Baby Ban in First Class...

First class passengers flying Malaysia Airlines won't have to bother with earplugs anymore...well, when it comes to crying babies that is. After many complaints from passengers who spend big bucks on the posh seating...the company decided to make the ban it's official policy.

So...this is a conversation. Tell me what you think.

First, I want to let you in on a secret. My hubby Sam is the baby whisperer. Regardless of where we go...if there's a baby/toddler anywhere near him they are transfixed on his face. He jokes that it is his big ears...but he doesn't look like Dumbo or anything...so I have to argue that! Maybe it's his blue eyes...his baby face...I don't know-but if you ever see us in an airport and you're worried about your kid acting up on the plane...just hand her/him to Sam! Actually, the last time we flew there was a toddler in front of us that wasn't having a good day and instead of using Sam using his baby powers...he handed her his iPad. It worked...for awhile.

I guess preparation for anything is key...and until (when or if) that ban reaches our American Airlines I think it's important to know all you can when it comes to traveling with your child. Did you know there's a family/medical/liquid lane that you can access when you are going through security at the airport? Look for the signs...then you won't need to worry about holding up impatient travelers standing behind you. I found a couple more tips that may help when you are busy traveling with your baby.

• Allow plenty of time at the airport for check-in, and connecting flights. Remember how much longer it takes to achieve anything with kids in tow and apply the same formula to your travel plans.

• Smile sweetly and helplessly at everyone and you may get help and be able to queue jump - 'always keep the lid on your blender'.

• Ask if your flight is full when checking in. Some assistants will block out the seat next to you in a less full flight or offer you the option of seating next to a vacant seat. This is particularly valuable if traveling with a toddler under 24months without a seat.

• Get on the plane first and off the plane last to get a better chance of assistance from cabin crew.

I like that third tip...yeah! If you travel often...I am a huge fan of my American Express Delta Card. I've received a couple first class upgrades...without asking...I get to use the priority lane, I get a free companion ticket each year and I get double points when I book my ticket using the card. Ok...neither of those companies paid me to say that....just an FYI...and I am a HUGE fan!!

Toy Story 4?!?!?!?

In the words of my good friend Cherie...Oh My Word!!

Toy Story 4??? When will it ever end? Sam and I saw Toy Story 3 and thought it was pretty terrible but what do I know...I fell asleep! Actually...I can say that it was ok, but too many scary references! I know...I know, the fairy tales I grew up with were pretty bad too...but this is in 3d! First of all...the bear=creepy. Then the giant teeth on the shredder...then the fiery furnace...come on people! I was so glad I didn't bring our nephew...what's up with all that? But...I guess I should not be surprised the franchise is still going strong...it made millions...probably billions worldwide, so why not another one?! We'll see...it's just talk at the moment.

We just recently attended a mixer where we met a guy who worked in the horror division of Lion's Gate. Do you know horror is one of the most profitable genre's in Hollywood? People love to be scared...I guess, but I don't get it, especially when it comes to our little ones.

When Bill Myers was writing our first story we went back and forth...(like a normal writing session would go) and we discussed this issue of it being scary. I...personally, do NOT like anything scary...suspenseful yes...but not scary. Our one scary character...a vulture named Madam Sneerly, is pretty amazing looking and she's kinda intimidating but I don't think she'll give your kids nightmares.

Am I wrong about all of this? I just feel like whatever you sow into your life you'll reap. Not to negate grace but I can't expect to eat cupcakes everyday and not gain weight. I can't expect to make any money if I don't work...and if I watch/read a lot of scary things...doesn't it make sense that I might live in fear? We don't want to put that into our kids, do we?

No "Him or Her" Non Gender parenting...

So...as we continue to work on our app for toddlers...Bedtime Bunny Tales I'm wondering if we are being too "gender specific" with Grandpa Bunny and all...

Just in case you didn't know...I'm kidding. I love both genders...male and female and I think both bring a lot to the table.

