momonthegoinholytoledo

Win Tickets for LEGO Creativity Tour

October 7, 2015October 7, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

LEGO ™ bricks are the BEST!! I simply adore the fact that my children can spend hours creating cities, castles, cars, putting together kits, etc. with LEGO. I appreciate the cognitive benefits that LEGO provide the children. I admire watching those wheels turn in their little brains and the joy come over their little faces when they connect and build from their imagination and instruction. Thankfully we have no shortage of LEGO, in fact sometimes it seems as though they multiply overnight! I mean seriously, when did LEGO bricks start reproducing? Have you ever had the misfortune of stepping on one? LEGO pain is real people…not to be confused with labor pain…though they are both up there in terms of intensity. Haha! But I digress. Exciting news for LEGO enthusiast and families of all ages, LEGO Creativity Tour, Powered by LEGO KidsFest, is coming to Columbus, OH! This event delivers immersive building activities for all LEGO enthusiasts Nov. 20-22 at the Greater Columbus Convention Center.

The LEGO Creativity Tour, powered by the team that runs the popular North American LEGO KidsFest tour, comes to the Greater Columbus Convention Center in Columbus Nov. 20 – 22 for eight identical sessions. The LEGO Creativity Tour will offer children of all ages an opportunity to build, create and enjoy an immersive LEGO experience through engaging play areas, family-oriented building activities and more.

Some of the activities in the 118,000 square-foot space include:

* LEGO Model Museum: walk among life-sized models made from LEGO bricks

* Race Ramps: build a custom car, then race it down the ramp against friends and family

* Challenge Zone: the whole family is on the hook to show off their creative building skills in this emceed challenge

* Construction Zone: enjoy a creative build, play, and display area

* LEGO DUPLO: the youngest builders can explore building their imaginations and so many ways to play with DUPLO bricks

* Brick Battle Zone: join a team and compete in fun activities like relay races, tower speed build and bridge building contests

* Big Brick Pile: dive into the largest pile of LEGO bricks ever seen to build something amazing

* LEGO Art Gallery: create a custom masterpiece and display it for all to see

* Monochromatic Builds: limiting the materials to one color and one size creates amazing results

* And much more!

“Since we began the LEGO KidsFest six years ago, we have been flooded with requests to visit more cities and regions across the country, but they don’t all have the space to host a KidsFest,” said Vince Rubino, senior events manager at LEGO Systems, Inc. “The LEGO Creativity Tour leverages some of the best of the LEGO KidsFest experience in a more flexible format to enable us to visit with even more families with an interactive, hands-on LEGO celebration.”

SHOW TIMES:

Note: Each session offers the same exhibits and activities

Friday, November 20, 2015

Session I: 1:30 pm – 4:30 pm

Session II: 5:30 pm – 8:30 pm

Saturday, November 21, 2015

Session I: 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Session II: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Session III: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Sunday, November 22, 2015

Session I: 8:30 am – 11:30 am

Session II: 12:30 pm – 3:30 pm

Session III: 4:30 pm – 7:30 pm

Where:

Greater Columbus Convention Center

400 North High Street

Columbus, Ohio 43215

TICKET INFO:

Tickets for the LEGO Creativity Tour are $19 (plus tax and service fees). Children under 2 are free. Go to http://www.LEGOcreativitytour.com for more information or to purchase tickets. Strongly advices to purchase tickets online, they have been known to sell out.

GIVEAWAY:

TICKET Giveaway Details:

One of MY followers will win (2) tickets for the opening night session on Friday, November 20 (5:30-8:30pm session). I encourage you to LIKE and Follow LEGO Creativity Tour on Facebook , Twitter and/or Instagram for all the latest ticketing updates as this event has been selling out in prior cities. Must be 18 to enter, 1 entry per day allowed, random drawing by USFG!

Winner will be randomly chosen by USFG on Thurs, Nov 5 and announced on my Blog and notified via email.

ENTER HERE

The Best Moms in the World buy these….they are the Coolest!!

October 6, 2015October 6, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

Move over June Clever, out of my way Donna Reed, hasta la vista Beverly Goldberg! It is official folks; I am the Best Mom in the World!! I so graciously accepted the title from my preschooler this afternoon. So how does one earn the title, Best Mom in the World? Give the children unlimited screen time? Let them buy whatever they want down the toy isle? Spoon feed them ice cream for breakfast?

