Monday, September 29, 2014

Review: Kupp




The kupp’ was created by Kate Oliver, the founder of  Katesplace. She came up with the kupp as a tool to help her young boys learn accountability and responsibility. Each of her children their very own glass in a different color and put them in charge of their cup and all of the responsibilities that came with it, including setting the table, washing, and putting it away. She quickly discovered that she had a cleaner kitchen and her family consumed less plastic. As a result, the Kupp’ was born...it is a six-ounce glass with a colorful silicone sleeve designed just for kids.
The Facts

  • The kupp’ is a six-ounce glass outfitted with a colorful silicone sleeve. It’s designed for kids ages 3-10.
  • The firm grip and silicon sleeve helps to protect the glass from damage while providing a safe, toxic free vessel to drink from.
  • The kupp’ comes in four vibrant colors that represent the environment: blue for water, green for earth, orange for the sun, and red for warmth.
  • The kupp’ is the perfect serving size for children, and allows them to become more conscious of waste and consumption.
  • The kupp’ is made in the USA using imported glass, and all materials are sourced from environmentally friendly manufacturers that adhere to EU and US regulations.
  • All glass is recyclable, certified lead and cadmium free, and is made from a pure soda-lime formula. It is also dishwasher safe!
  • The grip-friendly silicon sleeve is BPA/BPS free and made with medical and food grade silicon to prevent damage. The sleeve does not have to be removed when washing, which makes cleaning your Kupp’ very simple.
  • The adorable kupp’ is designed to resemble a smile so kids are naturally attracted to it!
  • The retail price of the kupp’ is $16.99 each.


The Review

We were given the opportunity to test out kupp Brand cups Through Moms Meet. These are really cute little glass cups with a silicone wrapper on the outside. Upon opening the shipping box, there was a whole bunch of excitement and squeals...the kids loved them, and could not wait to try them out!
They each chose out the color that they wanted, we sat down and I explained that these were their cups, they were to take responsibility for them, use them, keep them clean, and make sure that they were put either in a safe area on the kitchen counter or put away when not in use. I have to say at first glance these made me a little nervous to hand over to my children.  I understand the concept and the idea of responsibility and independent growth, but to hand over glass to my wild bunch was a little daunting to me. I hovered for a day or two especially with my four year old, but even she has really been very good at making sure that her cup is put away safely.

It has been just over a week, and I am happy and proud to say that we have not lost one cup so far. Even though they are glass, they have held up to my children...I am almost sure that at least two have fallen on the floor and not broken. The children have been extra careful to make sure that they are not left around where the toddler can reach it.

It really has helped with many of the concepts that Kate has created these cups for. The kids are not wasting water bottles meant for car trips and outings, we have eliminated the use of disposable cups, they have taken responsibility for their own cup and have taken very good care of it because they love them. Instead of constantly asking me to get them something to drink they have taken the initive to find their own cup and get their own water and sometimes milk or juice. These little glasses are a great tool to begin fostering some responsibility and independence in your little one.

We have really enjoyed trying these kupp cups out and highly recommend them if you are ready for your little ones to begin to grow into big kids. They are so much easier to clean than all the sippy cups with the lids, stoppers, straws, and other parts that seem to never get completely cleaned...and the kids can clean these up themselves, which is an even bigger bonus.


Disclosure: I received this product for free from the sponsor of the Moms Meet program, May Media Group LLC, who received it directly from the manufacturer. As a Moms Meet Blogger. I agreed to use this product and post my opinion on my Blog. My opinions do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Moms Meet, May Media Group LLC, or the manufacturer.



Saturday, September 27, 2014

Birthday: Jacob, Seven Years Old


Today is Jacob's 7th Birthday. He is our third child and our third boy. He doesn't give up or give in when he truly believes what he wants is what he needs; he can be very driven, strong willed, and stubborn. Determination and strength of spirit are two very dominate parts of his personality...he has the heart of a warrior, and yet, he is very kind-hearted, gentle, has a very generous spirit and is a very sweet boy. 
He is a very active and adventurous, loves to explore and investigate his world, always ready to find something new to investigate, discover, and learn. His imagination is immense and he can make up cute imaginative stories. He doesn't ever meet a stranger and one look into those beautiful eyes, and one smile could melt even the most grumpy of people. It doesn't matter where we go Jacob always finds, talks to and befriends someone new. 

Happy Birthday my sweet little man! May you continue to grow strong, smart and steadfast as you grow into a man. Love you always!

Monday, September 22, 2014

School: Another Year begins

Summer is coming to an end for the year and a new school year is now underway and in full swing. We typically wait until after Labor day in order to give a couple weeks extra to planning and preparing for our year.

This year we have hit a big milestone. We have a Highschool Freshman! Nathan is beginning his 9th grade year. Seton worked out okay for last year so we went ahead and ordered his books again for this year. Even though getting Nathan to actually do the required school work; it was really nice to have more accountability on his end to get assignments complete on a time schedule and have to be more responsible for his own work that is partially graded by the Seton staff.
The other nice thing was having back up when needed, teachers that could help and counsel if needed, and best of all we will have complete transcripts for his highschool education if he chooses to pursue a college education.
He will be taking the advance courses for college bound students. Last week his box of books came in and we went through them...it was really funny to see the look on his face when he saw the size of the books. This year will be Algebra, Physical Science, English, Spanish, Vocabulary, Geography, Spanish, and Religion. Last year he ended his year with a high A/B average in his subjects even thought we had to persuade him quite a lot and quite often to get the assignments complete...I think it was worth it in the end. This year school will be accompanied with an existing part-time job that he is really enjoying. I love that he is also getting real life experience as part of his education.


Noah is beginning the 4th grade this year! I look at him and think how in the world is that possible...he just looks so small and yet he will be nine soon. I have been so excited with his progress and change over the year.
We began with him struggling to read and having difficulty with even simple books...now he is reading novels on his own some even above his reading level. I'm not sure if he is truly ready for some of it, but he is reading and enjoying reading so...I say way to go!







Jacob will be starting 1st grade. Like Noah he had some difficulty grasping the reading thing, but I think that when this year gets started he will handle it like a champ. It is very difficult to get him to keep still for more than 5 minutes at a time and he is a very active child.
Breaks and lots of Physical activity are absolutely necessary for this kid. He is quick to grasp things and I think that this year will be a great year of discovery for him.




Evelyn...Oh Evelyn...She is something else. Last month she told me that she was ready to learn her EBD's...and she had a reason to say "EBD's". E is the first letter in her name so it is only right that the Alphabet start that way too.
So this year we will learn the alphabet and maybe, just maybe, they will no longer be EBD's but it is really cute. I'm guessing we can add some numbers in too.









Benjamin will be hitting a milestone of his own...It is truly not one that he will like, but it is time to move forward. He and I are going to wean...It is a sad time in one way because it is just one more thing that signles the end of the baby years...he's growing up.
He has nursed the longest of all the kids and I honestly never thought that I would ever do this for this long, but every child is different and has different needs.






So our adventure continues another year of growing learning and loving as a family the way God intended...I truly love this life we have no matter how crazy it gets sometimes every day is special and we have made some wonderful memories with our children and family.