Parenting is the toughest job I know!

But, also the most enjoyable.  Having two small boys myself, I am quite aware of the trials and tribulations that go along with parenting.  It doesn’t matter their ages…each age brings new “challenges” and opportunities with it.  Our job is to be creative and make our children well rounded, responsible, conscientious, empathetic individuals…among other things.

Over the years, my creativity has been deeply challenged.  My boys are four and five years old.  They feed off of each other.  Together, they can push Mommy over the edge.  I have had to be creative to divert their inner need to push my every button.  I have decided to share some of these tips in the hopes that I can prevent other Moms from snapping…

• To avoid the “get dressed!” argument in the morning, we have a race.  Who can get ready first; Mommy & Daddy, or the Brothers (we work in teams).  Or, we set a timer and see if the boys can beat their previous “record”.  This has been a huge success for us.
• My kids are very picky eaters, so we’ve found that when we have the kids help us prepare the meals, they sample the ingredients and they also are more anxious to eat what they’ve created.  Read more about having your kids help you at mealtime HERE.
• I cannot express how much it has helped to turn their food into shapes and characters, and it’s soooo easy to do.  The robot shaped grilled cheese is a huge hit in our house!
• My husband and I have created a trivia game during our dinner-time.  We just ask age-appropriate questions and in order to hear the next question, they must take a bite of their food.  This has worked surprisingly well for us.
• And finally, watch this video on occasion for a good laugh…

Do you have any great tips of your own that you would like to share?

I know the Holidays are basically over, but I’d like to make them continue by giving away more FREE STUFF!  We’re up to Holiday Giveaway #7.

But first…

Congratulations to the winner of our most recent Holiday Giveaway!

Our 6th Giveaway Winner is Chakeeta!  Chakeeta will be receiving a Travel Wipe Case and matching Burp Cloth, compliments of Shawna from www.ballerinasandbuckaroos.com.                                                                            

Ok, now to the next giveaway…

Our next giveaway is for:  A Toddler Spa Towel Wrap, compliments of Vanessa from www.michaelgrace.etsy.com. 

My thought of the day:  I’ve probably had more that just a few embarrassing moments in my life, but one more recent one comes to mind.  It was so embarrassing that a national magazine thought so too, and they published it in the January issue of First (for Women) Magazine.  If you’re at the grocery store or your local pharmacy, pick up a copy for a chuckle.

I will sum up the story by saying this:  Don’t ever pack a water/gel bra away for too long because the fabric surrounding the water/gel becomes VERY weak resulting in a potential leak.  Quite embarrassing at a formal party.  That is all I will say!

This leads to my next question…

What is one of your most embarrassing moments?  We all need a laugh now and then…help us out here.

The deadline for giveaway #7 entry is 11:59pm EST, Tuesday January 6th, 2009.  To review the rules of our giveaway, please CLICK HERE.

We’re up to Holiday Giveaway #6!  I hope you all keep checking back, because we have more great prizes coming up.  But first….

Congratulations to the winner of our most recent Holiday Giveaway!

Our 5th Giveaway Winner is Lynda F. (http://youravon.com/lfrederick)!  Lynda will be receiving a Wings-To-Wear T-Shirt, compliments of Yolanda from www.cwingsbooks.com.   

Ok, now to the next giveaway…

Our next giveaway is for:  Travel Wipe Case and matching Burp Cloth, compliments of Shawna from www.ballerinasandbuckaroos.com.                                                                            

My thought of the day:  I used to have a New Year’s Resolution every year.  And, every year, I always lost track of it.  I became disappointed in myself for not sticking it out.  It would (maybe) last for a few weeks or a few months, but ultimately it would get lost in the shuffle and before I knew it, I was back to old habits again and wondering where I went wrong.

This year I have decided to ease up on myself.  I now label my “resolution” as something different…or rather, I don’t label it at all.  In other words, I just make a decision to give some things a try and if they don’t work out, they don’t work out.  NO pressure.

This year, as with most years, I aim to be a better person, a better friend, a better wife, a better Mom.  In addition, as I reach the so called “hill” in my life, I aim to become more healthy by eating more frequently and smaller portions.  I am going to attempt to add MUFAs to each small meal…I’m learning that MUFAs, or monounsaturated fatty acids, such as nuts, olives, dark chocolate and olive oils, can greatly improve your overall health as well as assist in weight loss.  I have a couple other small hopes for the New Year, but I don’t want to bore you.

