Google+ Mommy Moments with Abby: September 2012

Sunday, September 30, 2012

Goodbye my Uncle

Recently my family experienced a huge loss.  My uncle Terry left this world doing something he loved, but still the heartache is hard to handle sometimes.  I know the memories I keep in my heart and share with my family will keep him with us, alive in the laughter which is who he was.  He always had a goofy smile and an easy about him that welcomed you.  He had found a place in his life of satisfaction and joy, married to a wonderful woman, just finished fighting lung cancer, was retiring from his lifelong career as a firefighter to spend more time with his wife and his other love his motorcycle.  He died, at this time of joy in his life, in a motorcycle accident leaving us to early.  He left us doing something he loved and I am at least thankful for that.  His funeral was this weekend and being far away I was unable to go, but I was able to cry on my husbands shoulder and share memories of my Uncle that bring smiles to my face.  So, as I say See You Someday to my uncle, I know that he is getting to ride on an endless road where the wind and sun are always perfect and the concrete is smooth with an engine that never stalls just waiting for his passenger, his wife, to one day join him on a glorious ride through the clouds.  RIP Uncle Terry, RIP

You can see more on lung cancer story by clicking HERE

Rollor's Game Giveaway

Have you seen this fun game? It is perfect for those fall festivals you have coming up!  This game is a mix of some of your favorite games.  A mix of Bocce, Bowling, and on the ground darts makes for an interesting game and great way to get off the couch as a family!  I think that this would be a great way to have people play for a grand prize at a Fall Festival!  Works in a gym and in the grass for whatever weather you have on your Festival day!

Friday, September 28, 2012

Urban Walls Review


 A house should be full of love so why not express it on the walls. The definition of love is a great message to help the house remember during hard times during good times, that is is full of love.  I personally love the new wall decal trend in decorating and have put up decals in both my kids room so now it was time to think about the rest of the house.  So, I headed over to Urban Walls to check out what they had.

Sonoita Vineyard July 11, 2012 Day 5


We drove out of Scotia Canyon and decided that our last vacation fun would be to visit a local vineyard I had read about.  It is the Sonoita Vineyard and I wanted to go there because it was started, ran, and owned by a scientist!  I have always wondered if someone who focused on the science would be able to create a better wine than those who go by taste and hand down knowledge.

Thursday, September 27, 2012

Mediflow Water-based Pillow Giveaway

Mediflow Waterbase Pillow Review & Giveaway-Do you need a better night sleep?  Why not check out a pillowy solution with this giveaway and review! 

Wednesday, September 26, 2012

Scotia Canyon July 11, 2012 Day 5

We packed up the car and headed out home.  Before we were to get home we had planned one last hike.  We drove through the base and over to Scotia Canyon.  After what seemed like forever we finally crossed where the stream would have crossed the road had it been there and the camping parking was immediately to our left.

Tuesday, September 25, 2012

How well is my well-being?

This post brought to you by My Well-Being Powered by Humana. All opinions are 100% mine.
I'm a mom and like most of you, I'm not always at the top of the do something fun list.  When was the last time you sat down and thought about "My Well-Being"?  Exactly, chances are you are neglecting something.  For the sake of our families, I think, it's good to check in with yourself once and a while.  A little re-evaluation to the care you are giving yourself can result in better care for your family.

34 Degree's Giveaway and Review

Running a daycare means having to balance an afternoon snack without destroying the kid's appetite for dinner.  It's one that I'm conscious of as a parent with a picky eater.  If I let her overload with a favorite snack full meals are even harder to get her to eat! Always on the look out I was excited to test out a natural product perfect for snacks!

iPad3 Giveaway Blogger Sign Ups!

Attention all sane bloggers!  Sign up for this Free event!  Your readers will probably hate you if you don't because the prize is an iPad3!  I'm signing up for my readers right now! 

Celebrating Pregnancy Giveaway Event!


Welcome to the Celebrating Pregnancy Giveaway event, hosted by Green Mam-a Jam-a
Mommy Moments with Abby is very excited to help her preggie mama's out by offering them the chance to win this giveaway!  Check out this giveaway!