As I continue to research what mommies and daddies are talking about when it comes to their toddlers I've noticed this is a topic that's on the minds of many. My husband just sent me this article about how one Swedish Preschool is trying to eliminate any use of feminine or masculine in their vocabulary, steering clear of the typical dolls for girls, trucks for boys, etc...etc.
Here's the link to the article http://beta.news.yahoo.com/no-him-her-preschool-fights-gender-bias-122541829.html

This, to me...will never work.

Number one...fighting gender bias isn't helped when you eliminate it altogether. Men and women, boys and girls are different, plain and simple. At this preschool they want all the boys and girls to play with the same toys, the little oven right alongside the building blocks. That's fine...but let me warn you...it's only a matter of time until one of those little guys picks up one of the cooking utensils and turns it into a sword! I don't think you can program kids into doing anything...their natural inclination will win every time.

Yes...some girls would rather climb trees while some little boys would rather play with dolls...but you can't make any of them do what they don't naturally gravitate toward. That's the art of playing. It's make believe and regardless of what toy you give them their imagination will take over and make it into whatever they want it to be!!

If you don't know me...I've been a warrior for breaking down stereotypes my whole life. I love to do things that people don't expect a woman to do...but these things aren't "for women only" or "for men only"...they are just things I wanted to do. I think too often we buy into cultural stereotypes instead of God given talents and abilities.

I grew up playing with Barbies...I loved Barbies and my biggest dream was to have the Barbie Mansion and convertible. I also climbed trees, played football and later joined the Army Reserve. In fact...I was the first woman from my unit to graduate Drill Sgt. School. I also placed first in an Army obstacle course beating out about 30 other male competitors. OH...did I mention I love a good main-pedi and I am a sucker for all things beautiful?!?!

Inspire your kids...love them and help them to grow. What do you think?

The Tree of Life Movie Screening...

Last night I had the privilege of attending a screening of the movie The Tree of Life.
It was moving...powerful, dramatic and sometimes very confusing. OH...before I go on, I do want to note that our logo above is a giant tree! If you haven't watched our little promo video that explains the tree take a look below...ok, now back to the movie.



We watched the movie...then a panel of experts weighed in. Erwin McManus...who is a pastor, speaker, author and film maker moderated the discussion and asked the panelist a series of questions about the meaning of life, the meaning of the film etc. They discussed life on earth and the life here after. It was fascinating.

Sister Rose Pacatte from the Pauline Center for Media Studies was the only female, yet she definitely held her own amongst the other male clergy members. She was able to give a perspective that no one else could give...because in the beginning of the film a nun is quoted and it's something about nature versus grace.

Sister Rose explained that she was a child of the 50's...the era in which the film was set...so she could relate on not only a spiritual level but a pure visceral one too. She could remember playing with her brothers...running through the grass and wondering what they'd do the next day. I wish I could remember how she explained the quote above...but I just can't do it justice. She is also a film critic so if you are looking for a review check her out at http://sisterrose.wordpress.com/



This film isn't your typical movie...it takes on a completely new perspective. About 30 minutes into it there's a montage of images of when the earth was first formed, the solar system...pre-historic plants and animals...it's a crazy ride that leaves you utterly confused or completely in awe. I have to admit I was a little of both. Regardless...you should see it. I think it is a wonderfully new kind of film...void of aliens, robots and violence...things I didn't miss a bit.

First Day of Summer...

Today marks the first day of summer. We know that most of you have been enjoying some super hot temps already...while we here in Los Angeles are enduring the dreaded June Gloom. Yes, June gloom is real...but not as bad as it sounds. From early morning to mid-day it is overcast but the sun usually peaks its head out in the afternoon. The temps are moderate and there aren't too many days you'd pick to go swimming.

