My Little Boys #WW

These boys. They are my whole world. They have shown me how to love and how to grow. They have shown me how to stay young even when I feel my oldest. To let things go and to forgive, even when it wasn't warranted. They keep me strong and keep me fighting for the right causes. They keep me grounded and keep my hurting heart in check. Sometimes, love just isn't a big enough word for what I feel for them.

Lets Go Down to the River

O brothers let's go down

Let's go down, come on down

Come on brothers, let's go down

Down in the river to pray

As I went down in the river to pray

Studying about that good ol' way

And who shall wear the starry crown?

Good Lord show me the way

~ From "Down to the River to Pray" by Alison Krauss

We had an awesome weekend on the river with some amazing friends. It was nice to be unplugged for a bit and just spend some time doing nothing. No worries, no cares, no rush.

The boys had a blast and are crazy excited to head back some day. D was more excited about catching fish than I have seen him about anything in a very long time. Who knew trot-line fishing could be that exciting to a 5 year old? K on the other hand was more excited about playing with new made friends and riding in the boat. So much so that every time anyone got close to a dock he would come running and want a ride (which of course he didn't get. Poor bubs.).

I hope your holiday weekend was as relaxing and warm as ours! 

Gearing Up For Memorial Day

This weekend is Memorial Day weekend. For me, its time to get a little relaxing in! Of course I have to work Saturday and Sunday but still, plenty of time to get some fun in the sun in. It is going to be a gorgeous weekend here in the ATL too.

We are planning on spending time visiting my father and cooking out and hanging out with some friends on Saturday. Spend a nice relaxing Sunday and Monday camping and then having yet another cookout on Monday with my mother. The perfect kick off to the Summer months, don't you think?

Of course Memorial Day is, by rights, a day of remembering the men and women who died while serving in the United States Armed Forces. I have been lucky enough to not suffer the loss of any immediate family members that have served in the military but I do have countless friends and distant relatives that have. Its a loss that strikes to the core and something that is always difficult to bear.

Our U.S. military has the hardest job and it often results in paying the ultimate price. They deserve to be revered and memorialized more than just one weekend out of the year and I hope that all Americans carry gratitude in their hearts for the fallen, their loved ones, and their communities.

So, I urge you, between hamburgers or beers or smores this weekend, take a moment and say a prayer for all of our fallen Soldiers, Marines, Airmen, and Coast Guards that have lost their lives protecting your right to celebrate unhindered.

Müller Yogurt Makes Mama Happy (With A Giveaway!)

I am a self professed yogurt enthusiast. I could eat more yogurt than could possible be healthy for a single person even when I try to limit myself. I even prefer yogurt to ice cream. Yes, I know, I make a lousy woman.

Still, yogurt is my number one vice. So, recently, when I was contacted to try out the new Müller Yogurts, I jumped all over it like white on rice. I was sent a selection of the new line of Müller yogurts, produced by Quaker, to try out and let you know what I thought.

Müller Corner features creamy, smooth vanilla or plain low-fat yogurt with a mix-in of fresh strawberry or blueberry toppings. Or you can go crunchy and choose Choco Flakes, Crispy Crunch, Crunchy Granola or Choco Balls. The first one I tried was the Müller Greek Corner in Honeyed Apricot and oh my goodness, I was addicted at first bite. It has the wonderful texture of Greek yogurt but the honeyed sweet taste of a much sweeter yogurt. Even my mother liked the taste of the Greek yogurt in the Müller Corner when she usually won't touch Greek yogurt with a stick. A definite hit!

After that was so good, I immediately tried one of the Müller FrütUp cups to see if they were as good and not only was it good, it was even better than the Corner variety! For the Müller FrütUp variety, a creamy smooth low- fat yogurt is topped with light, fluffy fruit mousse that is absolutely divine! My favorite is the Peach Passion Fruit. I swear its better than any yogurt I've ever tried. Even the Luscious Lemon flavor is awesome and lemon yogurt is hard to make just right. 

Oh, and did I mention that Müller yogurts are not only certified Kosher but also free of preservatives and high fructose corn syrup? Total. Win. Can I get an amen?

Wondering where to pick up some of your very own? You can find a handy "where to buy" feature on the Muller Quaker website. rvatives and high fructose corn syrup

I am also lucky enough to be able to give away 10 coupons for free Muller yogurt to two lucky Render Me Mama readers! All you have to do is either "Like" Render Me Mama on Facebook or let me know in the comments below what your all time favorite snack is! I will pick a winner on May 31st so be sure to get your entries in soon! (Be sure to use your real email address when you comment so I can contact you!)

A Big Atlanta Welcome to Red Tricycle!

*This post was sponsored by Red Tricycle*

Lets face it, Atlanta has some amazing things to offer. Between the amazing attractions, exciting history, little known hot spots, and of course the Southern hospitality, Atlanta is one great place to live and play. Now, Atlanta has a new place to check out all of the amazing happenings in one place!

New to Atlanta, Red Tricycle is a website and newsletter dedicated to providing parents in major cities with information about child-friendly places to visit, meal ideas, kid-tested products, and more. While Red Tricycle currently covers Chicago, Los Angeles, New York, Portland, San Francisco, Seattle, and SoCal, they have added Atlanta to their hot cities list! You can also subscribe to the National edition for tot-inspired information in your inbox.

“Red Tricycle is a digital city guide for parents. We offer ideas for things to see, eat and do with your kids in your neighborhood. Our mission is simple, to help parents have more fun with their kids.”

To kick off their exciting launch in Atlanta, Red Tricycle is hosting the biggest summer giveaway ever! With 17 great prizes from places and spaces all over Atlanta, there is sure to be something for everyone!

Prizes include:
Graco Children’s Products Jogger Stroller
4 Tickets to Tree Top Quest
$300 Child Portraiture Session from Kate Byars Photography
cinda b Baby Bag & Travel Friendly Pouch in Scala Ivory
2 Family Memberships to Chattahoochee Nature Center
Family Membership to Southeastern Railway Museum
Family 5 Pack to AREA 51 – Aurora Cineplex and The Fringe Miniature Golf
1 pink and 1 green Highchair Organizer
The Music Class, Fall Session
Build your own bday party for 6 at Hippo Hop
$200 B. Baby Braithwaite Gift Certificate
emerald august $250 Gift Certificate
4 Pair of Babiators, 2 original, 2 polarized
$200 Family Photo Session with Deana Levine Photography
Southern Sitters & Nannies Annual Membership
Rhubarb & Custard $75 Gift Certificate
$300 Youth Technology Center Gift Certificate

So, what are you waiting for? Head on over to Red Tricycle's new Atlanta site and get to entering and exploring!

*This post was sponsored by Red Tricycle*

Ze Bubbles! #WW

She is Shiny (And She is Mine) #WW

#2 of the 2013 list? Complete.

Our Day Out With Thomas! #WW