Bea's Gift Baskets and Gifts and the Godfather Giveaway

Here's TWO Giveaways We Hope You Can't Refuse

851592 - Start Your Engines Gift Box SKU: 851592 Start your engines! Race fans will love this one of a kind gift box jam packed to overflowing with race themed snacks and savory treats. Start Your engines gift box Fast Track Snack Mix 4 oz Caramel Corn Chocolate Wafer Cookies 1.9 oz Stone Wheat Crackers Stock Car Wisdom Racing Book Monster Energy Drink Pretzel Rods Camembert creamy cheese spread 5pc Beef Sticks Jambalaya Hit Snack Mix 2 oz smoked almonds decorative checkered flag 2 fun racing wheels

Winner of the Love Notes Giveaway

We are thrilled to announce the winner of the Love Notes Giveaway, Shawna Durk.

Here is her winning "Love Note":

To my husband. I have been with you over half of my life. You have been the most amazing father to our 2 children and grandpa to our beautiful grandaughter. You have supported me in anything I have chosen to do and taken care of me when I have been ill. I love that you text me every morning to tell me that you love me and you have to kiss me every time we pass each other in the house and how we hold hands until we both fall asleep. I love you so much and wish that everyone could know the love I share for you.

Congratulations, Shawna!

January is National Hot Tea Month

Whether you're looking for a detox tea or indulging in favorites like herbal teas warm your soul and inspire your taste buds this month with National Hot Tea Month.

There are so many flavors out there that one is surely right for you. 
Wintery delights include ginger black or green tea, cardamom black tea or citrus blends of orange or lemon zest.

Boost your vitamin c and antioxidants with green teas, rooiboos.

Tea is a healthy drink choice, without milk or sweeteners, of course.

Those who enjoy the kick of coffee may like the antithesis, calming chamomile. 

Indulge in leaf teas, use quality water and look into proper brewing time and temperatures for the perfect cup.

Whether you begin your day with morning tea or sip a cup in the evening curled up with a good book or movie, explore the tastes of tea and discover your moment.

20 Fun Facts about Pears

Pears offer beauty on the table as decor and are downright tasty. With more than 3,000 variety world-wide it's no wonder they are one of the most popular fruits available.

You may already know pears are an excellent source of fiber and a good source of vitamin C, but they also are a great choice for those seeking sodium free, fat free and cholesterol choices. And with just 100 calories per serving, it's one sweet and juicy package!

Pears are native to Asia and Europe. They arrived in North America in 1620 with the first pear tree being planted in the Massachusetts Bay colony.

Southeast Asia is the origin of the European pear and was first cultivated in Europe around 1000 BC

Asian pears were cultivated in China as early as 1134 B.C.

In China, the pear, which they call "li", is considered a symbol of immortality. Destruction of a pear tree symbolizes a tragic or untimely death.

It is considered, in China, bad luck to share a pear as it may lead to separation of friends or lovers. This stems from the word "fen li" which means both "to share a pear" and "to separate". 

Smokers take heed, before tobacco was introduced in Europe, pear leaves were smoked.

Homer calls the pear a "gift from the Gods" in the Odyssey.

Hera and Aphrodite, both from Greek mythology, considered the pear as sacred. In Roman mythology, Juno, Venus and Pomona, the goddess of fruitfulness also held the pear as sacred. 

The soft, buttery texture gave the pear the nickname "butter fruit" in the 1700s.

About 95% of all pears sold in the United States are grown on the west coast, primarily Washington, Oregon, and Northern California.

The Bartlett is the most popular variety of pear in the United States.

In Europe, the Bartlett is known as the Williams Bon Chrétien or the Williams. It got its American name when a Bostonian named Enoch Bartlett bought a pear orchard and, not knowing the pears already had a name, began distributing them as Bartlett pears.

The Anjou pear arrived in the United States in 1840.

Towns with an abundance of pear trees often included the word Perry in the name of the town.

The word pyriform means "pear-shaped."

Pears were used as a natural remedy against nausea in ancient Greece.

