A Mom Blog

What’s In Your Journal?

December 4, 2018 By: Nanette

Do you journal? What does your journal look like? Is it a home to dump all the negative or a journal of your daily successes and accomplishments? Is it a simple book or is it one filled with colorful stickers and doodles?

Mine is a simple little red notebook, no doodles or stickers just a place for me to dump all my thoughts. My handwriting is so bad, I’m probably the only person who could read it and even I have trouble sometimes.

Why Journal?

After the Confidence Workshop in late September, I began journaling. I had given it a try before and felt like it just wasn’t for me. However, I gave it another try and this time, I realized the power of it. I was able to put all the negativity that clouded my mind down on the page, put it aside on my nightstand and leave it there. It wouldn’t follow me around all day, keeping me from doing the things I should and wanted to. The negative thinking wouldn’t hold me back.

Sometimes I find myself writing only the negative stuff maybe just to get it out I don’t know but then I look back and think, Stop it! Your life is good, be grateful for it.

Yes, I have bad days, we all do but is that what I want to go back and read in a year or two, or even in a week? No, I don’t!

I want to go back and read what I loved about today, yes it’s ok to write out the negative stuff to get it out of my head but then replace it with the good. Find the joy in my heart. What am I proud of today?
What brings me joy today?

I Must Be Doing Something Right

I’ll tell you one thing, I am proud of my baby girl today. I’m always proud of her. Today she sent me a message that warmed my heart. Sometimes I fear I’m failing her as a parent, today her words reassured me I am not. She is growing up strong, intelligent and kind, able to be as happy for others and their successes as she is for her own.

The Power of Womanhood

This is the kind of woman I want her to grow up to be, one who is supportive of another woman, encouraging and uplifting rather than competing. This is the power of womanhood.

Today again I am a proud mom!

Woody and the rest of the toys are back in Toy Story 4!

November 12, 2018 By: Nanette

Are you as excited as I am? Woody and the rest of the toys are back for an all-new adventure in “Toy Story 4,” welcoming new friends to Bonnie’s room, including a reluctant new toy called Forky. “Like most people, I assumed that ‘Toy Story 3’ was the end of the story,” said director Josh Cooley. “And it was the end of Woody’s story with Andy. But just like in life, every ending is a new beginning. Woody now being in a new room, with new toys, and a new kid was something we have never seen before. The questions of what that would be like became the beginning of an entertaining story worth exploring.”

A teaser trailer slated to debut with “Ralph Breaks the Internet,” in theaters Nov. 21, is available today. Check out the new teaser trailer here:

But Forky insists that he is NOT a toy! An actual spork-turned-craft-project, Forky is pretty sure that he doesn’t belong in Bonnie’s room. Unfortunately, every time he tries to get away, someone yanks him back into an adventure he’d rather skip. “The world of Toy Story is built upon the idea that everything in the world has a purpose,” said Cooley. “A toy’s purpose is to be there for its child. But what about toys that are made out of other objects? Forky is a toy that Bonnie made out of a disposable spork, so he’s facing a crisis. He wants to fulfill his purpose as a spork, but now has a new toy purpose thrust upon him.”

Filmmakers called on comedian Tony Hale to provide the voice of Forky. “It’s a huge thrill to be part of the Toy Story family,” he said. “But it’s going to take a while for it to really sink in.”

Said Cooley, “When we thought up this character, Tony was the first actor that came to mind and I’m thrilled he accepted. Tony’s performance as Forky is a comedy salad of confidence, confusion, and empathy… served by hilarious spork.”

Woody has always been confident about his place in the world and that his priority is taking care of his kid, whether that’s Andy or Bonnie. But when Bonnie adds a reluctant new toy called “Forky” to her room, a road trip adventure alongside old and new friends will show Woody how big the world can be for a toy. Directed by Josh Cooley (“Riley’s First Date?”) and produced by Jonas Rivera (“Inside Out,” “Up”) and Mark Nielsen (associate producer “Inside Out”), Disney•Pixar’s “Toy Story 4” ventures to U.S. theaters on June 21, 2019.

