blog hop to get your week started and your blog following grown! feel free to link up as many blogs as you have - but please don't leave links to your facebook, twitter or other blog hops (those links will be deleted!). you can also share this blog hop on your own blog, if you please.... we totally encourage it!
the guidelines are quite simple here!
  • grab the Military Monday Blog Hop button and post it as a new blog post or somewhere on your blog so we can be sure you are at the right hop!








  • follow all three hosts {just click the buttons below!} & leave a comment that you are following us! - we promise to follow back, just give us a few days to catch up with everyone!




Semper Wifey

  • follow as many, or as few, of the linked blogs as you like - but remember, the more you follow, the more followers you will get in return! be sure to leave a comment that you stopped by from the Military Monday Blog Hop and leave your blog address!!
thanks for joining us, and we hope you make some great new blog friends today! now, let's get hoppin'!

Caring for Coen! On-line raffle sponsor spotlights!!

The list of sponsors for the upcoming online raffle, seems to be growing!
Here are a few more of our awesome, fabulous sponsors!!
A HUGE thank you to our sponsors! I know with all this support, we will have an awesome turn out for this event!
I am making up 'prize packs' for the raffle.
So far there are 13 prize packs!
Once I have gathered all the items for the raffle and secured all the sponsor positions, I will post a list of the items that will be offered!
You won't want to miss out on this. Remember, tickets are only $1.00.
So ideally you could spend one dollar and win an item (such as one of the two boba carriers that will be offered) retailed at $128.00!!
Are you excited now?
I am not offering extra entries for spreading the word, but I sure would be grateful if you all would tweet/share about this upcoming raffle!
You can tweet using "Over a thousand dollars worth of #clothdiapers to be won #win #caringforcoen coming this August @oregongal1 http://tiny.cc/5uzja"
Thanks all! I really do appreciate all your support!
~Mama of the Littles~

Thursday, July 14, 2011

Caring for Coen! On-line raffle sponsor spotlights!!

Awhile back I briefly told you all about an online raffle that I was planning to help out a dear friend in need. My best friend (from middle school) Laura's son Coen who was diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder back in 2010. Since his diagnosis, the family has been sacrificing in order to get the therapy Coen needs.
*More information about Laura, and her family will be posted this weekend, so stay tuned. You don't want to miss the story of her incredible journey!

Right now I would like to tell you all a bit more about the raffle I am planning, and to give you a little sneak peek of the great prizes up for grabs!
I am going to be offering some great prizes (and a few prize packs) for you to win.
Raffle tickets will be sold for $1.00 a piece. Each ticket is worth one entry. $1.00=1 entry to be used towards one item up for grabs!
I will have separate posts of each item offered. You simply use your tickets as comments on the post of the item you wish to win.
For instance, I am going to be offering a Fuzzi Bunz one size diaper in Mac N' Cheese. Let's say that you want to purchase 5 tickets ($5.00) towards winning that diaper. You would send your $5.00 paypal payment to (Laura, the e-mail address will be posted with each raffle item). You would then comment under the Fuzzi Bunz diaper like so:
1st comment: "Ticket #1 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
2nd comment: "Ticket #2 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
3rd comment: "Ticket #3 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
4th comment: "Ticket #4 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
5th comment: "Ticket #5 including my e-mail (and my paypal e-mail if it is different)"
Does this make sense?
Please note that your name and e-mail address must be posted. If your e-mail address for paypal is different than the one you wish to use to be notified (if you are a winner) you must leave both! I will have to verify payment through paypal that the payment was made.
If you have any questions, please feel free to contact me at angela_heffner at yahoo dot com
There will be a few mandatory requirements for entering. You must follow my blog publicly via Google Friend Connect (right sidebar) Additional mandatory requirements will be to follow the sponsors of certain items on Twitter and/or Facebook. Each mandatory entry will be posted with the item up for grabs! Also when entering be sure to double check that the item you are trying to win can be shipped to where you live. Some of the items for raffle will be open to US and Canada, but other are only open to either one or the other!
Now, on to the fun stuff!
I wanted to give you a sneek peek of some of the great items I have line up for you to win. So far, the prizes equal over $500.00!
Here are some of our fabulous sponsors (so far):

Who's excited?
I am still receiving e-mails from Companies wanting to participate, so keep your eyes out for another post announcing our great sponsors!
If you would like to sponsor something for this raffle, please contact me at angela_heffner at yahoo dot com

I plan to 'introduce' you to Laura and her family this weekend by posting her bio on the blog.
So make yourself a nice cuppa tea and come back this weekend to 'meet' Laura and her family, the inspiration behind this raffle!

~Mama of the Littles~