Pear wood is used to make furniture, musical instruments, and wood carvings. It is also used to make wooden kitchen utensils because it doesn't impart any color or odor to the food and because it is tough enough to withstand repeated trips through the dishwasher without splintering or warping. 

Architect's rulers are made from pear wood because it doesn't warp.

Pears are often recommended for weaning babies because they are low in acid and aren't too harsh on a baby's digestive system.

Pears are considered by some to be hypoallergenic because pear allergy is rare. However, people who are allergic to Alder or Birch pollen may be allergic to pears as well.

Stay Positive

Hello everyone it’s been a while…

This has been one busydad@home over the past few weeks. A birthday, school preparation, getting ready for hunting season…. Add all that in to normal everyday house work and WHEW you are slap worn out. 

Anyone out there that works a 9 to 5 (normal Job) that thinks being a stay at home parent (dad or mom) is a breeze, I urge you to try it! Cause it isn't so simple. I was one of those that thought it would be all peaches and cream… Boy was I wrong! Now don’t go and get all confused, it has its rewards, but they are definitely earned not given. 

You see if you are a stay at home parent and want to be successful at it, then you must be a “Jack of all trades” so to speak. You also are always at a constant demand from someone or something. Housework along with outside work, balancing bills, grocery shopping, homework with the kids, cooking, appointments, transportation to and from school/activities, all while still finding time to squeeze in your hobbies. Oh and I forgot to mention you have to do all of this while being dad/mom to your children and a husband/wife to your spouse! Man that’s a lot to balance and sort through isn't it? But somehow dads and mom’s everywhere pull through each day and get it done. 

Being a parent is a precious and wonderful gift though… I wouldn't change it for anything. Sure it has its moments…. Good and Bad… I love my little girls to pieces… My youngest likes dancing and being prissy, she models clothes for the company my wife works for and absolutely loves it to death. She is a sassy little thing and I am afraid as she gets older our hands are going to be full! She is more of a momma’s girl. Now my oldest on the other hand is more of a daddy’s girl she enjoys shooting, hunting, fishing, and pretty much whatever dad is into. She can be somewhat shy at times. All in all I enjoy every second I get to spend with my girls. 

My oldest just had her birthday on the 20th, another year older! Man where does the time go? We enjoyed a night out (we take them where they choose to eat) at Chuck E Cheese because that’s where she chose. It say’s where a kid can be a kid…. Think they forgot to add an adult can be a kid again, because I sure was having fun too…. Then the infamous school shopping, wow where does all your money go? Talk about stressful taking two girls and their mother shopping for clothes and them going insane over all the cute clothes! I may have to just sit this one out in a few years and let mom take care of it from then on. After all its going to EMPTY my wallet either way, if I am there or at home… Right? Needless to say through all the stress it is more than worth seeing the smiles on their faces and it is good to be blessed enough to be able to provide for them. 

That gets me to thinking we (myself included) often speak of or boast about the things/belongings we have in life, not necessarily on intention of bragging… anyway my point being sometimes we should take a step back (I am sure some of you do) on occasion and think about the kids that may not be as fortunate or do without so much… Maybe because of poor decisions by their parents or maybe their parents are doing the best they can. Whatever the reason it isn’t the kids fault. Find it in your heart to give (even if it is the smallest thing) something to a kid in need. You may just put a smile on their face! That is a wonderful feeling too…. After all you or your kid may just been need someday! 

Then the first day of school for the year 3rd grade and 1st grade for my two girls, seems like just yesterday they were crawling around on the floor. Time just fly’s by, embrace every moment and cherish your children through it all! Of course through all this I have managed to keep the house in order, and I got my girls bookshelf finished and their room completely rearranged… YAY! Somehow found time to do some preparation on my deer hunting land for the up and coming season also. I have to say through it all I am truly *BLESSED*! 

Until next time stay positive, because remember it could always be worse!