This leads to my next question…

Do you do a New Year’s Resolution?  If so, will you divulge it to the world in this post?

The deadline for giveaway #6 entry is 11:59pm EST, Friday January 2nd, 2009.  To review the rules of our giveaway, please CLICK HERE.

We’re up to Holiday Giveaway #5!  I hope you all keep checking back, because we have some really great prizes coming up.  But first….

Congratulations to the winner of our most recent Holiday Giveaway!

Our 4th Giveaway Winner is Toni @ Photo Bug Baby!  Toni will be receiving a Baby Beebo with signing DVD, compliments of Malaika from www.signwithme.webs.com and www.millionairemamas.info.

The Baby Signs^® Program teaches babies to use simple, easy-to-do gestures for communicating with their parents and caregivers. These gestures or “signs” represent an item or concept, like “cat,” “eat,” or “all gone.”

I truly wish I had known this was around when my boys were babies, especially with my first.  It is so hard to not know what your child needs or wants.  This would have helped to take so much stress away.

Ok, now to the next giveaway…

Our next giveaway is for:  A Wings-To-Wear T-Shirt, compliments of Yolanda from www.cwingsbooks.com.    What creative t-shirts.  Ya gotta see ‘em!

My thought of the day:  I think back to when I was younger…I know, I know, how could I possibly remember that many years ago.  Well, I remember bits and pieces.  I think back to christmas time with my family.  We always had very nice holidays at home.  We were fortunate…no traumas to cope with.  I specifically remember one Christmas.  I was 16 1/2.  I had opened what I thought was all of my gifts.  I got a new telephone!  My own phone!  I was some one now.  But, the last little box that was handed to me was the kicker.  I opened it and it was a key.  It took a few moments to understand, but when I looked out the window into the snowy yard, I saw what it meant.  A new car!!!  Well, not really “new”, but my own car!  My eyes filled.  It is the most memorable gift in my young life that I received at Christmas.  It was shocking and unexpected.

This brings me to my next question…

Do you have a most memorable Christmas gift in your past?  It can be something that you had received or something that you had given…I’d love to hear both.

The deadline for giveaway #5 entry is 11:59pm EST, Saturday December 27th.  To review the rules of our giveaway, please CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to the winner of our latest Holiday Giveaway!

Our 3rd Giveaway Winner is Lynda Frederick of http://youravon.com/lfrederick.  Lynda will be receiving One Bag of Personalized or Photo Confetti, compliments of Christian at the Pink Poodle Boutique. 

What a fun thing to get for decorating party tables!  Our winner was chosen using Random.org.

Our next giveaway is for a Baby Beebo with signing DVD ($24.99 Value!), compliments of Malaika from www.signwithme.webs.com and www.millionairemamas.info.  This DVD is a great addition to your family, or as a gift to a new Mom.  They’ll thank you!

Do you ever wonder what your baby is thinking?

Or why your baby is crying?

The Baby Signs^® Program teaches babies to use simple, easy-to-do gestures for communicating with their parents and caregivers. These gestures or “signs” represent an item or concept, like “cat,” “eat,” or “all gone.”

My thought of the day: I absolutely LOVE the Holidays!  I feel cheery and I feel like spreading the feeling.  I know that many do not share another love of mine…but, I have to admit, I also love all the Holiday music that is played over and over again for weeks prior to Christmas.  I can listen all day long…at work, in my car and at home.  I sing and I smile.  Of course, most other traffic on the road probably thinks I’m an insane person as I bounce around to Holiday music.  By the way, check out my previous post about the benefits of music to baby’s (and your) health…CLICK HERE to read more.

This brings me to my next question….

Tell me, what is your favorite Holiday song.  Also, what Holiday song would you wish to NEVER hear again?

The deadline for giveaway #4 entry is 11:59pm EST, Saturday December 20th.  To review the rules of our giveaway, please CLICK HERE.

Congratulations to the winner of our 2nd Holiday Giveaway!

Renee S. has won a $25 Amazon.com e-Card, compliments of Dara from www.modestclothes.com, www.modestclothingdirectory.com and http://drawn-together-by-modesty.com.

What perfect timing, too!  I wonder what Renee will do…will she use it to buy some one a gift, or will she use it to treat herself (we’ve got to do that once in a while too).