Growing up in Ohio was a different story. The first day of sun meant bathing suits and pool parties. After the long winter...everyone is ready for any kind of relief so regardless of how cold the water is...it isn't optional-you're taking a dip!

So how does technology play a part in your summer break? Do you have rules about how much time you allow your little one to be on the computer...phone, iPad, etc.? Is it harder to keep them away from the t.v. now that they have more free time? According to one study...75 percent of mothers hand their smartphone's to their kids. Setting clear limitations on using devices is critical in keeping your children well balanced and off the couch! Technology is great...but over use can be damaging!

Here are some good tips on avoiding media overload!

Visit msnbc.com for breaking news, world news, and news about the economy

Father's Day is over but many of the memories remain. Most of us choose to capture those little bits of time by snapping a photograph...while others write, some fight and well, many of us just look at the pictures and remember. Yesterday our family got together at my dad's favorite pizza joint. Yes, it's a pizza "joint", an Ohio bar with pie as heavenly as you can find...at least that's what papa thinks (and I happen to agree). I of course missed the celebration...being I'm in Los Angeles and the rest of the gang is back home...but thanks to my sissy's handy dandy iPhone she keeps me well supplied with good pics!

Anyway...while I was perusing Facebook yesterday I was amazed, perplexed, vexed and downright angered at some of the posts regarding dear ol' dad. Some people posted their thoughts as if they were sending a message to their long lost fathers, while others celebrated their one and only while others asked for supernatural abilities to help them...this is the one that really irked me. In my opinion...and in the opinion of one poll my priest quoted in service yesterday...there is nothing super natural about just showing up. According to the poll I mentioned the number one response to the question...["what do you think of when someone says
"dad" the overwhelming answer was "absent"]. Really? Absent? Like I said before, there's nothing supernatural about just being there. Kids need their dads and even if you don't have any money, power or fame they will appreciate the time you carve out to spend with them...believe me-time is love.

Grandpa Bunny...the main character in our app for kids is the father figure many kids are lacking. It's a shame that such an app needs to be made but more and more children are being raised by single parents...so we hope our character can give just a little comfort to a little guy or gal who misses his papa. For a sweet little story about becoming a father check out this article...

http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2011/06/17/becoming-a-father/#more-23401

Father's Day...are dads more involved today than in the past?

In honor of dear ol' dad...this post's for you!

Father's Day, Mother's Day...pretty much all of the holidays conjure up emotions, whether they be good or bad, sweet or sour, something stirs inside us.

For me...this is a good one. Actually, I hold dear every holiday and it's not just because of the presents or food or any of that good stuff, I think I like them so much because I have fond memories of our family being together. I'm the only sibling of 4 to venture from home so I have to rely on technology to keep me close while all of the rest of the gang hangs out at someone's house. Since the dawn of summer that respective house is usually my sisters. She has a pool and if any of you grew up in the south or the mid west you know how important a nice cool dip can be after a long day in the sweltering heat. She provides that respite for many a family member as well as scores of neighbors friends and associates. Alas, I digress...back to dear ol' dad.

According to http://pewsocialtrends.org/2011/06/15/a-tale-of-two-fathers/

More dads are involved in the everyday raising of children while there are more fathers who are separated from their kids. In other words, the dads who are around are involved...while those who don't live with their kids are simply absent. Good news and sad news. Do you know a father who is around? A guy who is invested in his child's life?

When I sat down to write today I was thinking of all the apps for kids that involve a father figure. Maybe an eBook or a game...but I decided to focus on the real-the true and the HUMAN! Ha!
Since working on Bedtime Bunny Tales I can get pretty focused on stories and technology but I think we can all agree there's no replacing papa! Thus...I picked a guy to highlight that is a real and present father. I introduced his son a couple of days ago...but today is dedicated to him and all the other dads out there who are spending their time, money and resources on the most important thing in the world...their babies!

