Blog Buzz: The Schaeffer Family

Meet The Shaeffer Family. Luci is a mom of two, Adam (6 years old), and Abigail (18 months). As she says, "We are a family living with autism, but we're also so much more." I am really glad she asked to be buzzed on the Mom Buzz, because I think her blog is more relevant than many moms realize. I know that as every boy is born in my family, included extended, autism is always a concern as it seems to be on a rise. And even if a family does not have a child with autism, it might be a relative or friend.

So, please read to learn more about Luci, her family, her blog and her thoughts! Her writing really is beautiful...

1. What's your blog about? Why did you start it?
"I started my blog in May 2008 as a way to chronicle the life and times of my family. My son has autism, and I often write about the joys and troubles the disability brings. My blog also serves as a suggestion box for my friends. "

2. Favorite post from your blog?
"Here are some of my favorite posts. I think they illustrate the good times and bad. I'm sure this list is too long, but it's hard for me to choose."

May I Have This Dance?: Living with a child with autism is like dancing.

When Did You Know?: Were there any signs of autism?

Let's Put People First: My child is not autistic. My child has autism.

We're Out of the Woods: Abby is meeting milestones!

If I Don't Laugh, I'll Cry: Professional Family Photos, the outtakes!

3. Anything else you would like to share?
"This little blog began on a whim, and now it's become a great way for me to express myself. I was never one to keep a journal or read for that matter. Now, I can't get enough of either!"

4. What are your must-read blogs?
"You probably already know about this blog about Audrey Caroline...Bring the Rain. I enjoy reading it because I feel the author is both honest and responsible. While her faith is so strong, she doesn't claim to have all the answers. Even through the most difficult time in her life, she remained a faithful servant.

I also enjoy this blog...the d'angelo family. Christy is a friend of mine but I think anyone would she is one crafty girl! This blog isn't just about her craftiness. She shares the daily goings-on of her family of three. She's a fun person and a good friend.

This is my 3rd suggestion...Her Cup Overfloweth. Among many features, my favorite is the author's Muffin Tin Monday. I think it's a clever idea, and it's so fun to visit other blogs who have adopted the trend."

5. Anything else you would like to share?
"While I started 'blogging' in May, I didn't realize the limitless journey one can take when navigating through the blogging community. I don't know how many people read my blog, but it has been such a joy to maintain. Sometimes I think I need to take a break because I'm having too much fun."



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I agree with that last comment, Luci! It's easy to go overboard blogging - it is a release in many ways! And your kids are BEAUTIFUL! I love that photo you sent to be included with this buzz!

And everyone, Luci really motivated me. I asked a blog friend to provide an article for our Health Buzz on Tuesday. Her son has autism, and she found a diet that has really helped him make improvements. And I am going to feature a wonderful log book for babies next week, where proceeds go to Autism Research. If anyone else would like to provide an article or direct me to something I should post on this topic, please just send me a comment or e-mail.

Book Review: Are You Grumpy Santa?

A few weeks ago I borrowed Are You Grumpy Santa from my local library for the boys. Keegan LOVED it. He loves anything with a big, jolly man in a red coat!

"Santa," he exclaimed, as he listened to the story and saw a grumpy Santa on every page. There was Santa stubbing his toe, Elves doing laundry, Santa in boxers with hearts on them, Santa being chased by bulls and bumping into a cactus (an Arizona Christmas Tree). The illustrations boldly colored, funny, full page and easily recognizable by toddlers.

Now, as I read the story, I recognized the grumpy Santa...but I could not quite place him. Leave it to my quirky husband to recognize Santa from a JibJab production. JibJab produces short animations online for adults - not kids. He said the grumpy Santa was adapted from a Grumpy, Perverted Santa. But no fear, the grumpy Santa in this children's story is very kid friendly and appropriate.

The story is about one day when Santa was not his jolly self. EVERYTHING was going wrong. Falling out of bed, stubbing his toe, cold shower, diet food, itchy Santa coat, snow storm, dogs chasing him, slipping on noodles and more. But at the very last house he spies something. A note and cookies for Santa. And he loses his grumpies as he realizes how appreciated he is by children for the hard work he does.

The story is not just for kids - it is also humorous for adults. My husband likes reading it at night to Keegan. The text is fun and fast-paced, as Santa goes through one disaster to the next.

Overall, the whole family really enjoyed the story and I was sad to let this book go.

The book is hard cover and suggested for ages 3 to 8. But my husband is 29 and my toddler is 2 and they both enjoyed it. The suggested retail price of Are You Grumpy Santa is $15.99. Text and Illustrations are copyrighted (2003) by JibJab Media Inc. It is published by Hyperion Childrens Books. The ISBN is 0-7868-1841-7.

Go Santa Go

I played Santa at Go Graham Go today, sharing my Christmas List for the boys. The slideshow seems to have gone kaput though over there! Here are the items on the TV below, though!