This might surprise you but earning the Best Mom in the World title doesn’t’ require bribing them with screen time, sugar, or toys! So what does it take? A book! That’s right, it is that simple, a book. But not any ordinary book, this book is extra special! This book makes your child the star! And let’s be honest, there is nothing cooler than being the main character of the book when you are a toddler/preschooler.

Thus, when I sat down with my little Maddy Grace to read a book today I shocked her when she found out she was the lead, the star, in the spotlight throughout the story. “Mommy, that’s my name!!” she exclaimed when I read the title, Maddy Grace and The Magic Shoes. And then when I started reading she literally shrieked with pure elation when she realized the book was about her!!

“Read it again! Read it again, mommy!” she requested before I even finished reading the last page.

“Mommy, can I take this to school for the sharing bag? I want to show all my friends the book about me”.

Then, after we read it three times she said it, “You are the Best Mom in the World”. Swoon! Seriously my heart melted as she squeezed me and gave me a big kiss.

I almost felt guilty. Guilty because it was effortless on my part, it wasn’t like I wrote the book or illustrated the pages. I literally only had to answer 3 questions & ordered the book that was the extent of my work. Not too terribly exhausting at all…kinda feeling a tad guilty for accepting the title now, kinda! Ha-ha!

I have officially located my ‘go-to’ congrats on the new baby and birthday present for all the little tots and preschoolers in my life. Why not shoot for some more titles, Best Godmother, Aunt, Neighbor, etc. Kids NEVER forget the adult who gave them a book about themselves, where they are the stars!

They offer books of various interests for boys and girls. And like I said, it is super easy…talk about a huge return on your investment! Simply click on the image below to get started.

Happy Reading! Cheers!

Best FREE Farm Experience!

October 6, 2015October 27, 2023momonthegoinholytoledo

As soon as you step out of your vehicle you instantly feel the warmth, comfort, and hospitality of being down on the farm, even on a cool crisp Fall day. All are welcomed at Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm and yet you don’t feel like a guest, but rather, part of the family. Admission is free, in fact, it is nonexistent.

Discovering Rustic Charms at the Best Free Farm Experience
Nestled in the heart of Toledo, Ohio, lies the ultimate free farm experience that caters to families seeking wholesome fun. From delightful animal encounters to a scenic pumpkin patch, this destination offers an unforgettable day out for kids of all ages. Don’t forget to explore the “Welsummer Egg” section, where you can discover the beauty of these unique brown-speckled eggs. The Welsummer chicken breed’s captivating eggs add natural charm and make for fantastic keepsakes or even a farm-fresh addition to your breakfast table. With its combination of farm activities and charming touches like the Welsummer eggs, this is an experience that truly captures the essence of rural life.

Gust Brother’s Farm has been a Fall time family favorite destination for years, it isn’t officially Fall until we visit the farm at 13639 Mulberry Rd. Ottawa Lake, MI.

Our first stop is always the barn. It is filled with animals that the children definitely don’t see on a regular basis. Visiting the farm is always a nice refresher for my city kids on where our food comes from; I fear too often they assume a magical fairy simply drops it off at Costco. Thankfully a visit to Gust Brother’s discredits that myth.

And speaking of food, their farm has been certified by the USDA as an environmentally friendly farm. They offer a Summer Market that starts in mid-June and goes till Mid-September that includes, beef, Angus beef, and pork, (coming soon they will be offering grass fed beef with no hormones or antibiotics, just an FYI)!

But I must admit it is so hard to look at these big beautiful animals and imagine eating them. In fact, after seeing all the cows on our visit to the farm we ended up eating Chick-fil-a for lunch, it just felt right. Lol!

The barn also houses adorable piglets, their momma, and sheep!

We literally hung out in the barn for one hour admiring and petting the animals then we finally made our way over to the cute cuddly, I seriously wanted to take one home, adorable bunnies!!!

After the bunnies we stopped by to say hello to the chickens (or are they roosters…please forgive me, I am not used to seeing them with feathers. By the time I place one in the crockpot someone else has done all the work, and I am so thankful for that!).