The guy is Tommy Heath. He and my sister Holly were high school sweet hearts and Christian is their son, my nephew. He is the little dare devil I described in my previous post. He and Tommy go hunting together, ride four wheelers, swim and anything and everything else you could dream of. They are like two peas in a pod...a relationship I would have loved to have had with my papa. My dad is a good guy and he was a great provider...but we didn't "hang out" together. I think it was his generation and the notion that mothers raised kids and dads just went to work. I'm glad that worn out belief is fading away. Fathers are soooooo important and I'm still hoping I can get my dad to ride a roller coaster with me! I'm just thankful that he's still around and I still have the opportunity to talk him into some things! Tell me about your dad...

Happy Father's Day....

Cute kids and bunnies!

This morning I opened my email to find a link to a 3 sec. video of a little girl yelling "Hop 2 It". If for some reason this is your first time hearing about this app for kids, well-it was our first endeavor...and it has been so much fun hearing the feedback....especially when it's from a 2 year old! I can't seem to figure out how to attach her video...so go to our Facebook page to take a look...she is darling!

When we started this venture we had no idea we'd make a game. We only thought of our book, Bedtime Bunny Tales, but our friend, Jill Jones, gave us the idea and we ran with it! It's been awesome. We learned so much about building an app as well as how to market it, what works and what doesn't and just the in's and outs of it all.

It has also been really fun connecting with old friends...who now have kids. Just yesterday I noticed that a very sweet girl from my home town in Ohio had posted her blog on Facebook. I went to check it out and low and behold...there she was with the cutest little baby you could imagine! He's so adorable he's up for Parents Magazine's cutest baby contest. Vote for him here...
http://www.parents.com/photos/photo-contests-1/2011-parents-cover-contest/4309200004/?photoId=4305300009

You can also check out her blog here http://www.sweetteadarlin.blogspot.com/

I can't mention all of this cuteness without talking about our sweet little guy Christian. Christian is my sister Holly and brother in-law Tommy's son. He'll turn 5 in August but he acts like he's 13. He swims like a fish, rides a three wheeler and is just an all around love! I have a mouse pad with his smiling face on it...so I look at it often-but boy do I wish I was with him eating ice cream at our favorite place...Dairy Queen! He should have been mine the way he can tear into a chocolate sundae...but alas, I only get to hang out with him when I visit...:(.

Send me some photos of your cutie pies playing Hop 2 It...I'd love to see them having fun...it gives us such joy!!

Giving instead of Advertising....

Yesterday I thought to myself...why are we doing this? I know why...but what does the bigger picture look like? I've always wanted to make money so I could have the freedom to help whomever I'd like, but maybe we could build a company that is helping others in the midst of the construction?!? Apps for kids...apps for learning, apps for cheap gas-what does it all mean? This new frontier we are embarking upon is about ease. Things that make us more comfortable...constant entertainment...everyone and everything competing for your attention all the time! So why not use it for good? All of our stories and games are good. They teach lessons or educate in some way...but what if we took it a step further?

Toms Shoes is a perfect example. Every pair of shoes he sells, he gives one away. So here's my idea. For every download of our eBook, we give part of the proceeds to a charity...instead of spending money on advertising...we give money away...while getting free advertising from said charity's data base.

Don't get me wrong. We tithe. We give gifts, so that's a given...but to give/while getting sounds like a win-win to me?!?!

We are big animal lovers. We've been rescuing dogs since we were married and we also have a heart for orphans. We want to make a schedule for our promotions...maybe focus on five different charities. We're thinking...ASPCA, Free To Smile, Autism Speaks and probably a local rescue organization. How do you make a difference? We'd love to hear.

Motherlode...Are you happy being a parent?-She is!

So...this is a discussion...but first, let me tell you-the photo to the right is NOT of a momma who didn't want to be a momma. This is Annalee...mother to Sten, wife to Michael and sister to Sam...the creator of Bedtime Bunny Tales. I don't think I know anyone who likes being a mom more in fact...but I digress. The family visited us last weekend and we had a ball...which included a trip to Universal Studios.

