Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along Event Oct. 2nd

Looking for something to do this Saturday?  NCM Fathom and Walt Disney Studios invite fans young and old to “be their guest” as Belle, the Beast and their friends return to the big screen for a very special Beauty and the Beast Sing-Along Event on Saturday, Oct. 2 at Noon local time. 

Why we ♥ Chocolate JELL-O pudding and mousse {+ Giveaway}

Finding the perfect snack is often a big production in our home.  The twins insist on picking it out for themselves and seldom agree on the same item.  Despite taking an agonizing amount of time studying the "snack cabinet" the choices are often second guessed.  Ultimately, one twin is jealous of the other one's choice and for the sake of sanity and equality I end up giving each of them both snacks.

Meet Pocoyo DVD

Have you met Pocoyo yet?  He's a three-year-old boy with animal friends who made his Nick Jr. debut earlier this Summer.  Already an international success, this Fall, Pocoyo DVDs and toys will be available here in the U.S.

Wordless Wednesday: Frustration

A moment of frustration captured on the face of my two year old son, Declan. Yesterday, Declan was reminded that sometimes things just don't go the way we want them to go. That may be his fault, that may be the fault of someone else including his twin brother. The good news, Cormac is sorry and today is a different day.

Flag on the play! Illegal use of scissors ...

Last week I was working on a project for my Dad.  My parents live next door, so I'm often called upon to act as their very own "geek squad".  This time the project has me loading photos on Dad's new phone.

The twins were in the next room being way too quiet, so I should have know they were up to something.  Why is it that my twin 2 year olds get along best when they are both paired up to do "naughty" deeds?  I go in to check see an interesting scenario.  One of them (Mac) has safety scissors and a blanket he is trying to cut up.  The other (Dec) has small stuffed animal dog that is being cradled in his arms lovingly.

I asked "What on Earth are you boys doing?" but in hind sight I should have blown a whistle.

Dec is still holding the stuffed animal and is now trying to tell me the dog has a football "owie".  Meanwhile, I realize that Mac is trying to cut up the blanket to use as bandages so Doggie can go back in to the game.  Two year olds playing a roleplayed football game complete with a very realistic sports trainer aspect.

Some people might ask how they knew to do all that, but I already knew the likely answer.  With sports center on in the kitchen every breakfast and two idolized big brothers both playing football all the time, it's clearly normal to them.  Our oldest, who as I've mentioned before plays on his High School's JV squad, is always taping or icing something.

I took away the blanket and scissors, replacing them both with two rolls of masking tape.  A few days later they've taped up every stuffed animal within a 5 mile radius.  Apparently it's a rough game.

I wonder if they think I'm the referee?

Flag on the play!  Illegal use of scissors on the twins' team.  15 yards.

mOmma US (Baby & Toddler Feeding Products)

I recently had the chance to review a couple of the coolest looking sippy cups that I've ever seen.  These cups are rounded at the bottom allowing them to spin and rock without toppling over.  This novel design is one certain to elicit comments from passersby and amusement from any child.  

No Angst needed for MGA's New Moxie Teenz Dolls

Last September my daughter, Cordelia, helped me review a doll line by MGA called Moxie Girlz.  Cordelia still enjoys playing with the sweet tween inspired Moxie Girlz a year later, so I knew she'd be thrilled to try a doll from the new Moxie Teenz line that's arriving now in stores.

"Gearing Up" for High School Football Games

It's been all about high school football for the past few weekends as our oldest son, J.C. plays on his high school's JV Team.  He starts at cornerback and is on special teams as well.  His games are a huge family affair with all of us in attendance to watch each tackle, hit, blocked punt, and fumble recovery he performs.

It is no small task to pack for his games with enough to outfit and entertain the twins, 9 year old Cordelia, 11 year old Hayden, Hubby, and myself.  Not to mention the task of double checking he has all he needs.  I thought I'd share a list of some items we bring:

Voskos Greek Yogurt

The benefits of yogurt as a top health food are all over the news lately, which is good news for our household as we are all huge fans.  We often eat yogurt with berries and granola in the morning, put yogurt it in our homemade smoothies, and even cook with it.  However, we'd never tried the Voskos Greek Yogurt.  In fact, this was our first time trying any brand of greek yogurt.

Now on DVD from Nickelodeon

Looking for some new DVD's to add to the family movie night rotation? Check out these four new releases from your friends at Nickelodeon.