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PixarToyStory/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/toystory

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ToyStory/

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/DisneyPixar

U.S. Release Date: June 21, 2019

Voice Cast: Tom Hanks, Tim Allen, Joan Cusack, Don Rickles, Estelle Harris, Wallace Shawn, John Ratzenberger, Jeff Pidgeon, Blake Clark, Tony Hale

Director: Josh Cooley

Producers: Jonas Rivera, Mark Nielsen

5 Ways for Families to Unplug With Camping

October 25, 2018 By: Nanette

Our guest writer was provided visits to Thousand Trails campgrounds free of charge. These are her honest opinions and views.

We had never stayed at a Thousand Trails campground before but were excited to learn there are two campgrounds less than two hours from us! Perfect for two weekend camping trips. Thousand Trails has 45 years of experience in providing campgrounds that let families experience a beautiful natural setting while enjoying resort style amenities. There are 80 locations in 22 states and British Colombia.

Thousand Trails campgrounds are all securely gated communities offering spacious full hookup RV campsites, cabins and cottages. They offer a variety of membership levels according to budget, how often you camp, and where you want to camp. Each year 100,000 member families enjoy Thousand Trails campgrounds. This month we became one of them and visited Thousand Trails Columbus and Thousand Trails Lake Conroe, both less than two hours outside of Houston. We put screens away and spent the weekends enjoying Thousand Trails activities and amenities. My favorite thing about camping is that we spend real time together. Thousand Trails offers plenty of ways to do that. Here are five of our favorites.

5 Ways Families Can Unplug at Thousand Trails Campgrounds

Sports Courts

After losing over 45 pounds I’ve made it a priority for our family to be an active one. Both Thousand Trails Campgrounds offered us plenty of opportunities to be just that. While at Columbus we played volleyball, basketball, paddle ball, and horseshoes. Lake Conroe had us playing tennis (which may be my daughter’s new favorite sport), kick ball (my personal favorite) and basketball again. All of the courts were well maintained and the equipment to play easily accessible.

Mini Golf

Both Lake Conroe and Columbus Thousand Trails had mini golf courses. The balls and clubs were right by the course at Lake Conroe. In Columbus you have to go up to the Ranger Station for the equipment. Playing mini golf is one of our favorite things to do as a family. We get to slow down and visit and laugh at each other’s bad shots. We love that mini golf was included with our stay at Thousand Trails.

Playground

Sometimes kids just want to use their imagination and play. Lake Conroe and Columbus both had nice play structures with tables and benches around them. The kids could slide, climb, swing, be pirates, or play tag and have a blast while moving. Mom and dad even got in on the fun during tag.

Pool Time

My kids’ favorite part of camping is swimming. They could cannon ball and splash for hours. Thousand Trails did not disappoint. Both Lake Conroe and Columbus offered clean and well maintained pools. We went to Columbus in September (the first weekend of Fall actually) and it was still warm enough for a swim. There are plenty of chairs at both locations which I enjoyed to watch the kids. Columbus offers a huge adults only hot tub while Lake Conroe offers cabanas.

As sometimes happens with fall in Texas, we did experience rain on both of our trips. No need for the kids to not be unplugged with a Thousand Trails campground though. Both Ranger Stations offered games like the large Connect Four above, books, pool tables and even activities like Bingo to enjoy until the rain stopped.

Camping as a family has provided us with so many memories. It’s also let the whole family unplug and get outside and experience nature. It also lets us get active and moving in a fun way. Thousand Trails Campgrounds combines the best of both worlds- campgrounds in a beautiful natural setting near lakes and rivers with fun resort style sports and activities for families to spend time together.

Do you camp with your family? Be sure and check out one of Thousand Trails‘ 80 locations when you plan your next trip.

Hello! I’m Kathy from Penney Lane. I was thrilled when my blog friend and fellow Beaches Mom, Nanette asked me to cover a few local Thousand Trails campgrounds for her blog. Our family bought a small travel trailer eighteen months ago. It’s been one of the best decisions we’ve made as a family. We get to experience getting outside with our kids. Camping also lets us unplug, connect and make some great memories at campgrounds.