Sincerely,

Dad@Home

Enjoy Your Family

Hello everyone.  I hope that you all had a wonderful weekend. Let’s see where to begin… Ah, yes, Friday the last day of the work week for my wife and time for the weekend, a little rest, relaxation, and family time.

Friday was an eventful day for me… Fun? No. I wouldn't necessarily say fun. You see, I chose to tackle the feat of rearranging the girls room (completely redoing it). The girls were very happy in helping me remove every single toy, stitch of clothing, and whatever else was in there. I vacuumed, dusted, washed the bedclothes, and rearranged the beds, etc… all while questions were being asked by their wondering little minds. 

Then later in the day as I was putting their roomback together their eager little bodies were ready to play, it was as if they had all new things…. When really it was just moved around for the most part. It’s now Sunday afternoon and as I sit and type this the room still isn’t finished because I have to go purchase some plywood to build them a book/toy shelf that they and their mother want. That will be Monday’s project. Needless to say they are so excited over something as simple as rearranging their room. It melts my heart to see the GLOW in their eyes over simple things!

Now let’s back up to Saturday. Our typical Saturday during race season (BGS race season that is) is very routine like so to speak very fun and sometimes stressful.  Usually we let ourselves sleep in until we awake and our mornings are spent at home just being a family together. Occasionally we do things (during race season) on Saturday mornings. But this Saturday was to be the season finale it was sure to be a great race yet bittersweet because of it being the last of the season. But we had a birthday party for my wife’s 11 year old brother before the races. This kid has had a rough going at life and has been a trooper and inspiration to a lot of people in the family. He had a trach until right before kindergarten and has had several heart issues with multiple open heart surgeries. His main issue is tetralogy of fallot. This is a type of congenital heart defect. Needless to say he has done great since he started school but the family has recently received info that another open heartsurgery for him ASAP. 

Through all of this though he still has a smile on his face! I guess what I’m trying to get at is we all sometimes take advantage of being 100% healthy and live life as if it were not a privilege that can betaken away at the blink of an eye. When we see or have things close to home of this nature it opens your eyes and heart to the realization that life is a precious gift that should be cherished. I can truly say seeing this little fella grow up has been a blessing to me and he has taught me a lot about cherishing life in general. 

Back to the party it was great we really enjoyed ourselves with games, food, being with family and friends, etc…. Did I mention I LOVE my mother in law’s homemade chili? Had to throw that in there…. After we enjoyed the party it was off to the races. I’m one of those crazed fans that must have the SAME seat every week so we arrive 4hrs before green flag and strap blankets down to claim our seats. We then go to the pits to hang out withour favorite drivers and wish them luck before the race. My girls have their favorites and just have to see them every race they attend for hugs, talking, pictures,and occasionally sitting in the cars… they really enjoy the face to face experience of seeing the drivers and cars. Then we typically go grab a bite to eat before the practicing and qualifying starts.

During the race my girls like to hang out with some of the drivers kids we sit near playing DSI, IPAD, or just talking…they don’t stay glued to the action as much as mom and dad do. Then after the race involves yet another visit to the pits to congratulate the drivers hangout with friends talking and say our goodbyes. We typically stop for a bite to eat on the way home; Sheetz seems to be our favorite stop. By the time we get home our girls are usually asleep they are so exhausted. 

Sunday tends to be asleep in and lazy day for the most part during race season. We always spend our Sundays as a family or with friends maybe having a cookout playing in the yard or watching some football with a friend etc….But throughout  the weekend there are still many things as a stay at home dad (or mom) that must be done in order to keep the house running smoothly, some can wait…. Some can’t. Either way that balance has to be found between family time and work time. But don’t get too caught up in having the cleanest most orderly or largest most expensive house or your kids childhood may just slip by without you noticing. Put down the broom and dustpan, and take off those work clothes for a while and enjoy your family no matter if it’s just you and your spouse/loved one, half a dozen kids, close or distant family members…. After all it is your family and they’re the only one you got!!  God Bless…

Sincerely,

Dad@Home

After all, who said staying at home was a woman’s job?