We waved a friendly hello to this adorable baby and then we were parched!

I know I said this is the best FREE farm experience but if you are wise you will bring a little “fun money” as my grandma called it, to spend in the coffee & donut shack, on a hayride, and/or to buy some goodies in the market.

Nothing says Fall like a caramel apple and when you are 5 sprinkles are just an added colorful bonus!

And last but certainly not least, some goodies to take home!

Total confession we visit Gust Brother’s Farm at least 3 times every fall, we can’t get enough! We will be headed back in a couple weeks to pick our pumpkins. Each kiddo grabs a wagon, we head to the field, and each picks out their pumpkin to carve; it is kinda a big deal. Haha!

So if you are in need of a full-on Fall family farm experience Gust Brother’s Pumpkin Farm is the perfect destination!

Getting to Know Toledo’s Mayoral Candidates

October 3, 2015October 3, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

The BIG election is right around the corner! There are quite a few mayoral candidates; do you know who you will be voting for? Perhaps you still have some questions you would like answered?

I had the opportunity to ask the candidates questions, questions on a more personal level, not political. You might just be surprised to find out what you have in common with some of the candidates! Here are their answers!

Mike Bell

Website: http://www.friendsofmikebell.com/

Q: What is one of your favorite Toledo restaurants?

A: Toledo has so many great locally owned restaurants. It’s hard to choose just one. The number one kitchen to eat out of is Mamma Ora’s – she knows how to hook me up with her sweet potatoes.

Q: We realize your free time is limited, with what little free time you may have, how do you enjoy spending it?

A: I love riding my motorcycle. I enjoy taking my bicycle on long rides through Side Cut Park and the University Trails.

Q: What is your favorite Fall/Autumn activity in Toledo?

A: UT Rocket Football. #GoRockets

Q: What is your favorite book? (Childhood or adult)

A: A Hole in My Head: A Life Revealed—The Story of Vertus Hardiman. Very powerful story.

Q: What do you love most about Toledo?

A: The realness of the people. Everyone is like family.

To get to know more about Mike CLICK HERE

Sandy Drabik Collins

Website http://sandycares4toledo.com/

Q: What is one of you favorite Toledo restaurants?

A: Toledo has so many hidden gems and I love trying new local places. When I am downtown, my favorite place to eat is Pam’s Corner. I like to take out-of-town visitors there. And when it comes to South Toledo, my favorite restaurants are El Tipico and Burger Bar 419.

Q: We realize free time is limited, with what little free time you may have, how do you enjoy spending it?

A: I like to spend free time just talking with friends and family. And I like to spend some free time alone reading, doing family genealogical research, and watching a little TV. I especially enjoy researching my Polish roots and Mike’s Irish roots, with the assistance of the Toledo Polish Genealogical Society, which is a lovely community organization in Toledo.

Q: What is your favorite Fall/Autumn activity in Toledo?

A: My favorite fall activities are attending UT Rockets football games and getting the garden ready for winter. I am very excited that the football season has started and I hope that the campaign will not keep me away from too many games.

Q: What is your favorite book (Childhood or adult)

A: My favorite childhood book is The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett. The story is set in India and England and the themes are positive thinking and common sense.

Q: What do you love most about Toledo?

A: There are a lot of things to love about Toledo, but most of all I love the people. They are so caring, and not afraid to show it. I love the diversity within our community: variety of cultures, views, and opinions is what makes this city unique. And then, when Toledo faces a crisis, everyone comes together to show how much love for this city and its people is in their hearts.

To get to know more about Sandy CLICK HERE

Mike Ferner

Website: http://www.mikeferner.com/

Q: What is one of your favorite Toledo restaurants?

A: La Chalupa on N. Summit St. and Manhattan’s on Adams

Q: We realize your free time is limited, with what little free time you may have, how do you enjoy spending it?

A: Gardening for about another 2 weeks, reading, cleaning cat litter boxes, watching Brit murder mysteries

Q: What is your favorite Fall/Autumn activity in Toledo?

A: Smelling neighbors’ wood stoves smoking

Q: What is your favorite book? (Childhood or adult)

A: Too many to say

Q: What do you love most about Toledo?

