Cooperative Games by Peaceable Kingdom (Giveaway)

All 5 of our children enjoy playing board games, especially when they are the winner.  Losing, well let's face it, that's never quite as much fun.  Nonetheless, there are lessons to be learned by both outcomes.  No one likes a sore loser or a gloating winner, so it's important your child experiences both.  The folks at Peaceable Kingdom recognize these important lessons, and have a line of traditional style card and board games that allow for those moments.  

Peaceable Kingdom also has a line of cooperative games that puts the emphasis on cooperating and working together instead of competing against each other.  "Cooperative games emphasize play, not competition. Kids learn to work and play together in respectful and compassionate ways. They learn to share, make decisions together, and trust one another. Cooperative games encourage inclusion and build confidence."

Nourish, Bottled Water for Babies & Toddlers

Hot Weather is coming this way as is the need for extra hydration.

If you have ever struggled to find something suitable to quickly quench the thirst of a baby or toddler on the go, you'll want to check out Nourish water bottles.  They come in two styles, one intended for babies and one for the toddler set.

Another Winner Selected

... and the winner of the Kachooz Pencil Topper giveaway is #5, mamotts.

Pita Crisps with Spinach, Artichokes and Roasted Tomato

Another yummy looking Appetizer for Memorial Day I borrowed from Kraft Foods.

Spring flavors abound in this smooth and crunchy seasonal spread.

Prep Time: 10 min. | Total Time: 30 min. | Makes: 24 servings

Creamy Mediterranean Dip

Memorial Day Weekend means gathering with friends and family around here.  Need to bring a dip?  Here's one I borrowed from Kraft Foods:

Two dip favorites, spinach and artichoke, get a makeover in this brand new spin on a classic.

Prep Time: 10 min. | Total Time: 2 hours 10 min. | Makes: 24 servings

Creamy Parmesan Alfredo Kraft HOMESTYLE Macaroni & Cheese Dinner (Giveaway)

Need more time for fun this summer and less time cooking in the kitchen?  Here's one of my secrets ...  I like to stock a few packages of Kraft Homestyle Macaroni & Cheese Dinners in my pantry for emergency back-up.  They are perfect for those nights when time gets away from me or an unexpected extra guest or two shows up.

Looking for Twisted Summer Fun? Take the family to Six Flags (Giveaway)

As a Kraft Delicious Byte Blogger, I've been given the chance to host a great giveaway and share some fun summertime info with my readers.  First, here's all the details on the offer ...  Polly-O and KRAFT String and Twists have teamed up with Six Flags to help get the whole family to your local park, all summer long. Starting May 1st, save your kids’ Polly-O and KRAFT String and Twists wrappers and put them to work for Six Flags discounts.  How the Offer Works:

Pull up a chair at the Breakfast Table, Kung Fu Panda is back

You may know that Kung Fu Panda 2 arrived in theaters yesterday (May 26th), but did you also know you can build pre and post movie fun with your little ones by purchasing participating General Mills cereals?

Cascade Complete All-in-1 ActionPacs (Giveaway)

I recently was dared (by Cascade & MyBlogSpark) to take the Cascade 24 Hour Challenge.  The instructions were simple:

1. Bake a Blueberry Cobbler and enjoy it.
2. Set the empty baking dish out for 24 hours.
3. Without rinsing, put it in the dishwasher with Cascade Complete.

Little Tikes Cozy Truck Winner!

... and the winner of the Little Tikes Cozy Truck is #85, Asheardy!

Family Game Night with Hershey’s Kisses (Giveaway)

With 3 day weekend approaching, why not plan a Family Game Night?  Here's some tips to get you started:

Kitchen Safety Item: Dispose-It-Guard

The kitchen sink garbage disposal has always made me a little nervous.  The potential for a little one getting hurt by it sends shivers down my back, so I was really excited to learn about a new safety device related to this household appliance.

Mickey Mouse ClubHouse: Mickey's Great Outdoors Mickey Mote + DVD (Giveaway)

New to DVD This Week from Disney

Today is the perfect day to stock up on new kid and family movies for the summer with 3 great offerings just released.  Check your local stores for copies of Gnomeo and Juliet, Mickey Mouse Clubhouse: Mickey's Great Outdoors, and Lemonade Mouth.  I had a chance to view provided review copies of all three with the kids and we loved them all!

Gnomeo and Juliet (Blu-ray ™ Disc and DVD): 

Twin Ring Bearers (and Thoughts on Bribing Kids)

The youngest of my two brothers married his high school sweetheart after 11 year of dating this weekend and all 5 of my kids had a part of some sort in the ceremony.  Truth be told, they are both a terrific couple that deserved a perfect day and I was more than a bit stressed as the day arrived that one of my 5 kiddos might mess up the carefully planned event.  In the end, it is the potential disasters being averted one by one that I'll likely remember the most.

Step 2 Pin Pals Bowling Set Winner

and the winner is #1, Mia!

Grover is keeping Sesame Street & other Roads Safe for Kids and Families

Sesame Workshop has been creating engaging educational content for children for as long as I can remember.  This year, they are insuring Sesame Street  and every road that connects to it is a safe one for kids and families.  In support of the UN’s Decade of Action for Road Safety, the nonprofit organization behind Sesame Street, is working with partners from around the world to help raise awareness and promote safe road practices.

Stove Top Stuffing Giveaway Winner

Congrats to #149, Charlene on winning this recent giveaway from Kraft.

