From Dates to Diapers, and beyond!

I have some good news and some bad news for all of you. How about the bad news first?

I have no way to log in to my Blogger account from way up here in the mountains! Yes, I am on vacation and was going to tell ya'll except that this thing with yahoo! kind of distracted me! I will be gone until the 1st of March, and have only extremely limited internet access. In fact, Amanda has actually posted this for me. (Thanks Amanda!!) I am so bummed, because I had some fun giveaways and some awesome stuff I wanted to share with you. It will now all have to wait!

Okay, now the good news...

yahoo! unblocked my account for me on Saturday... Woo Hoo! I am so glad, 'cause this could have been ugly! I have full access restored, but am still a bit leary. Can you blame me? (If you haven't made note of my new email address, please do so now -- fromdatestodiapers@gmail.com)

And, you know those two very fun giveaways that were supposed to end this week? Well, the Announcements Galore and Ribbon Rock Star giveaways have officially been extended to this weekend!! You now have until Sunday, midnight, to enter. Both winners will be announced on Monday!

I can't wait to fill you in on everything, talk about my fabulous vacation, introduce you to this week's Mom of the Week, share some awesome giveaways, and reveal the surprise I told you was coming!!

Have a great week!!

I have apparently "violated the terms of service" on my yahoo! email account. That's right, fellow mommy (and daddy) bloggers, my interactions through yahoo mail were less than honorable! It's okay for the spammers and nasties out there to email junk to you and me to their hearts content, but this mommy can't even send an email to her husband to tell him that I love him! Note the sarcasm!

I have emailed the proper people at yahoo! in hopes of getting this resolved, and will soon let you know whether or not I will remain a yahoo! fan. Let me say, it's not looking good!

For now, my account, including all of my new friends, wonderful readers, sponsor and affiliate contacts, are not accessible to me - I have been blocked! (I know... Shame on me for not keeping my contact's info saved in an excel doc or something!!)

I'm begging you, yahoo!, please unblock my account!!!!

I can't get in to my yahoo mail box!!! I am not okay with this, AT ALL! I've tried entering my ID and password, I don't know, like, 100 times - NOTHING! I even had my husband try from work. I can log in to my old personal yahoo account, but not fromdatestodiapers....ugggghh!!

I have a funny feeling that someone (or something) has messed with my account. I sent yahoo an email to re-set my password, but they've said it could be 24 hours before I get a response.

This could be bad, VERY BAD!!!

In the meantime, if you need to get in touch with me, you can email me at my NEW email address--
fromdatestodiapers@gmail.com - It was about time to change, anyway!

Ethan lost another tooth, but he decided not to tell me or Daddy. He came to us the next morning and had the following conversation with Daddy -

"The tooth fairy didn't come last night," Ethan said.

To which Daddy replied, "What do you mean?"

"Look, I lost another tooth."

"Did the Tooth Fairy forget, again?" (Yes, I've forgotten more than once to replace a lost tooth with some money, okay!)

"No," Ethan said coyly, "I didn't tell Mommy that I lost another tooth, but I proved that the Tooth Fairy isn't real!"

Julia and I were sneaking a few bites of Rocky Road ice cream last night. Suddenly she pulled the spoon-full of ice cream out of her mouth and said, "Look, Mom, goo!" No, honey, those are marshmallows!

cross posted at Organized Chaos

My Julz loves all things pretty, especially when it comes to her hair. Now that she has a cute and sassy little bob, she is constantly wanting to put bows and ribbons in her hair. And, I might say that she looks absolutely adorable!

Linda from Ribbon Rock Star made some fun bows for Miss Julia recently... She loves them!

Guess what? Thanks to Linda I have a $25 Ribbon Rock Star gift certificate for one lucky From Dates to Diapers reader!

So, if you would like to get some fun bows for your little princess, just leave me a comment here by Wednesday February 27th, telling me which Ribbon Rock Star bows are your favorite, and you will be entered! If you would like to help spread the word by linking to this giveaway on your blog, come back and sign the Mr. Linky with the direct link, and you'll be entered a second time! A winner will be chosen at random, notified by email, and announced here on Thursday morning.