Ok, now for our 3rd Giveaway item.  The next winner will be receiving One Bag of Personalized or Photo Confetti, compliments of Christian at the Pink Poodle Boutique. 

My thought of the day:  We usually go through our day on a pre-planned path.  In other words, we know we are heading to work, or we are heading to the grocery store (or where ever) and we stay in this mode of trying to accomplish what we need to, usually with blinders on.  We focus so hard on accomplishing our tasks of the day that we lose track of what is actually going on around us.  Do you pay much attention to the people that are around you during your daily travels?  I try to…I love people-watching.  I often wonder what is going on in other people’s lives.  If some one is mean to me, are they just having a bad day?  Can I change that?  What would be more productive and make me feel better…should I be mean back, or should I say something to turn that mood around?  That answer seems obvious to me.

Here is what I want to hear from you:  What did you do in the past couple days to make some one else’s day better?  How did you make them smile, or feel better about themselves?

The deadline to enter Giveaway #3 is 11:59pm EST, Sunday, December 14th.

To review the rules of our giveaway, please CLICK HERE.

Sign up for our RSS Feed for an extra entry into each giveaway!  Just make sure you let me know in your comment that you’ve signed up for my RSS Feed.

Congratulations to our first winner!

Angel Windley of MotherhoodInBlackandwhite.Blogspot.com has won A Pewter Jack-in-the-Box Ornament by Danforth, along with a felt bag and box for storage, compliments of Tracy from www.HallOfFameAffiliates.com and www.HallOfFameProducts.com. 

To see a complete list of rules, click here.

It’s time for our 2nd question….

I love this time of the year.  I love the spirit of the Holiday season in general.  One of the things that gets me in the mood for the Holidays are the great TV specials that come on this time of the year.  My absolute favorite is The Polar Express.  I can watch it over and over again.

Comment for your chance to win A $25 Amazon.com e-Card, compliments of Dara from www.modestclothes.com, www.modestclothingdirectory.com and http://drawn-together-by-modesty.com.

Tell me, what is your favorite Holiday TV show or movie that you look forward to watching each and every year?

All entries must be received no later than midnight EST on Wednesday, December 10th.

Good luck! from raelynn @ Kidz Comfort

Welcome to our Holiday Giveaway! 

I am so fortunate to still have my parents in my life.  In honor of my Dad’s 79th birthday today, Friday, December 5th, 2008, I will be posting the first question and giveaway item.  Come back each day to take a chance and win something GREAT!

We have so many great businesses that have offered up products for this giveaway!  There is something for everyone.  Be sure to come back often as the prize will change every few days.  All you need to do is post a comment answering the question of that day.  Each prize winner will be chosen using Random.org.

Ok, here are the rules:

• You must be 18 or over to enter.
• If you win, your shipping address must be within the USA.
• You must provide your email address as part of our notification process.  It will never be given to anyone for any reason.  It will only be used to provide you with updates from Kidz Comfort alone.
• We ask that, if you win a giveaway item, you consider writing a brief review on the item and submit back to me for future posting.
• We ask that you consider spreading the word about this giveaway.
• Additional entries will be considered if you:  1- Link back to this blog contest within your own blog or site and then tell me about it here along with your anwer to the daily question.  2- Re-tweet about it on Twitter and then let me know about it here along with your answer to the daily question.  3- Be creative with spreading the word and tell me about it.
• Sign up for our RSS Feed for an extra entry into each giveaway!  Just make sure you let me know in your comment that you’ve signed up for my RSS Feed.
• We ask that you are honest, creative and have fun!

Here is a listing of what we have to give away to some lucky bloggers.  Just look at what you could win!