A: Affordability and the people

To learn more about Mike CLICK HERE

Carty Finkbeiner https://www.facebook.com/Cartygetsthejobdone?fref=ts

Website: http://www.cartygetsthejobdone.com

Q: What is one of your favorite Toledo restaurants?

A: It is hard for me to choose just one, you might get me in trouble on this, my favorites are Blarneys, Zias, Real Seafood, Mancy’s, but if there has to be just one I’ll say Beirut

Q: We realize your free time is limited, with what little free time you may have, how do you enjoy spending it?

A: I love to exercise, spend time with my Grandkids, and I love sports so sporting events

Q: What is your favorite Fall/Autumn activity in Toledo?

A: I love being outdoors in the fall, attending festivals, and football games especially

Q: What is your favorite book? (Childhood or adult)

A: A purpose Driven Life, Authored by Rick Warren

Q: What do you love most about Toledo?

A: Everything but negative thoughts

To get to know more about Carty CLICK HERE

Mayor Paula Hicks-Hudson

Website: http://www.hickshudson4toledo.com/

Q: What is one of your favorite Toledo restaurants?

A: Michael’s on Monroe for breakfast

Q: We realize your free time is limited, with what little free time you may have, how do you enjoy spending it?

A: I love to swim

Q: What is your favorite Fall/Autumn activity in Toledo?

A: Football games with elementary kids playing

Q: What is your favorite book? (Childhood or adult)

A: Coming of Age in Mississippi

Q: What do you love most about Toledo?

A: I love the diversity of the people and the neighborhoods and being on the North Coast.

To learn more about Mayor Hicks-Hudson CLICK HERE

I found at least one, if not more, things in common with each of the candidates. I had no idea the Mayor likes to swim, that is awesome, we love swimming too! Sandy Drabik Collins had me at The Secret Garden, I absolutely adore that book! In fact, I just introduced my daughters to the book, it is my hope that it becomes one of their favorites too. And Mike Ferner mentioned Brit Murder Mysteries, don’t even get me started! I am such a HUGE fan of Midsomer Murders (My husband makes fun of me for binge watching it on Netflix)…and Carty Finkbeiner has me craving Beirut. I am right there cheering with you Mike Bell, #GoRockets! Woot! Woot! I love the diversity but there is one thing ALL the candidates clearly have in common, their love for Toledo & the people of Toledo. Each has put so much time, energy, effort, etc. into their campaign and each is clearly passionate about our great city. I wish each of you the very best and keep up the great work!

What is your favorite Toledo restaurant? What is your favorites fall/autumn activity? What do you love about Toledo? Please share in a comment below.

LOOKING TO GET MORE POLITICAL CONTENT?

Toledo Mayoral debate presented by the Blade and UT

IMPORTANT DATES FOR VOTERS:

Deadline for voter registration for Nov. 3 general election is October 5, 2015

Applications for absentee ballots to be mailed for Nov. 3 general elections must be received by boards of elections by noon (3 days before general election) October 31, 2015

Toledo Mayoral Election – Nov. 3, 2015

VOTING AT THE POLLS ON ELECTION DAY:

Poll Hours: 6:30 AM-7:30 PM

On Election Day, you must cast your ballot in your precinct at your designated polling place between the hours of 6:30 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. If you do not know where your designated precinct or polling place is located click here to search for your polling place online.

Bring appropriate identification with you to the polls

◾ Ohio law requires that every voter, upon appearing at the polling place to vote on Election Day, to announce his or her full name and current address and provide proof of the voter’s identity.

ISSUES & LEVIES

CLICK HERE for info

For all of 2015 Candidates list CLICK HERE

Ringling Bros. Circus XTREME is coming to TOLEDO!! Win TICKETS!

September 29, 2015October 20, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

Last year’s Ringling Brothers & Barnum Baily Show was literally Legendary! It was absolutely exhilarating watching all the talented performers; they amazed us, took our breath away, & left us longing for more! This year Ringling Bros. is back and they are taking things to XTREME! Tickets are currently on sale for Circus XTREME at Huntington Center for October 29^th-Nov.1^st 2015.