Monday, September 24, 2012

Hand Made Toss Bouquet Giveaway Blogger Sign Ups

Weddings are expensive.  We are hoping to help you out, plus help you keep your amazing bouquet in tack with this Hand Made Fabric Toss Bouquet Giveaway Sign ups!  If you think/know your readers love saving, but don't want to miss out on a bit of elegance then sign on up for this giveaway.  One winner will receive a Hand Made Fabric Toss Bouquet in the colors of their choice.  Even better is this is a FREE blogger event, all you have to do is post and promote!

All Purpose Bag Giveaway Blogger Sign Ups


Join Mommy and Baby Reviews, EmptyNester Reviews,
Mom Does Reviews and It’s Free at last for the Ultimate Camera Bag Giveaway!  Mommy Moments with Abby is joining in on the fun for her readers and you should too!

Mary Jo's Ash Canyon B and B July 10, 2012 Day 4

We knew that the area of Ash Canyon had been hit hard by the fire and that their were no reported sightings of the Lucifer at their normal haunt, Mary Jo's.  Still, we just had to stop and see if maybe we would be the lucky first to spot this rare hummingbird.

Sunday, September 23, 2012

Celebrating Pregnancy Giveaway Event Blogger Sign Up!

I'm not sure what was in the water 9 months ago but I know 4 people who are pregnant or just had a baby!  Because of all that I love offering giveaways to my readers who are pregnant or know someone who is pregnant.  I know my readers will love these prizes and I bet your will too!  Sign up it's free!

Friday, September 21, 2012

Carr Canyon House July 10, 2012 Day 4

We drove up Carr Canyon, but due to road conditions had to stop and turn around as the 4 door sedan isn't made for terrain that rocky.  We decided to go back down and park near Carr Canyon House.  We sadly noticed that none of the feeders were out.  We walked past and headed down a trail.  It started sprinkling on and off.

Thursday, September 20, 2012

Big Layaway Giveaway!

Kmart Free Layaway Grid 09_12.jpgMom's we all know we start thinking about Christmas way in advance in order to cut costs and to save our sanity when shopping with kids!  Lucky for us, Kmart's prepping for the season of giving by launching the “Big Layaway Giveaway”. What is the Kmart's Big Layaway Giveaway you ask?  It means there is one layaway giveaway per store per week every week from 9/9/12 through 11/17/12!  This means a ton of chances to win those holiday gifts you plan on giving this year! That means that now's the time to place those gifts you've been eyeing on layaway and also get the chance to win some great prizes at Kmart!

Cake Plate Giveaway Blogger Sign Ups!

Do you know a bride to be or someone that just loves baking?  Do your readers?  This is a great giveaway!  The winner get's one handmade Cake Plate from Suzy Q's Vintage Shop!  The giveaway will run for a month and starts on 9/24/2012.  Sign up to offer this amazing giveaway to your readers and you can enter to win as well!

Wednesday, September 19, 2012

Lucifer House July 10, 2012 Day 4

After stopping for lunch in our room, we headed to Target to grab a few things and make sure we were in cell rang when the birding group called.  We weren't disappointed as they called with instructions on where to go.  We arrived shortly after them and were warmly accepted into their group.  The home was beautiful and that of a nature photographer whose yard wasn't only a bird paradise but hosts over 77 species of crickets!!!!

Monday, September 17, 2012

July 10, 2012 Sierra Vista EOP Day 4

From the San Pedro House we headed to Sierra Vista EOP.  We were hoping for more activity here and wanted a photo of the Yellow-Headed Black Bird.  We sat for a while and saw some Yellow-Headed Black Birds, but they didn't cooperate for a photo.

Saturday, September 15, 2012

Glass Handbag Giveaway!


Welcome to The Glass Handbag Giveaway!

Alright Mom's! Kids are in school everyone is back on schedule, the clothes bags and supplies have been bought, time to think of you!  Time for a new handbag!  Check this one out and enter to win one!  

Friday, September 14, 2012

Room for um, me?