Mmm! New Kraft Sandwich Shop Mayo

School's in full swing which means sandwiches are being assembled in mass around here.  Two for J.C., two for Hayden, one for Cordelia, and a few more for the at home crowd that includes Mommy and the twins.  Daddy sometimes swings by for lunch too.

Random.org winning picks

The winner of the Tiny Love Gymini Bouncer Giveaway is #225, gnwg
The winner of the $25 Safeway Gift Card is #33, Tracy R
The winner of the Powermat Giveaway is #118, Tamara B.
The winner of the Dinosaur Train "Under the Sea" DVD is #95, ReggieMann

Twins vs Singletons

Ever wonder what you as a twin mommy missed out on by having twins as your only children?  Ever wonder what you as a parent of one or more singleton children missed out on by not having twins?  I'm a mommy of 5, I've done the singleton child thing 3 times they are now 9, 11, & 15.  I'm also a mommy to 2 year old twins.  I guess I'm in that small category of people who have had the joys and pains that come along with both sides.  Want to know what you may be missing so you can minimize the loss?

What do singleton moms get that twin moms don't?  Those singleton moms are getting more "one on one" precious time with baby.  When your first child is a singleton, you have the luxury of doting on and savoring each moment spent with that baby.  You can forever ponder little movements, smiles, and laughter.  You can nap with baby, feed baby, and change baby without guilt that some one else is waiting.  Time is less rushed and it really can be quite a beautiful thing.  This is what twin moms are and should be jealous of not having.

My tip to twin moms would be to try to steal some of this "one on one" baby bonding before it's too late.  As awful as it may seem to divide the babies up for a day or two, you'll thank me for it later.  Enlist your sister, mother, husband, or friend to help you get this time even it is just once with each.  Savor and explore that one half of your perfect pair for a full day and then the other a few days later.

What do twin moms have that singleton moms don't?  Twin moms get to see the power of a pair from day one.  They see an amazing bond formed in their womb at work to do both good and "not so good" each day.  Yes, many siblings can become quite close, but there is nothing that can quite compare with the relationship of multiples.  This is what singleton moms are and should be jealous of not having.  Just don't get too jealous, this powerful bond can create a lot of extra work sometimes.  I can't offer you a way to recreate this bond but I can out you can always enjoy observing your friend's twins at play for the day or watch one of those silly reality multiples shows.  Better yet, you get to head home or shut it off when you are on twin overload.

Disney's SECRETARIAT gallops into theaters October 8th (Giveaway)

Based on the remarkable true story, “Secretariat” chronicles the spectacular journey of the 1973 Triple Crown winner. Housewife and mother Penny Chenery (Diane Lane) agrees to take over her ailing father’s Virginia-based Meadow Stables, despite her lack of horse-racing knowledge. Against all odds, Chenery—with the help of veteran trainer Lucien Laurin (John Malkovich)—manages to navigate the male-dominated business, ultimately fostering the first Triple Crown winner in 25 years and what may be the greatest racehorse of all time.

Little Keeper Sleepers

Frequent readers may recall my recent post on my twins regarding their total fixation with taking off all of their clothes when around the house.  While I  honestly don't mind it upon occasion, in fact I think it's a great way to learn dressing skills, there are times it is simply undesirable.

Tinker Bell & the Great Fairy Rescue (on Blu-ray + DVD 9/21)

I can't even begin to explain the extra "mommy points" I earned for having a brand new copy of the Tinker Bell & the Great Fairy Rescue Movie in time for our 3 hour ride to MI last weekend.  Even more points were received when my daughter, Cordelia, realized the movie wasn't even coming out until next Tuesday, September 21st.

Another winner:

The winner of the "Getting ready for Kindergarten with Dinosaur Train" Giveaway is
#222  Louis

I love two twice

Have you forgotten what it was like to be two, well let me refresh you.  Being two is completely awesome and utterly horrible all in a span of 60 seconds.  No time to relish in the joy or reflect about the misery, the next minute is certain to bring different highs and lows.

I must admit, I get a kick out of these sudden bursts of joy and dismay all the more with my twins.  It's two times two.  They often act as bookends, one holding up his side of the moment happily as the other angrily holds up his end.  Ask any mom of a toddler and I'm betting she'll agree that it's rare when you can kidnap a few moments in between the extremes.  "Busy, busy" best describes my toddler twosome.  It's hard to even capture a moment because another one arrives practically in tandem.