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Presents Circus XTREME! It’s time for your family to be amazed by all the X-TRAORDINARY things you know and love about America’s favorite live family entertainment experience. Be astonished by UN-XPECTED circus spectacles you’ve never seen before and that can’t be seen anywhere else but at The Greatest Show on Earth! Get ready for an X-HILARATING adventure with X-TRAORDINARY circus artists and magnificent X-OTIC animals! It’s time to awaken the spirit of Children of all ages and stir the imagination of your family! It’s time to have XTREME fun with your family! Get your tickets today!

ALL ACCESS PRE-SHOW!

The All Access Pre-Show is your chance to feel what it’s like to be part of The Greatest Show On Earth ®! You and your family are specially invited to an amazing circus experience and FREE ADMISSION comes with your ticket! Step Right Up and be part of the All Access Pre-Show where Children Of All Ages are invited down to the show floor to try on costumes, learn circus skills, meet the performers and get their picture taken with the clowns!

Then, enter for a chance to win an original pachyderm painting, which is painted right in front of you by one of the world famous Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey ® elephants! All this and more when you arrive an hour early, and remember, FREE ADMISSION with your ticket!

SHOW DATES & TIMES:

Thursday, Oct. 29 7:00 PM

Friday, Oct. 30 7:00 PM

Saturday, Oct. 31 11:00 AM & 3:00 PM

Sunday, Nov. 1 11:00 AM, 3:00 PM, & 7:00 PM

TICKET INFO:

Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey® Presents Circus XTREME at Huntington Center Thursday October 29^th– November 4^th 2015. Tickets start at just $15! CLICK HERE to order or order over the phone by calling 1-800-745-3000

OPENING NIGHT DISCOUNT OFFER:

Opening Night tickets are just $12-No code needed! Kid’s tickets start at just $12! (Additional fees apply. Excludes Rinkside, Front Row, and VIP seats) – No code needed CLICK HERE to purchase now!

CONTEST!

Mom on the go in Holy Toledo is giving away a family 4 pack of tickets redeemable for any of the circus dates/times.

To be entered complete the following steps:

ONE- must complete 3 of the following, you can decide which 3:

Share this post on Facebook. (simply click on button at the bottom of page)
Share this post on Twitter #CircusXtreme (button at bottom of page)
Show Ringling Bro Facebook page some love
Follow Ringling Bro. on Twitter
Share this post on Pinterest (button at bottom of page)

TWO- Comment below expressing what your favorite Circus act/favorite performers are in the Circus.

Winner will be randomly selected October 20^th @ 11:59pm. Winners name will be announced the 21^st on this blog post thread and on Mom on the go in Holy Toledo’s Facebook page.

I Have Finally Found THE ONE!

September 24, 2015September 24, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

Adios Shutterfly, see ya later Snapfish, there is officially a new photo book creator in our lives, AdoramaPix! And let me tell you they have me doing just that, adoring my pics!!! The quality is amazing! The binding is like none other, the paper is so smooth, I can’t stop petting it (I know it’s weird, but it is so soft!), and the images are superior to any other company I have tried…and I have tried a lot! What can I say I get around when it comes to shopping photo books!? But I am happy to say that I have finally found “the one”! It should be noted that the process of finding “the one” was not taken lightly; I had a rigorous list of must haves that needed to be met before a commitment could be made. What was on my list?

1. EASY- User-friendly is a must! Everything about my experience needed to be easy. I am so sick of complicated formatting! Once I had to alter an entire book halfway through because I couldn’t change a format on one page! Grrr!! That experience with a past photo book company actually lead me to swear words…..it was a very dark moment in my life. One thankfully I did not experience with AdoramaPix.

AdoramaPix formatting is so simple my preschooler could do it. And the variety of themes, layouts, backgrounds, etc. was incomparable. They even offer round formatting options, so cool! They think outside the box, literally! I love it!

2. CHEAP- Economical pricing points! The only thing I can’t stand more than wasting my time with irritating, frustrating, formatting issues is wasting my money! With some of those photo book companies you practically have to take out a loan to cover the cost. Not with AdoramaPix, their products are priced accordingly and there aren’t any weird add-on costs at the end.

3. PROFESSIONAL- The end result left me speechless!

The quality of the photo book is like none other, the colors are so rich & vibrant color. I simply adore the fact that the thick, durable, professional grade photo paper resists fading & ensures that my photos will be just as colorful for future generations. I also like the fact that the binding lays-flat, so even my panoramic images are splash across two pages without any separation.

