Thursday, March 31, 2011

I love getting things in the mail!

I have had such a wonderful week! Lots of packages coming to mamawee's house!

It started off with my water bottles purchased in support of zacks dream room (you can find the link for more info to the side) from Kathy and Kim Originals! Then I received my order from Caledonia soapworks (so looking forward to relaxing in a hot milk bath tonight!) Next came the bib I won from kiddo designs (anxiously awaiting meal time to test it out with Kyle) and also the next item I will be reviewing (hint - they have been washed and dried, and the boys are now wearing them!)

I have 2 more packages that I am waiting for (another bib won from another company) and an etsy order I placed!

As I said, I absolutely love receiving things in the mail!

help them get to 1000 likes

Check out tiny tutu's, like their page and help them get to 1000 likes - they have an awesome giveaway in store once they hit the goal! Leave a comment tellig her I sent you if you like!

Wednesday, March 30, 2011

want to win a dvd from nickelodeon?

Check out show me mama for your chance to win a dvd of go diego go. max and ruby or icarly!

dry mornings!

It has now been 1 FULL week with NO daytime accidents, and for the last 3 mornings Julien has woken up DRY! I am so happy and proud of my little guy|!

He has learned how to pee standing up (much to my surprise - one of his "school buddies" showed him!)

Tuesday, March 29, 2011

Giveaway - Gold Canyon Candles CLOSED

I have a giveaway for my readers! The catch - I need to hit 50 likes on my facebook page!

Jen's Gold Canyon is donating the following prize:



16 oz Candle For Kids No More Sniffles(A calming scent therapy for little sniffles. Aromatic eucalyptus blends with herbaceous lavender, healing menthol, and calming thymol).

HOW TO ENTER:



Please remember to include your email in your comment; if I can't get a hold of you then your entry will be excluded. Mandatory entry must be completed, or all other entries will not count.
Mandatory Entry

Check out Jen's gold canyon page and leave me a comment telling me what product interests you the most

Bonus Entries (each method will give you 1 extra entry unless otherwise stated):

1)Follow me on GFC (3 entries)
2)Like my FB page
3)Like Jen's FB page
4) blog about it and leave me the link (5 entries)


GIVEAWAY RULES:


Remember, one comment per entry. Your entry is your comment. I will number entries and use random.org to pick a winner


Don't forget to leave your email in the comment, if I can't contact you - your entry will be excluded


The contest opens march 29th and will run until April 8th at 9pm (EST) In the event that I have not hit 50 likes on my FB page, the contest will be extended.  I will be using random.org to choose the winner.  Winner will be contacted by email and will have 48hrs to reply back; if not, another entry will be chosen. Open to Canadian and US residents. Good luck!

great friends

I have been on a web forum for a number of years. A friend recommended it to me when I was planning my wedding, and I got hooked. After the wedding, I stayed on the site but spent more time in the family section.

After finding out I was pregnant with my 2nd child, I joined a monthly group for others that were due in the same month.  Since Kyle was born, I have actually met some of these women, that live in the area. It is so nice to have friends with children going through the same things (even though they may be different in terms of meeting milestones, they are all at the same stages etc).

These same women are the ones that are attending swim class with Kyle and I.  It really amazes me that after all these years on the website, I have met some great friends. Thanks ladies!

Monday, March 28, 2011

Twitter party!

I just participated in my very first twitter party - #momnation.

It was interesting - lots of great people!

thanks to momnation for hosting!

Save $1.00 off any kandoo product!



To find the $1.00 off kandoo products coupon, check out the P&G brandSAVER that will be in the newspaper on Sunday, April 3rd. The brandSAVER runs in most Sunday papers across the country! The Kandoo coupon can be found next to the Pampers coupon!

We have a little swimmer

Kyle loved his swimming class. He didn't even mind being dunked under water! I was really expecting to have to deal with a screaming baby the whole class, but he loved  it. No pictures - I couldn't figure out the logisitcs of where to put the camera so I didn't bring it .

always remember to CHECK DIRECTIONS

I always check directions/address if I am not 100% sure where I am going. For some reason, this morning I didn't check before leaving for swimming - I was *pretty sure* I knew where it was. Well, I was wrong. I had to call my mom AND my MIL to find the directions. My MIL happened to be on the phone with her sister (who used to live only a few minutes from the complex) so I managed to make it there. Thankfully, I am someone who is perpetually early, so I had LOTS of time to deal with the added stop (and it wasn't in the opposite direction, only about 5minutes difference)

So, that will teach me to ALWAYS check where I am going.

Sunday, March 27, 2011

swim class tomorrow

Kyle and I start a parent and tot swim class tomorrow! I am really looking forward to it. When Julien was a baby, I wanted to join, but not by myself. Seeing as I had no one to join with, he was a year old before I had the guts to sign up - and then he got an ear infection and we couldn't continue.

With Kyle, I have 4 friends that have also signed up with their little ones! It's so nice to know that I will have ppl to talk to, and friendly faces waiting for me!

