Soon-to-Be Discontinued #JamberryNailWraps Going Going Gone List Winter 2016

Get them while you can, because they're Going, Going, Gone! It's time to make room! Our new catalog is launching in March, which means we have to say goodbye to some of our favorite wraps so we can introduce some new ones. Our Going, Going, Gone (GGG) products will only be available until February 29, so get them while you can — because once they've retired, they're gone forever. 

Here's the deal, though. I chose to go from Professional Consultant with Jamberry to Hobbyist, which means I don't have a team and I don't have a website you can order from. If you need any of these discontinuing wraps, please email me at mommykerrie@yahoo.com and let me know which ones you'd like and we can arrange payment via PayPal or Square. I always am sad to see them go and always grab up my favorites!

Don't forget to come see what I'm doing over at Catholic Hippie Mom!

Best Day Ever at #Catholic #Co-op #CrazyProudMom #SharkDissection #FunSmartMomCommunity

Today was my favorite day so far at our Catholic Homeschool Co-op at Christ the King Academy in Kansas City. My kids are really taking to co-op and it's still strange for me to realize that my 6-year-old and 8-year-old took off at recess without even telling me goodbye so they could go to storytime, PE and then Science for two hours straight! It really says something about the families in the co-op ... my kids are learning independence, gaining knowledge in different areas, all taking PE class, making friends and more! We are definitely going back next year. I just have to figure out what I'm going to teach!

This morning was 3rd hour (we only go for 3 learning hours) Drama for Joel and PE for Callie and Michael. Catechesis of the Good Shepherd for Sam and Eva and they happily polished brass candlesticks and learned how to cut flowers for the vases. They sang some songs and it was time for lunch. My three oldest go to Mass and I take Sam and Eva with me to run errands at lunchtime. Today was the bank, where I cashed a writing check then promptly spent it on drinks and snacks for co-op. Back for lunch and recess.

Anyway, today was SHARK DISSECTION DAY in 4th hour, a long-anticipated day for middle school science class kids in Mrs. Vickery's class. While Joel was in Music Appreciation class, Callie and Michael were dissecting a shark. Or starting to, anyway. Michael is working on his alone and Callie is partnered up with her bestie Ciara, my awesome friend Jill's daughter. My friend Katie swept the cafeteria for me and the helper in science was out, SO I GOT TO HELP WITH THE DISSECTIONS! My wry son Michael says, "Mrs. McLoughlin, are you helping in this class today?" Tweens!

Keep in mind when I was 15 in high school Biology class, I did not do anything of this sort. No way. I was that kid who pawned it off to my partner. Now that I am old and have given birth and dealt with diapers and making milk come out of my chest, not to mention holding hands of kids getting stitches, including seeing Joel's skull bone once, not a lot grosses me out anymore. Bring it on!

This week we just lopped off the top two fins and did some cutting on the belly. And took silly pictures. I think next week after I'm doing mopping I'm going to help some more in Science! I have to say how INSANELY PROUD I am of these children. ALL OF THEM. I figured some would cave and have an adult do it for them but THEY ALL DID IT, scalpel in hand. They really rock. I have tears in my eyes as I write this ... I am so proud to be part of this group of people!

So then on to PE with my son's awesome Confirmation sponsor, Mrs. DeFeo, who has 10 kids and is totally fabulous-looking and on top of stuff and a great teacher! I'm a helper in that class with Joel (so I got to be in a class with each of my kids today, WHICH AS A HELICOPTER MOMMY, I LOVED!). I don't care if Joel pretends not to know me. I am happy to be in the presence of my teen, is all. I got to figure out how to blow up flat basketballs, do some dribbling and running, and played with the teacher's precious 2-year-old son. I got to attempt to do a push-up. No luck there but I can dribble a basketball!

This ends the GREAT DAY BACK TO CO-OP 2016. Oh, where were Callie and Michael while I was in PE? Oh, they were just in EGYPTIAN MUMMIFICATION with the super-cool Mrs. Ousley!

The kids at co-op hug each other (even the dudes), are respectful to the adults, helpful, kind, go to dances, have birthday parties, go ice skating together, go to Theology of the Body for Teens together, have Airsoft wars. They are incredible and I'm glad I get to hang out with them!

2015 McLoughlin Family Christmas Letter ... #Funnoying?

Thought you might enjoy seeing our 2015 Christmas letter. I strive for a balance of informing and entertaining without being braggy or annoying. I'm not sure I hit it every year but it gives me a good record of what we did that year so I can pop a copy in our binder. I think I made up a new word for it: it's funnoying. It's fun and a little bit annoying at the same time.

Merry Christmas once again from the McLoughlins! Here’s all the latest for this past year …

            Aron built a cool new front porch on our house this year after doing some traveling to Houston and Arizona. He also worked on a side job of making cabinets from scratch for someone’s kitchen. He also grew a rockin’ garden which yielded tons of green beans, carrots, herbs and spaghetti sauce and salsa. He’s also the car fixer, dishwasher fixer, printer fixer, EVERYTHING fixer and all-around best dad ever. He needs to fish more, though.

