Literacy is Fun – Our Happy New School Year Party

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on October 8, 2010

Experts say that nearly 40% of 4th graders in the United States don’t achieve even the basic levels of reading proficiency. This number, of course, is higher among low-income families, certain minority groups, and English language learners.

But, something is being done.

Reading is Fundamental is an organization whose primary mission is to motivate young children to read, especially those in disadvantaged households. RIF achieves this goal by putting new books and fun literacy activities into the hands of children. Children feel empowered and renewed, by selecting the books that interest them, and they begin to see new possibilities.

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Last month I had the privilege of hosting a New School Year Party to promote literacy and Nestlé Family’s partnership with RIF.

Each of our guests brought a book, or two, to donate to our local elementary school. We had a fabulous lunch, browsed through the books, and even created some fun works of art. We had quite the houseful and a good time was had by all!

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The books provided by RIF were on display for all to see.
Each family added their favorites to the loot.
These books will soon be added to the library at Lincoln Elementary.

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Nestlé provided their fabulous Stouffer’s lasagne (and other goodies). Mmmm!

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To keep the kiddos busy, we made some fabulously creative cards. Fun!

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Gina and her son, Micah, won the grand prize of the day – Lots of great goodies.
And, everyone went home with a little goody bag from Nestlé.

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Netflix and Nintendo Know How to Throw a Party!

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on June 12, 2010

Technically, I guess I threw the party, but I couldn’t have done it without Nintendo and Netflix. In fact, they asked me to host a gathering in my home, for all of my friends, and they provided the fabulous food and entertainment, with little left for me to do.


My friends and I had a blast, as we watched the kids play new Wii games, but the best part was when we all settled down with popcorn and movie candy and watched Curly Sue, while it streamed through Netflix on our Wii.

You see, with a Netflix subscription you can watch all of the movies and shows you’d like with just the wave of a Wii wand, without having to wait for a DVD to arrive in the mail. It’s really quite convenient and super easy to use.
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Would you like to try it? I have a Wii disc, good for a free 3-month Netflix trial, for three of you to win. Just leave me a comment and tell me why you’d like to try Netflix on your Wii. I’ll pick the winners next weekend.

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Let’s Get This Party Started! #UBP10

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on April 9, 2010

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WELCOME TO MY CORNER OF THE 5 MINUTES FOR MOM ULTIMATE BLOG PARTY
Grab yourself a cupcake!!


I plan to party all week, and even have some special surprises in store for you, but in case you are here for the first time, I would like to tell you about my family ::

young family

Ray and I have been best friends for thirteen years. Last August we celebrated our tenth wedding anniversary and look forward to growing old together. We are Bible-believing followers of Christ, who have responded to the call to teach and train our kiddos at home. Our kiddos keep us busy, and we are far from perfect parents, as you’ll see as you get to know us.

Ethan and Zach are our mischievous twin boys. I’m sure you’ve heard about the special bond that twins have, right? Well, as their Mom I could swear that they share a brain. They will finish each other’s sentences, they compliment each other like bread and butter, and very seldom will you see them apart.

Julia is our only daughter, sandwiched between a gaggle of brothers. She is the only one who has yet had a broken bone and a gash deep enough to require stitches. She’s a tough little princess, though, so don’t you dare feel sorry for her! {Maybe in a few years when her brothers are screening her dates, you can feel sorry for her. I know I will!}

Next in our brood do we have Josh, who will be six years old tomorrow. {Will you help me wish him a Happy Birthday?} Josh looks up to his older brothers, but is the one in charge when it comes to his younger brothers. He loves math, is a great listener, and loves my tacos!

Our only blondie, Ben, is generally quiet and loves to just observe. Every night Ben asks me to pray for his hands. I have a feeling his hands were created to do some amazing things, even if he remains somewhat reserved.

Then comes Noah, who is the life of the party. At almost three years old he is everyone’s best friend and quite the clown. His facial expressions and body language always has us laughing. He is also our little trouble-maker… You can’t take your eyes off that kid, even for a second!

And, last but not least, is the little baby I have dancing in my womb. Next week we’ll know more about him {or her, or them}, so stay tuned.

Whew, I’m tired! So… I’m going to do some party hopping and meet some of YOU. Feel free to make yourself at home, join us on some of our adventures, enter my latest giveaway, or read the answers to some of the most commonly asked questions.

Throughout the next week I will be giving some Twitter shout-outs to some of my new #UPB10 friends, so be sure you leave me a comment with your Twitter handle.

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It’s Game Time! Get Ready at Walmart

by Christine - From Dates to Diapers on January 29, 2010

I’ve never really been a fan of football, but I’ve always enjoyed a good party. Well, Walmart is making it easy and affordable to host a BIG GAME party next weekend. In fact, they would like help you put together some really yummy goodies for your guests. Check it out… You can purchase all of the following items for as little as $44!

  • One package of Oscar Meyer meat hot dogs (8 ct.)
  • One package of Johnsonville bratwursts (6 ct.)
  • Two packages of Great Value hot dog buns
  • Two bags of T.G.I. Friday’s frozen appetizers
  • One Hormel Supreme Party Tray
  • 12” Chocolate Chunk Cookie
  • Two boxes of Nabisco Wheat Thins or Triscuit Crackers (8-10 oz. box)

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Visit Walmart’s Game Time page for tons of great ideas on how to bring everything together for ultimate game time fun. You can even find some interactive games and party tips. You can even create your shopping list right there on the site!

Is YOUR team playing next Sunday? Who are YOU rooting for?

Let’s get ready for some footbaaaaaaall!!

Walmart provided me with two $50 Walmart gift cards for my participation in this program.

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Throw the Ultimate XLIII Super Bowl Party with Pepsi!

January 16, 2009

Tweet I love a good party, and watching the Super Bowl with a big group of friends is a great reason to get together. I have a confession to make, though – I am not a big fan of football. I know, I know. My husband played in High School and loves to watch a [...]

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You’re Invited to a Virtual Holiday Party!

November 30, 2008

Tweet When?December 1st, also known as Cyber Monday ALL DAY! Where? Wherever you are! Why? Because we have some fantastic Holday Gift Guides to share with you and some fabulous Giveaways to tell you about! Hosted by Katja Presnal, of SkimbacoLifestyle.com, and yours truly! Link up your giveaways and gift guides and let us help [...]

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Mother’s Day Blog Bash

May 9, 2008

Tweet There is a party going on!It’s the Mother’s Day Blog Bash at Notes From My Nest. There are new friends to meet, and prizes to win – Great items from Serena & Lily, Hand Picked Pumpkin, and many more! You can see them all here.

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High 5 – Boy Style

May 6, 2008

Tweet I am going to another party! I love these blog parties… I meet so many new bloggin’ buddies, and there are always lots of games and fun to be had by all. Will you join me? To kick off my party I am participating in the MommyFest High 5 Photo Contest. The idea is [...]

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