May 2008

Father’s Day Gift Guide

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 31, 2008

Father’s Day is just around the corner!
Do you have the perfect gift for the special guys in your life? If not, you’ve come to the right place! Take a look at the following gift ideas…
You are sure to find a wonderful and thoughtful gift, or two, for your dad, hubby, brother, and friends.

Give Simple has some fabulous gift ideas for any guy in your life… From a leather-bound world atlas to a classy wine decanter or a stylish money clip, you’re sure to find the perfect gift.

Skimbaco has some great gifts for Dad. Personalized caps, DeAnna Cochran tags, or messenger bags are sure to please.
Through July 1st, use coupon code DAD10 at checkout to save 10% on some fabulous Father’s Day gifts.

Enter to win a Blume Baseball Cap!
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Does the daddy in your house blog? This tee from Urban Baby Runway would be perfect for him — “I blog my child’s entire life.”
Through July 1st use coupon code DATESTODIPES to save 10% on some fabulous finds.

Father’s Day Gifts from Belisi are sure to bring a smile to the face of that most special man in your life. From designer silk ties and pocket squares to tasteful dress shirts and cuff links, their collection of Father’s Day gifts will delight any Dad.

Hop over to Mommies United for a chance to win a neck tie and cuff links!
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For some comfy and cozy threads for the dad who has everything, check out these pajama pants from Karen Neuburger. They also have plush robes and lounge socks, too!
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A Grateful Dad Tee from ProMom Couture would be a fun gift for the dad who loves to have fun and truly appreciates his family… That’s your husband, dad, and brother, right?
Use coupon code vicki at checkout to get one free tee when you buy three!

Enter to win a Grateful Dad tee!
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Wear Clean Underwear! is the perfect gift for the dad who wants to make sure he does everything right when making legal decisions for himself and his family – A must read for every dad!

Enter to win a copy of Wear Clean Underwear!
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A Country Bob’s Sauce gift pack would be a great gift for the food-loving guy in your life. Choose from a variety of sauces and throw in the Country Bob’s cookbook… It’s sure to please!

Enter to win two bottles of Country Bob’s Sauce!
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MS-100-02 - Mustard Sprout Joshua Tree Marshall Bag

Mustard Sprout Joshua Tree Marshall Bag
This ground-breaking Dad’s bag has a generous number of internal pockets to organize all of Dad’s essentials and would make a perfect gift. It’s stylish, ergonomic and highly functional.
Buy the Marshall Bag at Baby Brown’s and get a free Little Marsh Bag!

Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
Treat the big kid in your life to a Nintendo DS – They’re not just for the little kids anymore!
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If your dad (or your kiddos’ dad) is the photographer in the family, shop the Kodak Store. From Digital Picture Frames and accessories to Digital cameras and printers, you’re sure to find the perfect gift!

Dads, grandpas, and uncles deserve the best this Father’s Day. At Snapfish you can turn your favorite memories into personalized photo gifts to celebrate the dads in your life.
Through June 4th, use coupon code THANKSDAD at checkout to save 20% on some fabulous Father’s Day gifts.
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UPEK’s Eikon To Go is a great gift for the guy who loves security. This Digital Privacy Manager offers such a wide range of security options, to keep all information safe and only accessible by him just by the swipe of his finger.

Enter to win an Eikon To Go!

Is there a guy in your life who needs help keeping time? How about gifting him with a Casio watch. There are several styles and eye-catching designs – You’re sure to find the perfect piece.

Enter to win a Casio Watch!

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For more gift ideas, check out what our friends recommend…

MInTheGap has some great (and low cost) Father’s Day gift ideas!

The Mommy Daddy Blog has listed some great last minute gift ideas!

Shop for more unique and timeless gifts for him at Kir DeVries

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"Can I help?"

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 30, 2008

It is so nice to have kids who are (sometimes) eager to help with the chores. My kiddos have all been very excited to try all of my new cleaning supplies…

The Shaklee products that we received to review were a big hit with Julia – I was happy to let her take off with the container of Basic H2 Organic Super Cleaning Wipes. Because they were designed so as not to leave behind more toxins than we were desiring to clean, I knew they would be safe for her to use to clean the bathroom counters, and wipe down the door handles and light switches.

Ben had a blast “painting” with the Shaklee Scour Off Heavy Duty Paste. It was fun for him to get his hands in the tub and rub the paste all over the stove! I’m sure he felt like I was letting him finger paint in a place that would never be allowed, and because I know that Shaklee’s products are made from all-natural ingredients, without hazardous chemicals or toxic fumes, it was fun to see him play. There is something to be said for the satisfaction a mom feels when her child thinks he’s making a mess, but he’s actually helping to clean!