 I don't know about you but other than my wallet everything in my purse or mom-bag is for the kids.  It is so annoying when our special visitor comes each month and I need some space in my bag that won't destroy my little package so I can use it when the time comes, I usually end up pulling out a crumpled mess or already dismantled item which does not help when your having one of those have to move quick and deal with this because the kids are ready for lunch and I still have to make it through the line moments!  

Red Cup Living Giveaway

Red Solo Cup! I lift you up! And have a Review and Giveaway?!  That's right!  My bloggy friend is having an awesome Red Cup Living Giveaway and was kind enough to share her thoughts with us on the products themselves.  Oh these aren't just cups, but products perfect for that tail-gating event you've been thinking about planning.  Check this out and enter to win some for your football event!  

Thursday, September 13, 2012

Find Beauty in the Fall with Miracle-Gro!

This post brought to you by Scotts Miracle-Gro. All opinions are 100% mine.

MiracleGro Logo(1).jpgFind beauty in the Fall wherever you live! I live in Arizona and what many don't know is that the fall is when you plant for the spring!  But what about the fall colors?  I think people often forget the beauty that the fall can hold with all the colors swirling about.  A little Fall gardening can help with that.  Miracle-Gro is sharing fun, simple, and achievable projects for Fall gardens to show they can still be beautiful. 

San Pedro House July 10, 2012 Day 4

From Beatty's we headed to San Pedro House.   We had heard and seen a fly by of the Coot yesterday, but greedily wanted a photo of this rare bird.  We started off and excitedly headed to San Pedro House on July 10, 2012.

Tuesday, September 11, 2012

Little Me Review


What was in the water 9 months ago?  I feel like everyone I know is pregnant or has just had a baby!  I can't keep up with all the baby gifts!  I feel like I constantly run out of cute stuff to get people for their little ones!  I hate giving the same gift to people, so it's a dilemma!  

Russian in my Pocket Review





For those of you with Ipods or Ipads who are travelling abroad this year it may be a good idea to get an app for that!  The language that is, you can study and study, but when in an actual usage situation with native speakers finding the right terms can be tricky.  Our minds only work so fast when recalling facts and facts which we haven't frequently use can take longer to recall.  Do  you really want to be trying to order a meal and have it take 5 minutes just to remember how to order a salad risking annoying your waitstaff(we all know what can potentially happen then!!!)?  Check out this fun review of an app just for this issue!  

Monday, September 10, 2012

Beatty's in Miller Canyon on July 10, 2012 Day 4

After our long hike the night before we decided to head back to Beatty's early in the morning to see if we could spot the White-Eared Hummingbird again! This time we parked at the right spot.  We sat down on the bleachers and our first visitor of the day was an Anna's Hummingbird.

Friday, September 7, 2012

Beatty's House July 9 2012 Day 3

We ate at the Texas Grill and enjoyed a big meal and great company.  We headed up to Beatty's House after dinner expecting a short walk and then to sit in the bleachers we had read about while watching the feeders.  And had we received more detailed instructions that's what would have happened.  Instead, this is what happened....

Jewelry Candle Giveaway!

Giveaway done by: Elitemama
What mom doesn't love sitting in the tub with candles lite and a good book?  How about knowing your handle holds an even better surprise?  I love the idea of the added anticipation checking after each bath to see if your prize is revealed.  Honestly, if I got one of these I'd probably end up loosing it and digging the jewelry out!  Instead, I'm excited to offer the chance for you to win one!  Check it out!

Thursday, September 6, 2012

I am the Voice of Hyland's Giveaway!


"I am the Voice of Hyland’s” Giveaway!  Celebrating the newest Brand to Mommy Moments with Abby!  I am now a Brand Ambassador for Hyland Products!  I love these and not only use them myself, but have recommended them and had parents of children who attend my daycare use them.  Check out this amazing Giveaway to stock your shelves for the Cold Season that is approaching!

Wednesday, September 5, 2012

Ramsey Canyon Preserve July 9 2012 Day 3

We arrived back where we were staying and we walked over to the Ramsey Canyon Preserve to check out what they had to offer.  We were very pleased at the friendly staff and that they showed us exactly where a Violet-Crowned Hummingbird's nest was seen.  With our new knowledge we headed on the trail.