However when I do get a chance to hold on to something one of the twins say or do, it's like touching magic with my pinky finger.

I spoke with Cormac "Mac" yesterday and he was reflective about the day before.  He told me he got new fast shoes, ran to G.G. and Paka's house, and had cake.  All true, but it made me wonder if he thinks new fast shoes are something worthy of a celebration ending in really yummy cake.

In actuality it was my brother's belated birthday cake, but hey when you are two why not celebrate new shoes?  New shoes are a huge thing.  They typically mean you are getting bigger and two year olds love getting bigger.  Plus there is something about shoes that make two year olds want to run.  The newer the shoes the faster you go.  The faster you go, the more people will cheer.  Lots of cheering people means it's a party.  Everyone knows that parties clearly require cake.

I love two.

My last two year old "pinky finger magic" with Declan "Dec" was last friday night.  We were at our oldest son's second JV football game.  We are all insanely proud of him, but none more than Dec himself.  JC is the big brother he has claimed as his guy.  Mac claims Hayden our 11 year old as his guy.  JC is a starting corner, on special teams, and most importantly Dec's idol.  The first game, both twins watched a bit and played in the stands.  The second game we pointed JC out to them both just like the game before.  They looked and played in the stands just like last time.  The popcorn was clearly good.  Every once in a while we'd remind them JC is out there.

Suddenly during game 2, Dec stood up on his seat pointed and yelled, "I see him!  I see JC" as the defense ran off the field.  No idea if he actually knew which one was in fact JC, but so sweet to see a 2 year old have an "ah ha" moment.  Even more precious knowing that moment of pure joy was from him spotting his hero who just happens to be his big brother he snuggles, eats, and plays with every single day.

Did I mention I love two?  I did?  Well, I guess I love two twice.

Big List of Winners!

Crayola Prize Pack: #22 Greatgirl
Got Milk Prize Packs:  (3) #43 chatterBOX, #57 WWillows6, & #20 Tamara B.
Seventh Generation Prize Pack: #2 jdine
SpinMaster Pop on Pals: #170 mommy2luke2008
Disney Create Prize Packs:  (3) #1 Abhishek Duggal, #14 GabbyLowe, #77 Brenda
Trix Penguins of Madagascar Prize: #158 Jennifer T.

CPSC declares No Cause Linking Pampers Dry Max Diapers to Diaper Rash

In a statement issued earlier today, "The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Health Canada (HC) have reviewed consumer incident reports and other information involving Pampers Dry Max diapers. To date, the review has not identified any specific cause linking Dry Max diapers to diaper rash."

The statement continues, "Both agencies will continue to evaluate consumer complaints related to Pampers Dry Max diapers and will provide parents with updated information if this assessment changes. As always, parents and caregivers are advised to seek the attention of a medical professional if they have any concerns about adverse health reactions."

Frequent readers will recall that I was one of four Mommy Bloggers invited to go visit P&G Pampers Baby Care Headquarters (at their expense) back when this Pampers Dry Max controversy was sweeping the blogosphere. My visit is recounted in these very popular part 1 and part 2 posts I wrote in late May.

Fisher-Price Baby Shower Reigns at Brookfield Zoo for Expectant Moms

This Labor Day weekend, expectant mothers preparing for their new bundles of joy are invited to attend a very special baby shower event at Brookfield Zoo on Sunday, September 5. The Mommy Shower, which takes place in the zoo’s Discovery Center, will be offered at 9 a.m., 11 a.m., and 2 p.m.

Kid Sized Stainless Steel Water Bottles by Nathan Sports {Giveaway}

Despite the recent heat wave of 90+ degree heat, school's back in full swing as are all the kid's after school activities.  Proper hydration becomes the phrase of the day for this mom of 5 and good water bottles make that job easier.

A new favorite in this category are the child sized Nathan bottles provided to us from Penguin Brands.  They are made with 18/8 (food grade) stainless steel that is chemically inactive, BPA free, durable, and recyclable.  The kid sized Nathan bottles hold about 320 ml making them just the right size to fit in lunchboxes.

Scotch Brand Products & Most Gifted Wrapper Contest

Scotch Brand recently sent us some great glue rollers and wrinkle free glue products that will come in super handy as we work on our various school assignments.  They'll also come in equally handy for memory keeping through out the year.  Wrinkle free glue, what will they think of next?