Good luck!

The following is one of my potty training success stories, originally published at my other blog, Organized Chaos. This was almost exactly one year ago - Josh was 21-months-old, Ben was just beginning to walk, and I was pregnant with Noah.

I always dread potty training and try to put it off as long as possible. Don't get me wrong, there is nothing I dislike more than changing stinky diapers. Well, except maybe taking care of the laundry... but, I digress.

This is what worked for me...

Josh was so ready - He told me when he was going or has gone potty in his diaper and begs me to change him, he was dressing himself, he knew how to obey simple commands, and he knew where the big boys go potty. Besides, Ray was adamant about getting Josh potty-trained before it became too uncomfortable for me to change two baby's diapers all day long. So, it was time....

The weekend before our first potty-training day, Josh and I had a special "date" dedicated to finding a potty chair and picking out treats for when he is successful. He chose little licorice nibs, but in my experience stickers work well, too. While we were out I explained to him that he was becoming a big boy and that he was going to use the toilet and wear big boy undies, like his older brothers. He was sooo excited! He asked me if he could get race car undies and I told him that when he stayed dry and went potty on the toilet, like a big boy, that I would buy him race car undies. Boy, was he thrilled! (He asked for a skateboard too, but I said he'd have to be a bigger boy for that one!!)

Anyway, come Monday morning (potty-training day one) I took off his diaper and let him run around for a bit without anything on. Every 10 minutes or so I would ask him if he needed to go potty, and remind him that he would get a treat if he went on the toilet.

Well, we had two accidents that morning... Each time I explained to him that he needed to go potty in the toilet and would walk him to his potty chair and have him sit down to try again. We would then walk back to where he peed and clean it up together. Cleaning it up, coupled with NOT getting a treat was NOT okay with him. He went the rest of the day to the toilet each time he needed to pee, with only a few reminders from me.

Now, pooping was a different story... He refused to go at all until the next afternoon when he had his one and only accident in his pants. Because that was so uncomfortable he has since only gone in his potty chair. (Oh, giving him extra treats for going poop in the toilet helped too, I'm sure!)

When you are ready to potty train your little one, I would urge you to only put cotton undies on him - Once you decide to potty train and are determined not to give up, DO NOT put a diaper or pull-up on him, except for maybe at night-time. Diapers AND pull-ups absorb too much to make going any where but in the toilet too easy and convenient. Stay home for a few days, if you need to. Potty training will be much easier and you will accomplish your goal much faster. At night, to keep Josh dry we would have him go potty just before bed. Daddy would get him up just before we went to bed, to try again, and then also when he woke up early in the morning. We still have occasional wet sheets, but all in all Josh stays dry most of the time.

I will say that you have to be consistent to remind your little guy to go potty on the toilet. During the day I asked Josh every 10 minutes - Boy, was it hard for me to remember! But, it did became easier throughout that first morning, for both of us. Dedication and patience throughout the night is key, too. It's not easy to potty train any child, but if your little one is ready, don't procrastinate like I do... JUST DO IT!!

By the way, Josh got his race car undies and wanted towear only THEM for quite some time... I'm glad I bought him several pairs! It was certainly a good incentive for him to keep dry!!

Do have any recent potty-training success stories?? What has worked for you???

Are you interested in trying Skin MD Natural - one of the best shielding lotions on the market today - for a month to share your experience? Pete, from the Skin MD headquarters, has asked me to help find 12 people, both men and women, who suffer from dry skin or want to try it as protective lotion from chemicals and irritants, in exchange for their honest feedback.

All that would be required of you, if you would like to participate in this, is for you to take note of any progress or changes you see while using Skin MD Natural each week for a month and allow me to post those results here at From Dates to Diapers. Of course, if you are the creative type, you could also take pictures for a photo journal of your skin, or perhaps you could give a weekly update on your own blog of how the testing is progressing. Whatever you decide to do just keep in mind that all that is required is for you to take note of any progress or changes, while using Skin MD Natural, then report to me and Pete on your progress.