And Twins Make 5 has been nominated to the Top 25 Parents With Multiples list

I'm flattered, And Twins Make 5 has been nominated to the Top 25 Parents With Multiples list on Circle of Moms! What a great compliment to begin my Tuesday morning.  If you happen to have a free moment here or there, you can vote for our blog once a day until May 30, 2011.  Simply visit here and click to vote.  Much thanks to my secret nominator!

Is Your Youth Athlete Dehydrated? @Gatorade #SportsMoms

I learned a lot @ Gatorade Headquarters during my recent visit with fellow sports moms.  It was of no huge surprise that a Sports Nutrition Company like Gatorade would have a wealth of knowledge to tap on the subject of youth athletes in terms of hydration.  What was a surprise to me, is that they were taking the time to share all this knowledge in such detail with an average sports parent like myself.

I'm a nag on hydration, just ask my kids.  I ask them constantly if they've been drinking enough prior to and after sporting events.  Additionally, I double check them on whether they have some Gatorade in their sport duffle each time they leave the house.  Occasionally, I catch that they've forgotten something to drink but reassuringly they usually are way ahead of me.  I believe that my athletes are properly hydrated, or at least I did.

Learning Resources Crocodile Hop Floor Game (Giveaway)

Playing board games with my twin 2.5 year olds is great, but games that allow them to get up and move are all the better. The twins have really enjoyed Learning Resources Crocodile Hop Floor Game. It allows them to take turns crossing the river by hopping from number to color to shape.

NEW Oreo Fudge Cremes and Oreo Creme Filled Brownies

When a box filled with the latest in Oreo treats arrives at your house, a mom has to think fast and hide the goods.  After all, it's my duty to sample everything first in order to write a proper review, right?  However once trying one of each, it became clear they were too yummy not to share.

The Evolution of Fear

As a Mommy of 5, I've observed my share of fears in kids.  I've noticed that fear evolves greatly as a child grows and matures.  Every child is different, but when it comes to fears there tends to be some commonly shared triggers.

Mother's Day Gift Idea: Sheaffer Prelude Mini Pen

Sign this Mom?  Permission slips, report cards, a book order check ... I'm always signing something for the kids.  A pen for Mother's Day is such a cute yet practical idea!

I recently had a chance to check out the the Sheaffer® Prelude® Mini Ballpoint pen sent for review. It is the perfect size for taking virtually anywhere. It fits easily in checkbooks, small handbags, desk drawers, and can be stowed in the car.  The best part, mom will be using it for years to come with you in mind.

SportsMoms: My visit to Gatorade Headquarters

Most say motherhood is one of the hardest jobs in the world and if that's the case, the job that is harder must be that of the Sports Mom.  Sports Moms are part athletic trainer, part chauffeur, part locker room attendant, part equipment manager, part nutritionist, part team photographer, part coach, part physical therapist, part avid fan, part psychologist, and part personal assistant.

New DVD Releases from Sesame Street & Warner Home Video

The twins and I checked out advance copies of two great Sesame Street releases recently provided. Both have been on our frequent play list for the car & naptime ever since. In fact, one has a car travel theme and the other is also perfect for the warmer weather exploration. 

Sesame Street:  Elmo's Travel Songs & Games: 

Exclusive Cinco de Mayo Recipes

For those who didn’t know, Cinco de Mayo (May 5) is a day that celebrates the Mexican Army’s defeat of French forces at the Battle of Puebla, during the French occupation of Mexico (1862). As a surprise to some, it is not Mexico’s Independence Day! In the United States, we’ve adopted the day as a celebration of Mexican heritage – a chance to get together with friends and enjoy some of the traditions and delicious food and drink we’ve borrowed from our neighbors.

May 5th is also my Mother's birthday, so it's a good thing she likes Mexican food. This year the menu will likely include sangria and ceviche tostadas, both Delicious Byte exclusive recipes from Kraft Foods.

Did you win the GNO?

and the winner of the Kick Back with the Girls at Outback giveaway is ....
::::::DRUM ROLL::::::  #189, Nicole

Today I am visiting Gatorade Headquarters in Chicago

I've been invited to spend the day at Gatorade Headquarters in Chicago and the agenda is perfect for this mommy of 5 athletic kids.  During my visit I will be learning a lot of fun information about how Gatorade helps young athletes like my own and if you keep an eye on my twitter feed @andtwinsmake5 you can participate live from home. (Use hashtag #SportsMoms in answers.)

Correctly answer Gatorade Trivia for a chance to win 1 of 4 Gatorade Sports Mom Survival Packs. Packs include:  A Gatorade dri-fit shirt (women’s cut), a Gatorade water bottle, a Gatorade towel, a Gatorade drawstring bag, & a 18.4 oz of Gatorade 02 Powder (makes 4 qt of Gatorade).

UPDATE:  I'm back home, read about my visit here.

Moms keep your eyes on the road, Teens aren't the only Distracted Drivers

I typically spend the later part of my Tuesday afternoons at a track meet watching my oldest son compete.  I really enjoy watching that kid sprint.  However this rainy Spring has washed quite a few out.  Last week he didn't complain too much, he had just gotten his driver's license that morning so instead he met friends for an early dinner.  However, it was a disappointment to all of us when they canceled his third meet in a row this past Tuesday.  This week the plan to drive his girlfriend to a friend's and return to workout.

The call came Tuesday afternoon a mere 5 minutes after he and his girlfriend had left our house.  "Your son's been in a car accident."  Fortunately, those dreaded words were followed by the terrific words, "he and his girlfriend are fine."  My husband was already in route to the scene and soon arrived to confirm that indeed they were both physically ok (minus a few bumps and aches).  The other driver and a child passenger were unhurt as well.  The cars were another story, her car according to hubby looked nearly totalled and my sons had a good deal of damage as well.