And then there’s the Scrubbing Bubbles Fresh Brush Max… Ethan was eager to try this one. He slid the pad onto the wand and ran to the bathroom as soon as I gave him the go ahead. He not only cleaned the guest toilet, but his toilet and mine! Scrubbing Bubbles even has flushable brushes so the pad never even has to leave the toilet. It wasn’t a bit messy, there weren’t any harmful fumes, and Ethan said it was easy. Cleaning the toilet easy? Wow!

I’m sure one day, like any boy, my littlest guy will learn that the laundry room is a place to avoid, but for right now he follows me there every time I go to do laundry – Not the best place for a baby, but I have become quite skilled as the one armed laundress. Last week Noah helped me throw the Laundry Dropps pods into the washing machine before I started the load. He thought it was a game and laughed when he made it in… Score!

Perhaps that’s why my kiddos are eager to help. Making chores a game is a good strategy, if I do say so myself. I hope the eagerness doesn’t fade, and that my kiddos will always enjoy helping around the house.

A mom can hope, can’t she?

5/31 — This just in: Apparently I’m not the only one who puts the kids to work… Check out this post at Bubbles & Bathwater!

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Messy…

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 29, 2008

I didn’t really think it through when I agreed to let Josh buy Moon Sand with his birthday money last month. He and the rest of the kiddos love playing with the sand that never dries, but it could be quite a chore to clean up! Little did I know I was allowing them to bring the beach indoors!

Fortunately I have a solution for making cleaning up after messy kids just a bit easier. Whether you have messy eaters, have your kiddos working on a messy craft, or they are playing with the beach indoors, just through down a splat mat. These things are great!

There are several different types of Splat Mats, but I have found only two that I really like to use:

Modern June has a selection of chic splat mats made of oilcloth. These mats clean up easily and will last throughout the years. There are a variety of patterns and designs from which you can choose, and they are pretty enough to leave on the table after the messy painting projects are hanging to dry.

Neat Solutions has a Floor Topper that is convenient and easy to use. The Floor Toppers are disposable and are perfect for the times when you may just want to grab the mess and toss it. They are also sturdy enough to use over and over again, so you get more bang for your buck. I use these when the kids are playing with the Moon Sand, mainly because I really don’t have the patience to wipe the little bits of sand off of any thing!

What do you use to make cleaning up easier? I’d love to hear!

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Graco — A Giveaway!!

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on May 28, 2008

Over seven years ago, when we welcomed our twins into our family, we were set up with the best of the best (times two) when it came to baby gear. Our family and friends gifted us with two top-of-the-line car seats, two of the best pack n’ plays, two high chairs, and a double stroller. All of these items were made by Graco – the trusted brand.

Three years ago, when Josh was a baby, I decided we needed a new stroller… A single stroller to be pushed along side of our double. I bought a stroller that was on sale, and I thought it would be just fine. It wasn’t a Graco, but it would serve it’s purpose, right? Wrong! I ended up taking it back, after trying to use it once, and I bought a Graco instead.

You may be surprised to know that my pack ‘n plays have served as a regular bed to each of my babies after Julia. We never had room for a second full-size crib, until this house and baby #6, and the pack ‘n play always worked out so well. That thing can fit in the smallest places!

Not too long ago, though, after almost eight years and six kids, I had to say goodbye to my second Graco pack ‘n play. It may have lasted several more ~~beatings~~ years, but my twins decided to wrestle in it and it saw it’s last day. Since it served as Noah’s bed each night, this was a very big deal! My new Twitter friend and the sweet peeps at Graco came to my rescue, after my virtual call for help, and sent Noah a new bed!

And guess what? They sent me a brand new pack ‘n play to give to one of you, too!! You can earn up to three entries to win:

Leave a comment stating why you need or would like a new Graco Pack ‘n Play. No one- sentence comments will be accepted.
Post your answer on your blog, in story form, and link to Graco and From Dates to Diapers.
Place the button below somewhere on your blog.

If you don’t have a blog, you may still earn up to three entries:

Leave a comment, as stated above.
Email your entry to me at fromdatestodiapers@gmail.com, and cc five of your best friends so they can enter, too.
Spread the word on Twitter, in your favorite forum, or have your friends mention that they heard about this giveaway from you.

All entries must be received by 9pm (PST) on June 20th. A winner will be chosen, and announced, here and on PrizeyFetch, on June 21st.

I apologize to all of my friends outside of the United States… This giveaway is only for US residents.

This giveaway is now closed… Stay tuned to find out who won!