So, please email me at fromdatestodiapers@yahoo.com or leave a comment here explaining why you would make the perfect tester. I will recruit 12 men and women who will be sent a full-size bottle of the Skin MD Natural shielding lotion to test! Free lotion - Does it get any better?

You can see what I thought about this shielding lotion HERE!

This week I decided needed to clean out the coat closet. Along with a number of other items, we keep all of the kiddos shoes in this large space. They usually end up all over the place, making it very difficult to find pairs.

I had purchased these plastic bins to try to keep things organized, but they don't work too well, mostly due to operator error. This is what it ends up looking like....



It looks pretty good after it's organized! Ah well... Maybe one day it will stay clean for more than a little while!



*****
Have you met the Mom of the Week?

This week we are visiting with Jodi, a Christian mother of two boys, ages 19 and 12, and a hard-working day care provider. She has been married to her sweetheart of 17 years for 11 years. Jodi stays connected with the virtual world through her three blogs and the Michigan Moms Club, which she co-owns.

Join me for a chat with Jodi...

Me: As a mama of two older boys, can you give this mama of mostly boys any words of advice?
Jodi: Choose your battles wisely, and enjoy your time with them while they are little, time goes by all too quickly.

Did you always want to be a mommy?
Yes. I love kids, and always wanted 2, would have loved to have a boy and a girl (my thinking back then), but I love my boys and wouldn't trade them for anything.

What is one thing you know now, after having your children, that you wish you knew when your first was born?
That its ok to make mistakes, everything doesn't always have to be perfect.

What great advice!

Now, what is the one household chore that you dread doing?
I hate cleaning the bathroom. With a house full of guys, it isn't a pretty site. If only I could get them to see what I see, then maybe it would be a little nicer..... er, maybe not LOL

Oh boy, can I relate!

If you could go back to any time in history, to which time period would you go, and why?
I would love to go back to the pioneer days. Even tho it was a lot of work on all, it just seemed like a simpler life.

If you could choose only two books to read what would they be, and why?
The Bible, because it would encourage me daily; and then probably a book on the Amish, as I love to read and re-read about them.

I would love to lift you up in prayer this week, Jodi. How can we pray for you?
That there be restoration in my family.

I have enjoyed getting to know you a bit, Jodi! May the Lord bless you this week as you serve Him!

Do you have any encouraging words, tips or ideas for Jodi? Has she touched you in some way today or through one of her blogs? Would you please share? Kindly leave a quick hello for her, or any words of encouragement that may help her on her journey as a wife and mother!

As some of you know, I have a huge heart for Africa and know that one day I will spend my days somewhere with the people of Africa. Well, I just heard about this program called HERO, developed by Tampax and Always, to provide comprehensive school-based support to orphans and vulnerable children living in these HIV/AIDS-affected African communities. They work with schools in Ethiopia, Namibia, South Africa, and Zambia where kids can receive basic care and services such as food programs, clean water, counseling and visiting nurses.

You can find more info on HERO by checking these links.

• More about the UNA-USA
• heroaction.org website

HERO is dedicated to bringing together teens to get involved and help improve education, health care, HIV/AIDS prevention and life skills for kids and teens around the world.

In the summer of 2006, a group of 11 amazing teens did just that. As the first-ever HERO Youth Ambassadors, they gave up their summer vacations to work together with Africans in HIV/AIDS-affected communities in Namibia and South Africa.

In 2007, a new group of 24 HERO Youth Ambassadors made the journey. Check out the '07 Youth Ambassadors and watch some of their adventures....



HERO is now looking for 20 students (ages 16-19) from across the US and Canada to be selected as 2008 HERO Youth Ambassadors. Students chosen will travel to Africa in 2008. I wish I could go!

Did you know that more than 12 million African children have lost one or both parents to HIV/AIDS, and the number is expected to grow to 20 million by 2010? Those are staggering numbers, and I hope you will join me in making a difference. Please visit beinggirl to find out how to get involved. If you know a teen who would be a perfect Youth Ambassador, please pass on the word. If you don't know anyone who would be interested in applying, there are other ways to get involved, too.