Let’s  start out by meintroducing myself, My name is Chris and I am a 31 year old stay at home dad of girls, an eight old and soon to be seven year old. I’ve been happily married now for eight years to a woman I've been with for nearly fourteen years.

In the last 17 months our world has taken adrastic change, which has changed all four of our lives in so many ways. You see I was the family’s breadwinner  for the past seven years or so while my wife stayed at home and raised our precious daughters. Dad was out swinging a hammer, building pole barns ten hours a day, six days a week. Rain, heat, snow, cold, no matter, the weather didn’t play much pf a factor in putting us out of work. For the most part it was 60hours  a week in the summer and 54 hours in the winter. Two and three week stay outs away from family at times. Just a hard, nose to the grindstone job that paid well for a high school graduate with no further education. It took care of bills, all our needs, and then some. 

Over those years I would come home not understanding the day to day things my wife had to go through or what she may have done that particular day (because it all may have not been visible) questioning, ‘What did you do today?’ ‘Do you ever do anything?’ or somewhere along those lines. 

Sure, I had been out in the mud, heat, cold, or whatever that days weather had set forth from 4:30am until dark most days and I was up on my high horse thinking that Nothing had been done. That I was the only one slaving ten hours plus. 

All the while I was wrong and blinded by the lack of visible production so to speak. See, I had always been the type that worked then came home and if there was daylight worked more and then some. So naturally Ithought I had the hardest, most important, job in the family. It wasn’t until April of 2011 that I would slowly begin to learn one of life’s lessons. 

Typical workday on stay out in Illinois we were going home after a two and a half week grind. All that was left was to hook up the gooseneck trailer that we pulled our tractor with to our truck and we would be on our way. This procedure I had done countless times the exact same way, but this time the outcome wouldn’t be so good for me. As the driver backed up I was holding the trailer hook (as I or someone else always did) from catching the tailgate and he missed the King pin, pinning me between the tailgate and headboard of the trailer. It was dark and we were all eager to get home from doing a routine we had done several times, yet on that day we all made mistakes (nothing intentional). The driver thought Iwas clear. I assumed it would go like every other time, but it didn’t. So now I live with a back injury. Thank God it isn’t any worse. Honestly, if you saw me you probably wouldn’t even realize I’m in pain. Lots of people have it worse than me (sorrow isn’t the point of this story) and I am truly blessed that itwasn’t worse. 

Needless to say this led to many doctor’s visits, physical therapy, light duty (shortened hours) at work, and then termination of my job. So at this point, my wife decides to go back into the working field after seven years of being a stay at home mother. Talk about a complete 180 for our family. 

Our financial situation isn’t as stable as it used to be now because what she makes is considerably lower than what I did, however, she loves her job (which is a good thing) but it’s hard for her being away from her children. So now my eyes have been opened to a whole new world staying at home and being a homemaker. 

It was time for me to see the ins and outs of the not so visible productive things I had questioned my wife on so much in the past! The daily chores that go on to keep a house together and running smoothly… the taking care of two children… the balancing of work time and lazy time…being my own boss. Or am I? 

Staying at home wouldbe a piece of cake! I mean how hard could it possibly be? Haha… I was in for avery rude awakening. You see all those years I questioned my wife and stay at home mom’s in general I was blinded and so wrong, because staying at home requires a special kind of person; someone willing to sacrifice themselves for other’s needs. Time is something while you are staying at home that can be wasted, but if it is it’s wasted at the expense of your family and yourself. Time while staying at home is something you never seem to have enough of there is always something that needs to be done. 

So can a dad do it? Sure! I have been since Oct 2011, and there are plenty of dads out there doing it. Is it easy? Heck no! It is very demanding and the job is never ending, sure it has its rewards as does any job. 

Guess what I am trying to say is being a stay at home parent is a job just like any other job without the pay. I hope that you will join me and read as I write about some of the tasks, day to day activities, and just life as it comes and goes as a stay at home dad. 

After all, who said staying at home was a woman’s job? God Bless,Dad@Home...