Matt hits the field with the Houston Astros

I want to share with you our wonderful experience. My son was picked to be a Honorary Short stop for the Houston Astros. He not only won tickets to the game but got to meet, short stop Jeff and get his autograph. This was such a great experience for all the kids that got to participate. At the game, Matt also got the opportunity to play for a Best Buy gift card. He was on the big screen and won $30 in Best Buy gift cards. I wanted to thank the Houston Astros and all the people involved for this wonderful experience. Join the Astros Buddies Club and your kids can join in the fun. Check out my earlier post and feel free to leave a comment on my post ResponsibleSports ask Parents.

UPrinting.com Sponsorship program

I wanted to introduce you to one of my sponsors, UPrinting.com. When I first became a blogger it was to just be heard. This was the perfect place for me. With work, my family, and our busy schedule I was going out of my mind. I started blogging and met some wonderful people, including the Walmart elevenmoms. They introduced me to a whole new world.

Of course, I am now an official mommy blogger, and am very thankful to have readers like you. I have wonderful opportunities that sponsors can provide. I applied for a sponsorship program and was accepted. UPrinting tries to come up with fun ways for us as bloggers to participate in their sponsorship program. I am not sure what my future holds, but all i can say is that I am very excited to see where this sponsorship program takes me. Thanks Uprinting.com

Why UPrinting.com isn't your average printing company:

Blog Sponsorships:
If you are looking to find a sponsor for your blog, UPrinting.com is definitely interested. We offer giveaways, advertising and more for qualified bloggers.

Non-Profit Sponsorships:

The U-Community Program sponsors hundreds of non-profits and education to improve our local communities.

Social Justice Projects:
The UPrinting Kiva account promotes small business growth in developing countries.

Green Printing:
UPrinting supports a sustainable future by recycling, using non-toxic inks, and offering eco-friendly recycled paper stocks for business cards and postcard printing.

Are we having fun yet? Summer here we go...

Cool off in the pool

 

UPrinting.com asked for us to show them our summer pics. Summer just got started. The temperature is rising, so what better way to cool off then hitting the pool. My little fish lives in the pool all summer long.

Matt-future life guard-NOW on DUTY

It is summer and the weather is warming up! It's a great time for outdoor activities and summer photos. As you know, UPrinting.com offers many great solutions for photo enlargements: digital posters, canvas prints, wall graphics and vinyl photo banners.

UPrinting.com is a leading online provider of business cards, color brochures and mailing postcards.

UPrinting.com

all® Review and giveaway...******CLOSED******

ALL 96oz Stainlifter

With just one tiny capful, small & mighty® removes dirt and stains from an entire load of laundry while Fresh Release Essentials® provide time-released freshness throughout your day.

Available in: Wild & Fresh® Stainlifter™ Essence of Snuggle® Relax & RefreshFresh Rain®

ALL 96oz-FreeClear

all® Free clear is the #1 detergent recommended by dermatologists for sensitive skin. It’s also recommended by allergists. This special formula has all the stain lifting power of all® but is free of dyes, perfumes, enzymes and preservatives. That means it’s tough on stains yet gentle enough for the whole family's clothes.

Available in: Free Clear (3x) Free Clear (2x) Free Clear (HE)

all®

With baseball practice, baseball games, school uniforms, police uniforms, work clothes, and workout clothes, etc... I have alot of laundry to do. I have grass stains from my son's uniforms to sweat stains from the workout clothes that I have had issues with. So many laundry detergents out on the market now are labeled as stain removers but i have been disappointed. I tried all® on all my loads and guess what, it is small & mighty. This past week my son slid more than ever into the bases and got dirtier than i have ever seen him but all the dirt came out. His uniform looks squeeky clean and it is ready for playoffs next week, and his special guest appearance on Sunday with the Houston Astros. Thanks to BSM Media/momselect, i will be able to allow my readers to try all®.

Here is how you can enter this giveaway:
1. Tell me about your worst stain story (1 entry)
2. Follow my blog (1 entry)
3. Follow me on twitter @independentmami (1 entry)
4. Tweet this- Youth Sports..please comment #responsiblesports http://bit.ly/E5OsI pls RT (1 entry/day)
5. Post a comment on my blog post-June 24, ResponsibleSports asks parents...(5 entries)

I have two coupons to give away. Winner will be picked on July 4 at midnight. Remember to leave your email address. Winners will have 48 hours to contact me with their mailing address. Good luck to everyone.

ResponsibleSports.com asks parents this summer...

Summertime is here and that means summer sports are in full gear. Liberty Mutual’s ResponsibleSports.com educates parents and coaches about the positive influence sports play in children's lives. Summer and sports are a winning combo for kids who swap school books for bats and balls, as they take part in summer camps and sports leagues.

Here is the question:

"As a parent, how do you encourage and reinforce the positive aspects of youth sports?"

I have always loved sports myself. But growing up in a hispanic immigrant family who had more important things that expensive sports on their minds, i never got to play. In high school i finally was allowed to play softball becuase it didn't cost my parents anything. I loved it. I looked forward to the games, my friends, and everything else. I even got my letterman jacket for playing on the varsity softball team. I didn't learn how to play volleyball until after high school, and i didn't want this for my son. So when my son turned 3, I signed him up for his first sport, Soccer. I, being a single parent, was looking for male influence in my son's life. I wanted to teach him teamwork, leadership, friendship, and most of all wanted him to have fun. We got more than that out of one sport. My son was so shy, and scared I ended up becoming the assistant coach. He wouldn't even get on the field without me. That season was great. My son and I got closer than we have ever been. We learned so much about Soccer. We were hooked. YMCA 04, Me and Matt (he is right under me)

After that season and many more seasons after I have always giving him the choice to continue playing sports if he feels up to it. I never want to puch something on my son that he would not want to do. But sports has kept him busy. He loves making all the new friends. And I always end up being assistant coach. I am always involved at the local YMCA. If there is opportunities open I always ask my son if he would like for us to join in on the fun. Programs like the YMCA will work out payment plans for assistant to those that need it. It doesn't cost much to me for all that we get out of it.

Matt 06

So as a parent I continue to allow my son to play any sports he wishes as long as his grades are passing. I provide him with opportunities that i did not have growing up. I encourage him by getting all our family out there cheering for him. I support by being the assistant coach or team mom, selling chocolates, or buying snacks. Sports are great for kids. Let's all encourage our kids and give them these opportunities, there are lessons to be learned out on those fields some that can't be taught anywhere else.


About the Liberty Mutual ResponsibleSports.com:
Created by Liberty Mutual in partnership with Positive Coaching Alliance, US Youth Soccer, USA Hockey and the Amateur Softball Association, the Liberty Mutual Responsible Sports program provides resources for parents and coaches at www.responsiblesports.com to help children reap the full benefits of playing a team sport. The online community incorporates blogs, videos, and best practices on youth sports topics that provide practical, real-world advice. Parents and coaches also can complete coursework on positive sports mentoring that offers best practices for handling challenging sports scenarios.


Please leave a comment, what sport do your kids love the most?