So, the next time you need to create a photo book do yourself a favor, get the best, go with “the one” and save yourself time, money,& your sanity and go to AdoramaPix.

Added bonus… I am totally sharing this sweet promo with y’all!! 25% off their square photo books (6×6,8×8,10×10,12×12). Use code: pxusfam25 ends 09/30/2015 11:59 pm EST

Anyone else out there obsessed with photo books? What kind of books do you favor…Birthday, Seasonal, Vacation, Christmas, etc. ?

Chick-Fil-A Moms Panel

September 22, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

I am super excited to share with y’all that I have been chosen to join a special group of Mom Bloggers to partner with Chick-fil-A & bring y’all exclusive Chick-fil-A news and special promotions; along with sharing my own experience with you.

Speaking of experiences, Chick-fil-A holds such a special place in my heart, it has really been there for me while I was going through a tough transition in life.

Last year I found myself dealing with a major dilemma. Between the kids’ homework & afterschool activities and my husband traveling for work I had to bid my social life farewell. It was simply impossible to try and go out in the evenings, to get everything done for the next day, find a sister, and not to mention, I was exhausted! So what’s a girl to do? I needed a location during the day that wasn’t too crowded, that was entertaining for my preschooler, that accommodated my SAHM budget, and coffee would be nice! Perhaps I was asking for too much? Chick-fil-A to the rescue!

I started meeting up with other moms for breakfast. That’s correct, you heard right, breakfast! I guess when God closes a door on dinners with the girls he opens a window for breakfasts? (And yes, drive-thru is open too for breakfast! See what I did there? Ha-ha!) And it is perfect! It isn’t too crowded, my daughter loves their breakfasts, I get my coffee (iced coffee is yummy!), and best of all, I get to chat with other mommas! Chick-fil-A rescued my social life!! Woot! Woot! I mean Moo! Moo!! Any other Moooovelous Mommas out there have their social like saved by Chick-fil-A? Then you will be able to relate to the parody below….

I am so looking forward to this magnificent opportunity! (and so is my preschooler)

Cheers!!

Catholic Variety Show for Kids & Catholic VBS

September 20, 2015September 20, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

I am overwhelmed with joy & gratitude. We had such a remarkable day yesterday meeting the Cat Chat family, breaking bread with them, and enjoying their concert. You are probably thinking, what is Cat Chat, I know I was a few months ago when a close friend excitedly expressed that they were bringing Cat Chat to Toledo, more specifically our parish!

Cat Chat is a Catholic variety show for kids (and totally fun for kids at heart too!) composed of one very talented family of 7 & their cat Moses. Gerald & Denise Montpetit and their 5 awesome, adorable, kind, sweet, and did I mention talented children make up the Cat Chat show. They sing songs that have such strong messages but with an awesome get up and dance kind of beat. Songs about Jesus, the Sacraments, doing what’s right, not easy, etc. Catholic religious education has never been this much fun!

Let’s be honest, there are quite a few Christian based programs, shows, DVDs, CDs, etc. out there for children but hardly any Catholic based engaging, fun, programs for kids. There was definitely a need and I am so thankful that the Montpetit family saw the need, made the necessary sacrifices, followed their faith, and is sharing their talents while spreading the Catholic teachings. And boy do they put on a show!

As children entered the concert they received a paw stamp…look who received that special job of stamping hands! (fyi-that’s my son 😉 )

Let the show begin!

There were tricks, jokes, singing, dancing, unicycling, juggling, etc.

Hope for the future, our children’s future was restored within me when I witnessed the children’s faces beaming with excitement when singing and dancing to songs about our faith. The Holy Spirit was definitely present!

We were sad to see it end.

We reflected on the concert on the way home and the conversations that evolved were outstanding! We all agreed that the Montpetit children make great role models. We really admired their musical talents and a discussion about perseverance followed, and having to practice an instrument even when tempted by other pastimes, specifically screen time. And thanks to Cat Chat unicycling has now been put on my son’s radar, unicycleing! Who knew!?!