My kiddos love to listen to stories. Billy Brown Goes Hiking is one of their new favorite audio adventure... We listen to it in the car, at lunch time, and even at bed time!

Billy Brown is a big, friendly, talking bear who lives in Johnstown. Created by Giddio, these audio adventures are different from audio books, or storytelling. They are produced with full cast voice acting, music and sound effects that captivate young children (and their parents), and have won awards. I was impressed by the quality and professional sound, and the fact that all five of my older children were completely enthralled by the tale of Billy Brown.

In Billy Brown Goes Hiking he and his best friend, little Emma, have plans for a peaceful hike through the woods for a picnic. Their tranquil adventure is interrupted when they hear a call for help from a family stuck in the rapids! Billy must rescue a mom, dad, baby and little boy from the churning waters, and get everyone back to shore- and back to the picnic! But can he do it? You'll just have to listen to the story to find out!!

I'm sure your kiddos will love this captivating story, as mine have. Right now you can save $5 by ordering the Billy Brown Package, which includes three episodes, with free shipping! If you would like to sample the Giddio audio adventures, "Billy Brown and the Mystery Package" is being offered as a free download.

Visit Giddio today and gift your favorite kiddos with a new adventure!!

I was just recently asked the following question, and decided to answer it here -- "How do you manage to make older siblings feel included and loved when you welcome a new one so close in age?"

All of my kiddos (with the exception of my twins, of course) are between 18 and 23 months apart. The key to happy older siblings is to make sure they know they are still special and have the new role of "Big Sister or Brother" as well as "Helper." Include Big Sister or Brother in everything you do with Baby - Have her/him help by grabbing diapers, a blanket or pillow to aid in nursing/feeding, giving Baby kisses when he is upset; anything to let her/him know s/he has a big role in Baby's life. Love on your older kiddos, too, every chance you get, and they'll be okay!

You will find that having your kiddos close together will be a lot of work, but a whole lot of fun!!

I have a fantastic announcement to share with you soon....

You won't want to miss it!

(And, no -- I'm NOT pregnant!!)

Today we are going to tackle cards....
Thank You cards, Valentine cards, Welcome Baby cards.

Homemade cards, hand-stamped cards, cards with pictures, cards with poems.

Lots and lots of cards!

I'll post pictures as we finish them!

I had the honor of interviewing Laura this week. She is a homeschooling mother of seven, and author and editor of Laura William's Musings, one of my daily reads. She is a wonderful example of what a Godly wife and Mother should look like.

So, grab a cup of coffee and your morning muffin, and visit with Laura and me, and be blessed!

Me: We know you are a married mama of seven kids, you home school, and manage a pretty popular blog. Tell me a bit more about YOU.

Do you have any encouraging words, tips or ideas for Laura? Has Laura touched you in some way today or through her blog? Would you please share? Kindly leave a quick hello for her, or any words of encouragement that may help her on her journey as a wife and mother!

Friday was a big day for Miss Julia! She was finally rid of her cast, after much anticipation, and new x-rays were taken. Her leg healed in record time - just 5 weeks, and she's as good as new! Well, almost. She has a skinny little leg, and even after two full days without her cast she is still a bit tentative about walking on it. I can only imagine how nervous I would be after not using my leg for that long. If I know my Julia, though, she'll be running and dancing around in no time!

After her cast was removed we went straight to Great Clips so Julia could follow through on a promise she made. You see, a while back she asked me if she could cut her hair. Two years ago I would have freaked out at the idea. (Oh, wait, I did, but I'll tell you about that later!) Daddy, Julia, and I talked about it and decided that when her hair was long enough to cut off the required 10 inches that she could cut it and donate it to Locks of Love. For Julia it was an easy decision - Fully aware that she would be making someone very happy by sharing her hair, she was extremely excited! So, Friday afternoon she had her gorgeous hair cut a whole 12 inches to donate. She felt so good knowing that she will be helping someone who is sick to feel beautiful again!

In other news, Noah's first tooth finally popped through!! Tooth #2 is just about up, as well. Poor baby - He's been miserable... He won't sleep, and doesn't want to do anything but nurse. Sleepless nights with a cranky baby is no fun, let me tell ya!! I just feel so bad for him.

