I simply despise getting my hands dirty.  In fact, I really don’t like being any sort of messy.

I don’t like gardening.   Putting my hand in a garbage disposal is done out of necessity and always with a disgusted look at my face.  I don’t play in the sand.  I handle raw chicken like it could reach up and lick me at any second.

But lately I’ve been feeling like it’s hindering my parenting.  I don’t particularly care for play dough and I am not a fan of finger paint.  I’ve never just let my kids play with shaving cream or flour and water – all because I don’t want to deal with the mess.

That ends today.

My children’s formative years are short.  It is merely a matter of time before they no longer want to play with me, so I need to get over myself and GET. IN. THERE.

This hit me in the face yesterday like a Mack truck hurtling down the highway.  My daughter was in the pantry and pulled out the bag filled with play dough.  I heard myself groan, if only to myself, but got it out anyway.  For 20 minutes, she made me “food” and gave it to me to eat.  All she wanted in the whole world was for me to pretend (which I absolutely love to do with her) and pretend with play dough.  So we did.

Yes, I had green and purple under my nails.  Yes, I found it on the floor throughout the rest of the evening. Yes, a few bits and pieces somehow managed to get into the carpet.

But it didn’t matter.  What mattered was how happy my daughter was in the moment – that brief, fleeting moment.

Soon enough, she’ll be grown. She’ll be off, wanting to play with friends vs. digging around in the dirt with me.  I need to take advantage of this time, instead of risking the fact that I’ll be looking back with regret.

I don’t want to regret a single solitary second – thinking I should have played more.

So today, I vow to get messy.  I vow to play in the mud and delight in worms and roly-polys.  I vow to bury myself in sand at the beach to the delight of my children and I vow to not utter one peep of disgust or annoyance.

I only have 18 years with my children.  Most of that time is going to spent in school, learning, growing, developing without me.  I need to envelop myself in the now and take advantage while they are small, while they still love me no matter what I do or say.  I want to make sure that they look back and remember that I PLAYED with them.

It’s time for me to get messy.

My grandparents loved Frosty’s, particularly my grandfather. We’d always go there whenever we wanted a sweet treat. To this day, I can’t go to Wendy’s and get a Frosty without thinking of him.

Every Father’s Day, Wendy’s does a campaign that benefits the Dave Thomas Foundation for Adoption. This year, you can help out in two ways:

1. Facebook & Twitter – Use the hashtag #FirstFrosty and share your first Frosty memories. For each story, image or video, Wendy’s will donate $1, up to $50,000.

2. Go to Wendy’s – For each Frosty purchased today, Wendy’s will donate 50 cents to DTFA. Any Frosty purchase counts! Even their newest product, the Frosty Waffle Cone!

So hurry up! What are you waiting for? You still have a few hours to hit up your local Wendy’s. And to give you some incentive, I have a $5 gift card for someone. It won’t help with this campaign, but if you run out and grab a Frosty or two today, you can enjoy another one later on in the summer.

Simply leave a comment below and tell me if you prefer the classic chocolate (it’s the only way to go, in my opinion) or the vanilla. Contest ends tomorrow, Monday, June 17 at 11:59 EST. Winner will be drawn via Random.org.

Thank you to Wendy’s and the Motherhood for providing me with a gift card for my family and a gift card for this giveaway.

Thank you.

For being you.

For being wonderful.

For giving of yourself.

For doing all the things that I don’t really want to do.

Our children are exceptionally lucky to have you as their father.  You are an amazing, caring, loving, and compassionate man.  I am so fortunate to be able to call you my husband and my very best friend.

Today we celebrate you and the fantastic, wonderful father that you are.

Planning a Disney trip and looking for an affordable option for lodging?  You should definitely check out the Pop Century Resort, a Disney value property.

Designed with fads from the 50′s, 60′s, 70′s, 80′s and 90′s, this property has lots of fun visuals for the family to enjoy.  Rooms are pretty basic and don’t have a lot of extra space.  If you have more than four people in your family, I would absolutely recommend getting an additional room. But if you are only staying at Disney for a few days, it’s a great place to stay at just a little over $100 per night (costs will vary depending on time of year.)