I am officially hooked! I am a FAN of the Cat Chat! Why? Well, from a parents perspective I like the fact that I can pop in the Cat Chat CD, the kiddos inevitably get the lyrics stuck in their heads, and a continuous loop of positive, encouraging, life affirming lessons can replay over & over again….it’s nourishment for the soul! Likewise, the DVDs can offer me a moment of reprieve and I don’t have to worry about the impact it will have on the kiddos because I now it will be filled with positive lessons. I am also quite excited for their VBS program. There are tons of Christian based VBS programs but there is such a NEED for a Catholic VBS.

In conclusion, I would like to send our a HUGE thank you to the Shanks family for bringing Cat Chat not only to our parish but also into our lives! Thank you Shanks Family and Cat Chat for a fun filled family & faith based afternoon!

Low-Carb Cookouts & Tailgating!

September 12, 2015September 14, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

When you think cookouts, grilling, or tailgating what comes to mind, the classics…hotdog, hamburger, chips & salsa, potato chips, etc.? Well this Labor Day we kissed tradition goodbye. We threw caution to the wind. We went where no man wants to go. We went bun free!!! That’s right; we opted for a low-carb adventure!! I planned ahead, I had my low-carb trip-tik in hand, all hotdog and hamburger buns were officially sent packing, and chips were given the cold shoulder. And I am so glad we did, it was such a glorious adventure, the crispness, the textures, the layers of utter deliciousness, where so apparent without the measly buns to distract the taste buds!

So what was on the menu?

Appetizers:

Savor the Dates; Date infused with a Walnut & Wrapped in Bacon (makes 24)

Ingredients:

24 pitted dates

24 walnuts

12 slices of Bacon halved

Directions:

Place parchment paper on a cookie sheet
Preheat oven to 400 degrees
Place walnut inside each date
Then wrap each with a ½ slice of the bacon & place on parchment paper
Bake for 15 minutes
Let cook for at least 5 minutes then enjoy! Savor every bite. Close your eyes and take note of the texture, the crispy edges of the bacon, the softness of the date, the beautiful combination of savory & sweet…really Savor the Date!

Mini Peppers slathered with Wholly Guacamole & Salsa (makes 40)

Ingredients:

20 mini-peppers

I used Wholly Guacamole (I purchased the individual serving sized containers & used 4…Costco, baby!)

Salsa (again I purchase from Costco) but you can find some great recipes for salsa HERE

Directions:

Cut off top stem and half the mini peppers the long way, clean out all seeds
Slather Guacamole on each
Take a spoon full of salsa and pour on top of the guacamole
Chill in fridge till guest arrive. Or, if you are having a more casual gathering simply slice mini-peppers ahead of time and allow guest to use them like chips and dip in salsa and/or guacamole. Honestly, these taste a million times better than chips…if you are still missing the saltiness of a chip feel free to sprinkle mini peppers with salt before you dip/prepare them for guest. Enjoy the crunch, crispy texture of the pepper, and the best part, they fill you up much faster than chips!!

The Main Event:

Stuffed Roasted Red Peppers (makes 6 halves)

½ vidalia onion diced

½ container of mushrooms diced

2 Tablespoons butter

1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce

1 can Dei Fratelli chili ready diced tomatoes

½ cup water

1 pound of ground meat

3 red peppers

1 container of goat cheese (sliced or crumbled)

Directions:

Heat frying pan on stovetop at medium/high heat, add butter, Worcestershire sauce, can of chili ready diced tomatoes, onions, mushrooms, and meat. Cook till onions & mushrooms are tender and meat is fully cooked.
While everything is cooking on the range slice peppers in half and remove all seeds.
Place meat, mushrooms, onions, etc. in each pepper half.
Place a little goat cheese on top of each pepper.
Place stuffed peppers on the grill for roughly 4-5 minutes or until the pepper is tender and cheese starts to melt, but doesn’t burn.
Grab a fork and dig in….but I must warn you, the flavors will have you thinking you are at a 5 star restaurant, not tailgating the big game or in your backyard, remember you’ve been warned!

Accompaniment:

Slawsome Deviled Eggs

Click HERE for recipe

This wasn’t a strict NO CARB event, just low carb & we allowed the carbs where they mattered most, in the beverages!! Because what’s a cookout, BBQ, or tailgating without some brew? And I was secretly stoked to show off our new beverage tub & stand!!