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An Apology

May 28, 2008

Today, there was an apology for excluding home schoolers from the Subway Every Sandwich Tells a Story Contest. This newly released apology was written by Subway’s partnering Scholastic public relations department. The apology reads: Regarding your concerns about the Subway contest that excludes home schools from contest eligibility, Scholastic and Subway apologize to all individuals [...]

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Wordless Wednesday — Hard at Play

May 28, 2008

See other Wordless Wednesday Participants at 5 Minutes For Mom

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A Reading Adventure

May 27, 2008

Josh is determined to learn to read this week. He runs around trying to find all of the books that he can read on his own. So fun! I like to have games and activities to reinforce what the kiddos are learning. Josh loves to play Mia’s Reading Adventure. Playing a Mia adventure is like [...]

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Violet Gumdrop

May 27, 2008

Darcy is mommy to little Nash. With her mom, sisters and grandmother, she creates some cute items, available at Violet Gumdrop. From personalized clothing and bibs to jewelry and accessories, Violet Gumdrop is a fun place to shop. Just about all of the designs at Violet Gumdrop can be interchanged. All of their unique items [...]

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Chic Baby Rose winner

May 27, 2008

The winner of the Chic Baby Rose $10 gift certificate is BrineS!! She said, “The rag dolls are so sweet! They look so lovable and ready for a friend.” She even placed the giveaway button on her two blogs, A Cup Joy and Comfort Joy Designs! Thanks BrineS and congratulations!!

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Outrageous, but not surprising…

May 26, 2008

Subway wants to hear stories from children to enter their Every Sandwich Tells A Story Contest. Well, they are refusing entries from my children. Why? Because my children are home schooled. Here are the official rules straight from the site: NO PURCHASE NECESSARY TO ENTER OR WIN. Contest is open only to legal residents of [...]

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Baby Showers

May 26, 2008

Two of my cousins are having babies this summer. My sister is also due in September. Babies… Yay! Since babies are coming, so are baby showers. I don’t know about you, but I love going to these little parties. Showering mommy-to-be with the perfect baby gifts for the new little bundle is so much fun! [...]

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Tiny Prints Winner

May 26, 2008

calgirl, who likes the Striking Paisley black announcements won the Tiny Prints giveaway! Congrats!!

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Circus Camp

May 26, 2008

Do your kiddos attend summer camp? Last year Julia went to a music and drama camp at church and the twins attended a sports camp. Both were day camps at church so I felt good about it, and they all had a blast. My kiddos will probably attend camp at church again this summer, but [...]

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Could I do it?

May 25, 2008

So, I was browsing around on the GoodyBlog the other day and found the post about Parents Magazine Cover Model Search. The first thing I thought was, I have the cutest kids in America… I better ask my mom to take some pictures so we can enter! Then I thought, Well, maybe I can take [...]

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Happy Birthday Ray!

May 24, 2008

To My Best Friend on His Birthday – I am so blessed to have you in my life and honored to be your wife. You amaze me more and more each day, as I see how you live for the Lord and seek to please Him in all you do. The love you have for [...]

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Shopping Smart

May 23, 2008

What would you say if I told you that you could get free shipping on just about every order you place online? I was pretty stoked, too when I found out about FreeShipping.org! You’d be amazed at all of the online stores that offer free shipping. Even retailers that don’t normally offer free shipping have [...]

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More About Us

May 22, 2008

I am going to attempt to appease some curiosity about our family by listing here the most frequently asked questions posed to us by friends, and strangers, alike. If you have one for us, feel free to ask. We just may include our answer here! How did you and Ray meet? Ray and I met [...]

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Snacks

May 22, 2008

Being that I am an active mom, who is still nursing my littlest guy, I am always hungry! Finding nutritious snacks that I actually enjoy is sometimes quite hard, especially since I find myself constantly grazing. NutraBella makes some wonderful bars especially for moms – The BellyBar. Sweet and satisfying, the BellyBar provides nutritional value [...]

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It’s a DC25!!

May 22, 2008

Congratulations to Huguette who was chosen as the random winner of my guessing game! She has won two bottles of my favorite carpet spot remover – Folex. All moms should have Folex on hand for all that spilled milk! I have to say that only mannequin was spot on — The correct answer to my [...]

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Whew…

May 21, 2008

The last few weeks I’ve received comments, here and there, about my site not loading correctly for some of my loyal visitors. After asking around, I concluded that the problems arose only for those of you who use Internet Explorer. So, I figured I would just spread the word that my site was best viewed [...]

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Pardon the dust!

May 21, 2008

I wanted to let you all know that things may be kinda crazy around here for a few hours… It seems that From Dates to Diapers can’t be seen by anyone using Internet Explorer. Apparently an error message pops up. My lovely and talented friend, Ali, will be re-working my template until she gets it [...]