Tuesday, September 4, 2012

Glass Handbag Blogger Giveaway Sign-ups!

Glass Handbag Giveaway Sign Up's Are Open!

Mommy Moments with Abby just hates to miss out on a bag giveaway!  I think my readers would hate it too, so I signed up! 
Jenn’s Blah Blah Blog and Diva Fabulosa have another fabulous FREE Blogger Opportunity!
There will be a Glass Handbag Giveaway every single month until further notice.
This prize is valued up to $1000, Winner Chooses Prize, Giveaway runs from 9/15 - 10/15!

Red Cup Living Giveaway Blogger Sign-up


Blogger Opp to help spread the word for Red Cup Living. This is perfect for Football Season or fall festivals!  Mommy Moments with Abby would  love your help with this! All Bloggers will get one free Facebook link and one free Twitter link. All I ask in return is that you help promote the sign up sheet on any social network or your blog AND promote the giveaway as much as possible. I know how busy a bloggers life can be between raising a family, jobs, blogging, promoting, and whatever else that comes up. All sign ups should be submitted no later than September 10th. Thanks!

The Colored Pencil Factory CD Review

I love introducing the kids to different sounds and musical styles.  So, in the search of new sounds I accepted the chance to check out Astrograss's newest CD!  Check out my thoughts on The Colored Pencil Factory!  

Made from Earth Conditioner Review


I've been in the pool a lot lately, trying to add some extra weight loss before the wedding in December.  This means my hair has been getting dryer and dryer.  Made from Earth asked me to review their conditioner and I figured it couldn't hurt!

Toe Juice Review

So, my husband is always asking me why my feet are always cracking.  Well, we live in Arizona and I don't wear socks and shoes a lot since it's so hot and I run a daycare, flip flops are easier to get on and off when you are dealing with a bunch of kids.  The dry heat does murder on my feet, plus swimming in the pool a lot adds to the damage.  It may not have helped that my feet swell to epic proportions when I'm pregnant and leave my skin in not the best shape postpartum.  When I got the chance to test out Toe Juice I decided it was definitely a product I could run through the ringer.

Footminders review

I'm an admitted shoe hoarder!  My biggest weakness, adorable heels!  Can you feel me on this one ladies?  My biggest issue is that heels are so uncomfortable, can you feel me on that one?  So, after watching my husband get amazing relief from his specially made orthopedics, I decided that maybe this was an answer for me.  Only issue is I can't afford to go and get a few hundred dollar orthopedics specially made, especially when its to relieve the pain from heels not caused by years of crushing my feet from power lifting like the hubby had.  Dilemma, hmmm, solution!

Packaways Review

 Kids grow too fast!  I'm always having to go through their closets and take out what doesn't fit and move up the larger sizes or go shopping for more to cover their little bodies so I don't have a bunch of naked kids running around the house.  So, what do you do with the clothes they have out grown?  Right now, I'm trying to save them with the hopes of more kids one day.  My issue is that once the next kid gets here I'm going to end up with a ton of storage bins that will be waiting for when the new kid out grows the clothes.  I hate storing empty boxes that I could use in the time being for something else.  So, what is a girl to do? 

Holy Trinity Monastery David, AZ April 9 2012 Day 3

From the San Pedro House we headed to the Holy Trinity Monastery in David, AZ.  When we first pulled in we were greeted by an unusual, but amazing sight.  Male Peacocks were wondering about!

Natural Pals Giveaway

 Mommy Moments with Abby wouldn't be here with out those lovable babies!  So, we are participating in a giveaway to help those of you who are having or have an adorable baby at home!  This Giveaway is sponsored by: Tiny Love and Mom Blog Society OPEN TO US ONLY: Giveaway starts September 4, 12:01 am est and ends September 19th 12:01

Can't get enough Mommy Moments?

Need more Mommy Moments? Check out my wedding blog! That's right, Mommy Moments is getting married! Twice!

Shopping Job