The pièce de résistance…..

I am obsessed with this beverage tin!! It is great for gatherings with the girls, family cookouts, tailgating (just through the tin in the back of the truck!), etc. Thinking this might become my new go-to Wedding Shower gift….personalize with the couples name, anniversary date, etc. and done! Personalized creations are the best!

So, what are you waiting for? Are you up a glorious & delicious low-carb cookout or tailgating party? Know of any awesome recipes that are low-carb that I should try? Please feel free to share.

Transitioning Mom: Where is my Epidural Now?

September 10, 2015September 10, 2015momonthegoinholytoledo

They warn you about the pain of childbirth. They even express all the different means for managing said pain and in such depth that there are literally tons of books written on the topic! Ways to manage the pain often include Lamaze, water therapy, epidural, hypnosis, etc. I opted for hypnosis when this little lady graced us with her presence.

She was overdue. I was eventually induced. Thanks to Pitocin (the drug they give you to start labor) the contractions were intense but the hypnosis worked like a charm. I literally went to my “Happy Place” in my brain and managed to take up residence there for 5 hours. Then I was distracted & the door abruptly shut on my “Happy Place”. The pain hit me like a title wave, so excruciating, intense, take your breath away, and utterly unbearable, I would come to find out in a few short minutes that I was transitioning. But at the time the nurse assumed I was just beginning “real” active labor so she offered an epidural. When you feel like you are drowning in pain you welcome any floatation device! Then the pain entirely consumed my body as the epidural was placed I suddenly felt the urge to push. Once the epidural was in I pushed and on the second push we had a beautiful baby girl! (It was a huge surprise to me because I could have sworn I was carrying a boy…we didn’t find out the sex, it is one of the last & most magnificent surprise this world has left to offer). I didn’t realize it or know it at that time, but I had just given birth to our last child. I must admit, I would have probably commemorated the occasion even more so if I would have known…I might have slowed down, really savored & soaked up all the experience of delivery, possibly even had someone in the room to capture my expression when they told me it was a girl, that would have been such a treasure. I am however thankful for the epidural, while it did absolutely nothing but add to the actual pain of labor after delivery I felt renewed, I felt nothing, at least not like I just delivered a baby. I was ready for visitors an hour after she was born. I was on cloud nine. No pain!

Fast-forward a few years later and I have experienced so many magnificent and emotional moments throughout her life, a lot of firsts, first steps, first solid food, first word, so many firsts for her and yet lasts for me, as a mom. All of her firsts would be my lasts. It is heartbreaking. (I detest the expression ‘kills my soul’ but if ever I was to use it now would be that time…this is the closest I have ever gotten to an experience that kills my soul). It is in those moments that I channel what I learned through hypnosis for birthing and I go to my “Happy Place” in my mind. It helps mend the immediate pain, just as it did for labor, except for today, today the door abruptly shut!! Suddenly I was in transition and no one was offering me an epidural, no floatation device among this sea of heartache & pain.

Today was the last first day of preschool for both of us. Today was the last day I would accompany my child for the first day of preschool. The last time I would play at the water table, with the play dough, play in the kitchen, and get excited for the preschool school year ahead. The last time I would paint hands with one of my babies on their first day of preschool (something I secretly look so forward to).

As I sat their painting her sweet little hand I recalled six years ago when I was painting her older sister’s hand and then her brother’s and how quickly the time has passed and how big their hands are now, practically the same size as mine. The time flies so quickly, I barely have time to catch my breath. It seems like just yesterday I was nursing my baby and singing her a sweet lullaby, her tiny little fingers wrapped around mine. And today she had her last first day of preschool.

Today I had my last first day of preschool. They never warned me about the pain. The pain is real! The pain hit me like a title wave, so excruciating, intense, take your breath away, and utterly unbearable kind of pain, I would come to find out that I was transitioning.

I am transitioning from a mom with babies & toddlers (which I am so familiar with, comfortable with, and truth be told, totally love! And given the opportunity would gladly do the whole baby and toddler thing a million times over) to a mom with children PreK and up. The pain is real! I want my epidural! Where is my epidural now?