Pools

Pop Century has a super fun main pool – the Hippy Dippy Pool – and two smaller pools. It also has a renovated baby pool area, which was closed while we were there.

Added bonus? If you get back from the parks early and the kids aren’t ready for bed, head down to the Hippy Dippy Pool for their nightly Disney film under the stars.

Dining

As for dining, there aren’t any formal restaurants on-site, but does feature a pretty elaborate dining hall where families can eat breakfast, lunch and dinner.  It’s pretty loud, but easy, peasy for a quick breakfast before hitting up the parks.  We had waffles, french toast and eggs one morning and everyone in our family was happy.  (Side note: the coffee was not that great.  I recommend holding out until you get to a park if you can.)

Getting to the parks

If you drove to the resort, your parking at each park is free.  Or you can take Disney Transportation Bus line to each park.  The buses are very quick and efficient.  We never had to wait more than ten minutes for a bus to or from the parks.

Appreciated Amenities

Online check-in is offered here (as with all Disney properties).  It is a HUGE plus to be greeted by a cast member upon arrival and taken care of without waiting in a long line.  The resort offers free wi-fi, which is always a great, and of course, the Magic Express Bus to the airport both picks up and drops off at Pop Century.

Easy Walk to Art of Animation

If your kids are into Cars or The Little Mermaid, be sure to walk over the bridge to the Art of Animation hotel. My kids got a big kick out of the full size characters.

We had a great experience at Pop Century for the two nights we were there.  For a longer trip, I would personally choose to stay somewhere else, but for a quick trip, it’s a fabulous option.

Our stay at Pop Century was paid for entirely by us.  We extended our trip as part of the Disney Social Media Moms Conference.

About a year ago, we decided to give up cable.  The costs were just getting to be astronomical and we knew there were better options out there.  So we bought a Roku and said sayonara suckers.

Then we got the inevitable call from our cable company offering us a ridiculous deal.  Needless to say, we kept our cable.  And our Roku sat.

A few months ago, we bought a Samsung Smart TV.  (It’s awesome!)   In addition to our cable channels, we also have an Amazon Prime subscription that we use for streaming tv shows and movies for the kids.  But our options are limited. So when I was offered the chance to check out Netflix for three months, I was pretty excited.  The kid’s Disney Jr. favorites – Mickey Mouse Clubhouse and Jake and the Neverland Pirates are both available for streaming, as well as all the Tinker Bell movies and lots of other Disney favorites (Dumbo, Fox & the Hound, and Pocahontas.) SCORE!

We’ve had it two weeks now and it’s been fantastic.  My four year old is so happy that he can watch Curious George whenever he wants (during his allocated screen time).  Netflix even has the full season of Transformers RescueBots, so we aren’t stuck watching the same four episodes that show on The Hub at 2 p.m. every day.

For my two year old, we’re happy to have access to oodles of Sesame Street episodes.  But don’t think it’s just for the kids.  While I was away last weekend, my husband watched The Hunger Games, Super 8 and some other guy movie that I wasn’t interested in seeing.   Next up, the hubby and I are planning on starting The Walking Dead since it seems to be hot on everyone’s list.

Pretty awesome for only $8/month.

Do you subscribe to a streaming service?  Have you been meaning to check out Netflix, but keep forgetting?  Well, you are in luck.  I’m giving away three FREE three month subscriptions.

To enter, simply browse the Netflix offerings and tell me which series/movie  you are most excited to check out on Netflix in the comments below.  Contest ends Wednesday, June 19 at 11:59 EST.  Winner will be chosen via Random.org and will have 48 hours to claim their prize before I redraw.

I was provided a three months subscription for the purpose of this post.  All opinions are my own.  Netflix will provide the giveaway winners with gift codes they can redeem for their three month membership.