So...back to the discussion. While I was researching/reading the Motherlode blog by Lisa Belkin (The New York Times )I was intrigued by her most recent post. Someone had written to her about being a parent. This reader didn't know if she wanted to be a mom and was hoping others would give her the pro's and cons. Actually, she wanted to hear from parents who- if they could do it all again...would they?

This is kinda scary...but I think it's something very valuable. . I read sooooo many mommy bloggers and I have to say, things have changed in the past oh...maybe 5 years. People are being more open about the struggles they face, day to day as a mom. They share their misgivings and aren't so worried about being perfect. I think that's a step in the right direction. If you can help one person make the right decision about having kids, you're helping not only that person but the entire world. I think we take having children very lightly. Without sounding too cliche, children are the future and if you don't feel you have the time, resources, love and understanding, maybe you shouldn't be a parent?!? I don't know, what do you think?

I know there are a lot of good mommies and daddies out there-and plenty are searching for free apps for kids, apps for kids...apps for anything and everything having to do with entertaining and educating their kids-so someone out there in cyberspace is trying hard to figure this parenting thing out! Who knows if the world wide web is helping or hurting...but regardless it's here to stay. That was the driving force behind why we are producing apps for kids. We want to be a safe resource for parents...and hopefully a great place for kids to grow and learn!

Bedtime-Swaddling.

Our App for kids...Bedtime Bunny Tales, is just one of the many tools we hope parents will utilize when trying to get their toddler's on a routine...but just today I read something extraordinary about swaddling. I know swaddling isn't for a two year old, but I still wanted to share what I learned. For all of you who aren't familiar with the term...it's an ancient practice of wrapping your baby in a snug blanket so it feels more secure...kinda mimicking the womb.

First of all, a friend of a friend writes a blog called http://alittlegray.blogspot.com and I follow it. She was talking about her new born and how she found an old swaddling blanket. She wrapped her little bundle of joy up in it and she slept an extra two hours. Then, that peaked my interest. I did a little research...and according to some studies...the technique can help your baby sleep up to twice as long!! Wow...could you imagine!?!?!

Now, if only we can get our app for toddlers to do something miraculous like that??? Most of those who took our survey read the book to their children during the day...so we didn't get a good read on the Bedtime aspect of it! I will say, if you are looking for a beautiful looking story, we definitely have that end of it covered. Sam added another page to the book, so he is just finishing it up and whoa...it looks good! One of my very favorite illustrations is in fact...the bedtime page. Twinkles, Boomer and Banjo are all snug in their bed...dreaming of really good things and snoring!! If you haven't visited our website lately check it out. www.bedtimebunnytales.com

Grandpa Bunny in a Tombstone Pizza Commercial

Hello everyone...it's been a long time....and no, I do not have a good excuse.
Things have been quite busy and we can see a light at the end of the tunnel. Yesterday we recorded the voice of Grandpa Bunny with English Actor, Oliver Muirhead. You may remember him from the old Tombstone Pizza Commercials...he's a great guy and he's done a lot more than Tombstone...The social Network, Alvin and the Chipmunks, etc. Another Brit is helping us out too! Her name is Linda Gallagher and she has been a dream to work with! She's efficient and super nice and she sounds like a sweet little mommy! I do have to mention the best part of all of this. Another amazing friend of mine has the sweetest little guys who helped us with the voices of Boomer and Banjo. They will be the life behind the interaction and they both bring so much authenticity to the project...thanks Mario and Max!

After our last promotion with Freebies 4 mom we received a lot of feedback and we got almost 6o completed surveys. It's been such a blessing to work with Heather (founder of Freebies). She has sooo many followers that you are bound to get some downloads/responses. Thus...we changed the script a bit...tweaked some of the characters and added a scene. It's looking so nice and I can't wait to add the voice and score.