Send a Pre-Paid Phone Card to a Soldier Overseas

The best way to Support Our Troops - send a Pre-Paid Phone Card to a lonely soldier overseas: Click Here. Your $15 donation provides a GI in Iraq with 45 minutes of prepaid calls to the US. A $20 donation buys 60 prepaid minutes. A $100 donation: 300 minutes.

Babycapes: Style, Safety, Comfort & Free Gift

Recently I had an opportunity to get an up-close look at a Brown Sherpa Suede Babycape. Oh.My.God. I can not say enough wonderful things about this replacement for a bulky coat.

COMFORT
First, it is silky and velvety on the outside. The outer layer is amazing. And inside is a cuddly, cushioned layer that is sure to keep your child warm and comfortable on cold days and chilly nights.

STYLE
Second, it is gorgeous. I loved seeing the brown sherpa suede style in person. This specific coat is going to be modeled on television soon! The model is a 3 year old Costa Rican/ Puerto Rican girl and I know that the color will perfectly complement her olive skin, dark hair and deep brown eyes. But there are other gorgeous colors and styles available at Babycapes!

Sherpa Suede comes in brown, blue, pink and mint green. There is an uber-soft Minky Marshmallow style that is available in pink, blue and green. (I like the green with crossbones) And then the third line is a Minky Cuddle, which is a lighter material that is available in pink and green. If you live in a warmer climate, the Minky Cuddle is perfect for your child.

SAFETY
I love that Babycapes are not only stylish, but are safer for children to wear while in their carseat. When your toddler or baby is wearing a big bulky coat, you are actually strapping their coat in the car seat, not your child!

Here are bytes from National Highway Transportation Authority:

"incorrect tightness of harness and crotch straps among the most common mistakes";

"coats can add a lot of slack, reducing the level of protection in a crash";

"always remove bulky clothing or blankets before you place your child in the seat";

"never place anything thick under the baby, unless the item came with the car seat originally."

But Babycapes has unique opening in the back that allows you to easily buckle your child, while the Babycape fits over the harness strap of your child's car seat.

SIZING
One size fits newborn to preschooler, which means there is no need to purchase an expensive new coat each year only to have it last through one season!

TIP
When you call Babycapes, ask if they have any styles not listed on their website. When I called I learned that there were some limited quantity styles that would be GORGEOUS for my boys.

SPECIAL GIFT WITH PURCHASE FOR the MOM BUZZ READERS!

Would you LOVE to buy a Babycape for a shorty you love? Well, if you purchase a coat this December, the Mom Buzz readers are privy to a special code that allows them to receive a FREE hat too! Simply type in "Mom Buzz" in the comments section at checkout! Simple!

And if you purchase one, please let me know! We could feature your toddler or child in their Babycape on the Mom Buzz!

SPONSOR: BABYCAPES
SPECIAL GIFT: Free Hat with Purchase
CODE: Mom Buzz (leave in the comments section at checkout)
ENDS: December 31st at Midnight

Yummy Deals for the Holidays!

Here are delicious holiday freebies from Pillsbury & Betty Crocker!

JuneBee Baby: DISCOUNT & CONTEST

A couple of weeks ago I posted about JuneBee Baby's awesome selection of contemporary, hand-knit outfits and outerwear. And when I say hand-knit, I mean it! Each product is either hand knit or crocheted by needles - not machines.

If you are still looking for a holiday outfit for your little one, then be sure to check out JuneBee Baby's sweater vests for little boys and knit dresses for girls! And if you are lucky, you might even be able to win a cute item from JuneBee Baby!

More about the JuneBee Baby collection:

• Sizing from birth to 3T
• All products are handmade with 100% natural fibers including Cotton, Bamboo, Cashmere and Wool
• Custom orders on any colors and models
• Extensive inventory of best sellers, ready to ship the next day
• Inventory includes cardigans, dresses, rompers, ponchos, hats & booties
  
  

REMEMBER THE DISCOUNT:

JuneBee Baby is still offering the Mom Buzz readers a special code so you can receive TWENTY FIVE PERCENT OFF the entire stock - including SALE ITEMS! What an offer! You heard right, 25%! Just type in HOLIDAY08. (Coupon expires 12/31/08)

WIN AN ITEM FROM JUNEBEE BABY!

One lucky Mom Buzz reader will have the opportunity to win an item of their choice from JuneBee Baby. Here's how you can enter:

Entry 1.
Add JuneBee Baby to Twitter & Twitter her your favorite item! Leave a comment here so I know!

OR

Create a wish list at JuneBee Baby. Leave a comment here once you've signed up!

Once you've completed Entry 1, you can do any of the following for additional entries. But you must do Entry #1 First! Leave a comment for each action below.

• Pick your favorite item from the store and leave a comment telling me what it is.
  
• Add the Mom Buzz to Twitter & Twitter about this contest!
• Blog about this contest, with a link to JuneBee Baby and the Mom Buzz.
• Subscribe to the Mom Buzz via RSS or E-mail subscription. (Look on right sidebar)
  

US entries only. Contest ends December 9th at Midnight.

Good Luck and Happy Buzzing!