I try not to play this game too often.  I don’t live my life by “what if’s”, but every now and again, you are placed in a space where you can’t help it.

Last week, my very first place of employment was having an open house.  They just moved to a newly designed office space and I was anxious to check it out.  My former CEO does nothing small and has always gone out of his way to ensure his employees have the very best work space possible.

I was not disappointed.

It was, for lack of a better word, AMAZING.  Clean lines mixed with collaborative work spaces equals a haven for marketing brainstorming and creative thinking.  I left feeling a little bit in awe

Is it wrong to consider checking out all future work spaces before I go back to work full time in a couple years? (Probably.)

Then I did that thing.  

I wondered what my life, career, etc would be like if I had never left.

It was silly really because I left for many reasons.  And my life wouldn’t be where it is today had I not left. Who know’s if I would have even thought to start this blog?

But I did it anyway.  I looked at my two colleagues who are still there, both Vice Presidents, and wondered.

I wondered if I had that in me.

I wondered if I was going to be able to get back into the marketing field once Miss E goes to kindergarten.

I wondered if I wanted to.

I wondered if people would hire me.

I wondered if I was marketable.

I still wonder…

I would imagine that everyone has a grandparent or older relative that isn’t terribly savvy when it comes to computers or smart phones. My poor grandmother.  We send photos; she can’t open them.  She asks to read my blog.  I try to explain the URL and that she can go to it whenever she wants. It just doesn’t stick.

She needs to be able to click once and wait.

Here’s to hoping a new iPhone app will be our saving grace.  Joya is a new iPhone app that allows you to easily send one or more videos with friends and family regardless of file size. Simply send the video via the app to friends and family and it shows up as a link.  No download necessary.  They just click on a URL and view the video. Anyone can do it.  I think even my grandmother.

Wait, how does Joya work?

•      Download the Joya app on your iPhone
•      Add contact information for your favorite people (cell or email) to your “favorites”
•      Connect to your iPhone library
•      Send one or multiple videos to your list of favorites
•      The recipient will receive a link via text or email, click it and watch it. No iPhone or software required.

This is what the email looks like in your inbox.  Seriously SO EASY!

I’ve tested it out on my husband while he’s been out of town.  It’s been great because most of my videos end up being way too large to text or email from my phone.  Or I take an awesome, hilarious video of the kids and right before I upload to YouTube, I realize they are both naked or in their underwear.  That’s not something I want to share with the world, but I DO want to show close family.

Joya makes that possible. Oh, and did I mention it’s a FREE app.  YAY!

I’m anxious to see how this works with our extended family.  Wish me luck with my grandmother!

This post is sponsored by Joya.  All opinions are my own.

I’ve had a mole on the outside of my right arm FOREVER.  It has literally been there for as long as I can remember.  About five years ago (or maybe more), I finally got it checked.  The doctor wasn’t concerned, but said we should definitely watch it.

Over this last year, I noticed a few new moles – one on my hand and one on my back.  Now I have a lot of tiny moles and freckles on my arms and legs, but for some reason, these two have bugged me.

So last week, after putting it off and putting it off, I finally called my dermatologist.  I also have Rosacea, and have been meaning to see if I could get any sort of topical cream as it is OUT OF CONTROL.

I’m letting go of my pride and sharing this picture with you for two reasons. One, I’ve had several people tell me that I have great skin and they highly doubt I have a problem. Proof is in the pudding folks! Thank goodness for the invention of foundation and concealer. Second, a lot of people, women in particular, suffer from Rosacea, but don’t know there’s a name for it or that there are ways to tame it.

Anyway, this morning, I woke up, left the make-up out of my routine and took the kids to camp.  I then headed to the doctor’s office, unsure of what might take place.

My doctor, whom I ADORE, came in, we chatted a bit and then she got to taking a look at my skin. She looked at them through a magnifying glass and measured them. She wasn’t worried about my hand, but told me to watch it. The newer one on my back, which was much darker than most of my moles, and the one on my arm, which was much more red in tone than the others, had her a wee bit concerned. She recommended “scraping” them. I didn’t exactly know what that entailed other than they would be biopsied, but I said sure. Two minutes later, I was getting a shot of numbing solution in both spots and a few minutes later we were done. Moles removed. Band-aids applied.