            Kerrie is now homeschooling 5 kids while running her businesses (proofreading, writing ebooks and articles, Jamberry and Younique) with family dog Snoopy under her feet most of the time. She also took on the volunteer job of third grade religious education teacher, helps out at co-op and is the proud Confirmation sponsor to longtime family friend Julia.

            Joel is 14 and is currently the Senior Patrol Leader of his Boy Scout troop and has the rank of Life. He wants me to let you know he owns and is responsible with lots of weapons. He enjoys his co-op classes of Music Appreciation, Drama and PE and will be Confirmed in the spring. He’s getting super social with co-op friends at various activities and dances, as well as his Theology of the Body for Teens course. His belated birthday gift from us was his bearded dragon Oliver.

            Michael is 12 and always entertains us with his deadpan humor and brilliant jokes! He’s taking PE, Science and LEGO Robotics in co-op and is making new friends. He takes care of Jiggy the tortoise, who he has had for about 4 years now. He discovered a book series he enjoyed, devoured all 9, and is back on his book-reading strike.

            Callie is 10 and gave volleyball a shot this past fall and did really well with it. She is still the fashion queen of our house, sings well and is hoping for a sewing machine for Christmas. She loves her PE, Science and LEGO Robotics classes at co-op. She is helpful around the house and is an entrepreneur, with her own little at-home massage business (Mommy gives her 99% of her business).

            Eva is 8 and loves her Catechesis, Science, Storytime and PE classes at co-op with her friends and also enjoys lunch and recess. She likes to play My Little Pony, Shopkins and Barbies with her best friend, who is also named Eva. She is a happy girl who is part homebody (happy to sit around coloring) and part lover of on-the-go fun.

            Samuel is 6 and is in the same classes as Eva at co-op and says he is having a good time there. He enjoys all types of sports and shooting Nerf guns and taking Joel’s Airsoft Gun Training Classes in our basement. Sam made money this past summer selling cupcakes Mommy just made for his birthday, lemonade and sand from the sandbox on the street corner in front of our house.

            Springtime found us in Houston, Texas and Galveston Island while Aron traveled there for work and let us tag along. In October we got to go to Eugene T. Mahoney State Park for a week that included nature hikes, Omaha Zoo, Children’s Museum and more. The rest of the year we swam, went strawberry picking, spent time with our wonderful neighbors and other friends and family, saw the Royals Celebration Rally (oh, what a day!), and just had a blast with life in general, appreciating every day!

            As always, you can check out more of the family fun at TheKerrieShow.com. Have a fabulous 2016!

The McLoughlin Family (Aron, Kerrie, Joel, Michael, Callie, Eva and Samuel)

HOPE{LOVEYDREAMRPRAYVLEARN&SINGTLAUGHJACCEPTASLEEP

Important Traits of a Good Ear, Nose and Throat Doctor to Look For

Everyone gets sick from time to time. Hopefully, you and your family are blessed with good health. Unfortunately, you can never be too sure when you or a loved one will suffer from an illness that will make life miserable. When this happens, it is important that you have an experienced ear, nose and throat doctor to turn to so you can get back on your feet again very soon. There are many of these doctors out there to choose from. Unfortunately, they are not all created equal. Here are some of the most important traits of a good ear, nose and throat doctor that you need to look for.

1. Excellent bedside manner

Bedside manner is something that many doctors are sorely lacking these days. This is why it is important to do a little research about a doctor before you make an appointment. A doctor's bedside manner is most important if this person will be taking care of your children. A visit to a doctor can often be a very scary ordeal for a young child. Therefore, you need to find a doctor who understands this and works well with children. The doctor must be friendly, speak in a relaxed voice and keep the child at ease. There are many doctors who do not have children of their own. These doctors usually lack the subtle qualities that make up a good bedside manner.

2. Many years practicing medicine

You should always look for a doctor who has been around a long time. There is no substitute for many years of experience when you are talking about medical care providers. Try to find an ear, nose and throat doctor who has been practicing for at least a decade. Older doctors are usually better at working with kids. You should be able to find out how long a doctor has been practicing by looking at their website. You can learn more now about an outstanding medical practice by visiting Spring Medical Associates.

3. They explain the problem

Many doctors are so busy that they want to rush you out of their office as soon as possible. They examine you for a few seconds and they write you a prescription and move on to their next patient. You need to find a doctor who sits down with you and explains what is wrong and how you can change your lifestyle to remain healthy. This will benefit you and your family.

The Lovely Candy Company Review #Candy #Yum #GF

Here was my post with my pre-review about The Lovely Candy company, which includes all the links for purchase and information. Now it's time to get down to the REAL review, peeps. The scoop. My honest opinion of this product.

Ah, look at all that lovely candy on my table. Literally, it's Lovely Candy!

Okay, so when this product arrived I was floored at how amazing it was. All the kids and their friends got to try it and also my writer friend Christine, who was over, as well as my husband. They all loved it. I loved it. I could snuggle up with a bag of the Caramels and a good TV show and kill the entire bag in no time. SO YUMMY.

The company sent over 6 varieties and they were all wonderful. Yes, even the black licorice, which is not really my thing but some people love it.

Head to the top of this post and hit the pre-review about the product for the buy link and more information about the company and how they have gluten-free options and other accommodating awesomeness.

I give it 5 Lovely Candy Company Caramels, my highest rating!

Try some!