1. A Pewter Jack-in-the-Box Ornament by Danforth, along with a felt bag and box for storage, compliments of Tracy from www.HallOfFameAffiliates.com and www.HallOfFameProducts.com. 
2. A $25 Amazon.com e-Card, compliments of Dara from www.modestclothes.com, www.modestclothingdirectory.com and http://drawn-together-by-modesty.com.
3. One Bag of Personalized or Photo Confetti, compliments of Christian at the Pink Poodle Boutique. 
4. Baby Beebo with signing DVD ($24.99 Value!), compliments of Malaika from www.signwithme.webs.com and www.millionairemamas.info.  
5. A Wings-To-Wear T-Shirt, compliments of Yolanda from www.cwingsbooks.com.   
6. Travel Wipe Case and matching Burp Cloth, compliments of Shawna from www.ballerinasandbuckaroos.com.                                                                            
7. A Toddler Spa Towel Wrap, compliments of Vanessa from www.michaelgrace.etsy.com. 
8. Crystal Wine Charms, compliments of Juli from www.moonstarj3.etsy.com and www.moonstarj3.blogspot.com
9. A Gift Certificate for a FREE Personalized Birthday CD, compliments of Victoria from www.kidspersonalizedmusic.net.  ($25 Value). 
10. A $15 Gift Certificate to Chicks & Cubs, compliments of Cynthia from www.chicksandcubs.com. 
11. Box-Set of 5 CD’s titled “Tired of Nagging?  Get Your Kids to Cooperate.”  Compliments of Susan P. Epstein, LCSW, Parent Life Coach.  Check out her other products at parentingpowers.com.
    

Now, today’s post should be:

Share your favorite Holiday tradition.

All entries to this question must be in by Midnight, Sunday, December 7th, 2008 EST.  A winner will be chosen using Random.org and announced the following day.  The 1st prize is listed above as #1.

Good Luck!

raelynn @ Kidz Comfort

2008 is winding down…

And most all those resolutions we began earlier this year are now just distant memories.

Life gets kind of blurry this time now… as we charge into the much-anticipated ‘new’ start…again.

Lots of changes for most of us, new schedules, new plans, new goals…

And as the kids prepare for the holidays we love, we also consider how expensive things are getting and have been…and perhaps how things will change in our job, our life, our business in January.

Before you focus too far into the future, take a good, hard look at today.

Are you where you need to be to make this your best year yet?

To reach your full potential in life, family, and business?

It’s OK if you can’t answer yes.

Maybe you plowed right through the last few months, taking care of business as usual, but still not seeing the results you want…

Maybe you’ve been studying internet marketing, buying big box homestudy courses, reading every newsletter with great interest and wondering why you’re not having the same results as ‘the big boys’…

Or maybe you’re starting out, doing your research, plotting, planning and hoping that something about this ‘internet marketing stuff’ will work for you.

Whatever the reason, you are ready to:

• Focus on your online business without losing sight of your life.

• Find out what it takes to make your site, your offer, your product unique and set yourself apart from the rest.

• Layout your step-by-step plan for growing a strong, profit-generating online business.

• Get more done AND have more time each and every day.

• Connect with other positive online marketers, men and women with the same interests that you have. 

• Bust through those mental walls (and or technical hangups) that have been holding you back.

You know it’s time to pull out the stops and make it all happen.

But what you may not know is that you don’t have to do it alone…

NOW OPEN – Internet Marketing Barefoot Boot Camp registration! 

Six INTENSE and interactive sessions of coaching that Carrie Wilkerson, The Barefoot Executive created specifically for internet marketers, LIKE YOU!

Six power-packed strategy sessions, exercises, and a host of resources that will transform your mindset, your business, and your life.

Her easy-to-understand (AND PROVEN) blueprint model that will get your profitable as quickly as possible. She doesn’t promise you overnight riches, but she DOES promise to teach you what works for her!

Where you are at next month, next year, five years, and even ten years from now, all starts with today.

You can get more details at:
http://tinyurl.com/67zlor

Carrie is not the same-old hypey, aggressive marketer you expect to hear from… there is something different about her – but you need to check it out for yourself!

Go to this page and let her tell you in her own words! You will be glad you did!

http://tinyurl.com/67zlor

But hurry – Carrie limits these classes for maximum interaction and there will only be 75 total slots sold! (last I checked, there were
just 62 left)

Our Thanksgiving Contest has come to an end!  It was a very nice and easy first contest for me to run.  We used Random.org to pick the winner.

Cynthia Powell is the winner of our very first contest giveaway.  Cynthia owns Chicks & Cubs, a great place to find unique baby keepsakes including baby shoe bronzing, as well as an enormous amount of child safety products. 

It is so nice to meet other Moms and learn about them and their families.  I highly recommend visiting Cynthia’s site and be sure to visit her Loot4Mama Giveaway. 

Cynthia will be able to shop at Kidz Comfort and pick out her free toddler size travel pillow. 

Please be sure to visit us often.  We will be launching a much larger giveaway in the next few days.  We were fortunate enough to receive quite a few great gift items to giveaway!  STAY TUNED.