If you would be so kind as to keep me in your prayers, I would be grateful... I have been getting really bad headaches lately. Almost every day my head kills me. It wouldn't be so bad if they were just headaches, but they are of the migraine kind, complete with sensitivity to light and feelings of nausea. Things just don't get done when mommy is in pain.

I think that about covers it... Whew, what a weekend!

cross posted at Organized Chaos

What a day!!

I have tons to share with you, but I'll have to fill you in tomorrow....

G'night!!

Most of you have heard by now about the great new uncommon shirts for uncommonly cool kids made by Polly Tod. I just had to let you know that I found a few that I just have to order....

I recently received a few Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubbers to try... I passed two of them on in hopes of gathering the opinions of others, and am excited to bring you not just my opinion but two others, as well!

Sara typically keeps her home in tip top shape and is always looking for products that she is able to use under her special circumstances. Let's see what she thought...

I have exzema on my hands and am not able to use many of the cleaning products out there. I was very happy to have used the Scrubbing Bubbles since I didn't have to actually touch any of the cleaner. I used my Action Scrubber to clean my bath tub, and I have to say that I loved the foam handle - It fits perfectly in my hand. I also appreciated the citrus sent. Overall, it made my bathtub smell fresh and look clean!

I sent the second Scrubber home with a good friend of mine. Mindy happily reported that her husband, Al, was eager to try it! How many of your husbands like cleaning the bathroom? Well, maybe you need to get them an Action Scrubber of their own! Here's what Al had to say...

I used my Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber in the shower - It was very easy to use. I really liked the fact that I didn't have to spray cleaner all over the shower! The scrubber not only applied the cleaner to the surfaces, it also picked up the dust and hair that had been in the shower, which was an unexpected bonus. The package was right - It has just the right amount of cleaner to cover every surface. The shower was so much easier to clean without having to worry about spray bottles and rags that have to be cleaned or thrown away. I've used the Scrubbing Bubbles spray foam in the past, and I found that the Action Scrubber cleaned just as well as the original spray foam, but it probably uses less product.

The one thing I had a beef with was the Velcro on the pad holder... The pad became dislodged and I had to re-apply it a couple of times. The last thing you want to do is mess with the disposable pad. However, this was the only down side and I will definitely use this product again - It made the shower so easy to clean!

I would have to agree with Sara and Al... The Action Scrubber is definitely easy to use and a whole lot better than messing with sprays and cloths. I used mine for every inch of my guest bathroom - From the counter tops to the floor around the toilet (yes, in that order). It did a great job of cutting the grime and soap scum with very little effort on my part!


Do you want to try the Scrubbing Bubbles Action Scrubber? Follow this link to find out how you can get a $1.00 off coupon.

My piece-of-crap computer now has a stinkin' virus, so I haven't been able to stay on top of emails or posts. I have my hubby's laptop right now, so I am going to attempt to get caught up. I am so very behind, but have tons of great stuff to tell you about!!

So, I found this great resource called Mamasource. Here's just a glimpse of the benefits of joining:

• Meet smart, friendly Moms like you in your area, online or in-person
• Ask any question and get detailed, helpful replies from Moms who have "been there"
• Access their extensive archives of past advice, recommendations, and local business reviews, all written by other Moms!

It's 100% free to join and it's a safe way to put your self out there in your community!




The Moms are at it again with a fantastic giveaway... One I wish I could keep a secret, since I am in dire need of a new vacuum and spending a couple hundred dollars on a good one just doesn't fit in the budget right now. Anywho, I won't be so selfish, because I'm sure all of you would like to win one just as badly (probably not, but I don't want to sound desperate!). Hop over and find out how you can win a brand new Oreck XL Ultra at 5 Minutes for Mom.

Kristin over at An Ordinary Life is having a short but sweet Valentine's Giveaway. It starts on February 6th and ends February 9th, 2008 at noon PT. All you have to do to enter, is post about her giveaway on your blog and leave a comment on the giveaway post HERE. Please be sure to leave a valid email address with your comment.