In a few weeks, I’ll get the results. If they are abnormal, I’ll go back in a few months for a re-check. If they are normal, then I can go back in 1-2 years for my next appointment.

I’m not worried. I know I’m being proactive. And while my “boo-boos” are a little tender, it was the right and smart thing to do.

So you out there. Yes, you. You need to go see a dermatologist. Get a skin check. Keep track of any unusual moles or skin abnormalities. There are even apps that will help you track any changes in your skin. Check out SkinScan.  (Thanks Robyn, for the tip!)

It is vital that we take care of ourselves. While you’re at it, schedule a physical with your primary physician too.

I am clearly not a doctor. It’s just little ol’ me, caring about little ol’ you.

I was reading an email after having said “I love you” and given my nightly hugs and kisses.

I hear the scampering of small feet and I looked up to see a little man in Super Hero underwear at the top of the stairs.

“Whatcha doin’ buddy?”

“I’m not asleep yet mama.  What are you doing?”

I hustled him back down the hall, while he griped about wanting to be with me.

“Why do I have to go to bed”

I explained that it’s night time and at night, we go to bed.

“Well, why aren’t you in bed yet?”

I told him I’m the mama and mamas can go to bed later.  I explained that he didn’t have to sleep but he needed to stay in his bed. He sighed more like an annoyed fifteen year old vs the feisty four year old that he is.

“We can talk if you want, buddy.”

“Ok, I want to talk,” he said.

“Well, what do you want to talk about,” I asked as I lay next to his chlorine-infused, tousled hair.

“Um, I just really want to snuggle and for you to sing one more song.”

I couldn’t argue with that.

I wrapped him in my arms and started singing “Somewhere Over the Rainbow”.  He let out a little breath and within a few minutes, his eyes were fluttering.

As I pulled away, he stirred and muttered “stay one more minute” and I kissed him and slipped out the door.

Good night sweetheart.  Good night.

*Congrats to Liz for winning the free pass!*

Over the course of my career, I have taken many flights.  Those flights typically equal A LOT of money in parking fees.

Sometimes I would park in one of the park and ride lots, but often times, I just parked in the closest lot for $12 a day.  I didn’t really know there were other options out there besides what the airport provided.

A few weeks ago, my family flew to Disney World.  We were trying to figure out a way to get our entire family to the airport without having to park our car for six days.  That’s $72 that could be spent on souvenirs or COFFEE! (I have my priorities people.)

My husband had literally just told me to check Groupon for one of those parking lots near the airport when I got an email from Fast Park asking me if I wanted to check it out for an upcoming summer trip. SCORE!

It was SO awesome and convenient.

The morning of our trip we drove into the Fast Park parking lot. You’re pointed to a row and you can park in any stall in your assigned row.  Then a shuttle bus drives over to your parking spot to pick you up — immediately!  You are given a ticket with your parking spot number for your return.

On our return, we were dropped off right at our car!  No lugging our suitcases a mile or so as we try to remember where we parked.  We were then told about their free car wash (included in their price) and were offered bottled water upon our exit.

And it’s only $5.95 a day!

Can you really argue with that?

And just in case you are wondering, we did not need a car seat on the shuttle bus.  It’s like any other bus.  I just held my two year old on my lap.

Guess what?  One A Parenting Production reader will win a 5-day pass for free parking and a Fast Park travel blanket.  Simply leave a comment telling me your favorite tip to ease travel woes.

Contest ends Monday, June 10 at 11:59 pm.  Winner will be chosen via random.org and notified within two days.  Winner must respond within 48 hours or a new winner will be chosen.  Contest is open to anyone living near one of the 16 FastPark locations.  

FastPark provided me with a five day parking pass for the purpose of this review and giveaway.