I am hoping to get a couple of pics - I will post them if I do!

New Canadian Blog Hop

Why not join the new Canadian Blog hop "We are Canadian Blog Hop!!"






The co-hosts for this fun weekly Monday Hop are:




Tales of a Ranting Ginger




Since this blog hop is new the only rules are:

1. Canadians Only! (Sorry Americans, we wanted to give the Canadians some love for this one.

2. Follow the Co-hosts, we will follow you back!

3. Follow the Featured Blogger, and leave a comment so they can follow you back!





Canadian blogs - come join in the fun and gather more followers!

Saturday, March 26, 2011

how do you keep your kids busy during the day?

What are some of the creative things you do with your kids to keep them busy during the day?

I will admit, the TV is on MUCH too often in our house, and I am trying to change that. Once the really nice weather arrives, we will spend a lot more time outside!

This week - we have made telescopes (out of paper towel rolls) and painted them; we have made music (Julien raided my tupperware cupboard and we played the drums - it is amazing how long this can keep a 4 yo entertatined, and it's also something Kyle can do with us) we have done puzzles, read LOTS of books (animal strike at the zoo is my new favorite) we have built lots of castles, done a few other craft type things and today we made chocolate chip oatmeal cookies and home made soft pretzels.

 A few pictures of our activities:



I am alwayss on the lookout of other fun things to do - so leave me a comment and tell me your sure fire kid entertainment!

breastfeeding and the biting child

When I was nursing Julien, he would go through phases where he would bite me(normally when he was cutting a tooth, and once it was through he would stop. As he got older (closer to 1yr he started to bite on purpose, so I would put him down and not nurse him) he quickly figured out that biting meant no food.

Kyle on the other hand, has started biting me much more frequently than Julien ever did, and at a much younger age. He isn't doing it on purpose, but if I take too long getting the boob ready for him, he will give me a little nip when he goes to latch on - almost as if to say I kept him waiting.

ahh, fun stuff.

Now on Facebook!

Please head on over to facebook and "like" my page! Thanks

Friday, March 25, 2011

want to win a tangled prize pack?

check out my organized chaos for the details!

Very Excited

I just received an email confirming that one of my upcoming review items is on it's way! Very excited! I don't have the giveaway details yet, but once I receive the item I will be giving it a 10day trial (how it wears, washes etc - hint - clothing for children!)

Keep checking back for updates!

Thursday, March 24, 2011

Help support Zack's dream room

If you are a follower of my blog, then you will remember the posts that I wrote about Zackie?

Here is your chance to help make Zack's dream room come true.  Please check out kathy and kim originals and purchase a Zack's dream room stainless steel water bottle - $4 from every purchase is going towards Zacks dream room.

I just purchased 2!

Tales of mommyhood now on twitter

Tales of mommyhood is now on twitter! Please follow me!

@tlsmommyhood

Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Review - owly design teething bibs

I am not a huge fan of bibs. I rarely put them on my older son, because I just didn't like the look of them, and I also found that after an hour or so, he was soaked - so what was the point in having the bib?
Kyle is much more of a drooler than Julien, and his skin is more sensitive (which I didn't think was possible) so he gets frequent drool rashes, and had a little rash on his chest.

After seeing the owly bib in action on the designers son, I was intrigued - and decided to purchase one for Kyle!

I am in love! I knew that they were absorbant, but when he kept chewing on it (on top of his complete drooly morning) I thought for sure he would be soaked - but nope - much to my surprise, his shirt and therefore his body were completely dry.

The bibs are so soft and comfy, made with flannel and lined terrycloth; they have a wide neck so they can accomodate older babies/toddlers as well! It washed well, and as I said -  I am completely in love with this bib! I wouldn't use it as a feeding bib,(I would not want it to stain, it's too cute).

Check out Owly Design on Etsy for fabric choices and to see the other great products!



Owly Design lined bib

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

please wish us luck

tonight is the first night that Julien is going to bed without a pull up or diaper on. He normally wakes up with a REALLY wet diaper, but he wanted to go naked so I am going with it. Hoping that if he has to pee he will wake up and tell me

sling sisters giveaway on sophisticated mommy

Check out a sophisticated mommy for your chance to win reusable snack bags from the sling sisters!

potty training advice for the frustrated parent

In the past few years (more-so since Julien turned 2) I have encountered many parents that offer me "advice" on potty training (offer him a small reward every time he goes - afew smarties) threaten him (take away his favorite toy) and more that were so ridiculous I don't even remember.

From these same parents, they would tell me what a long and tedious process it was, and how frustrating it could be when their child would fight with them, or stop showing interest etc.

I never imagined that my child would be almost 4 and still in diapers - but I also knew that he just wasn't ready. I have always been of the mindset that when he was ready, it would just sort of "click" - and that is pretty much what happend.

Over the last 18 mths, there have been 4 attempts (including this one) at potty learning. The first 2 were led by Julien (he showed an interest, so I went with it), and the last 2 were led by me - since he will be starting school in September - he NEED to be trained.  The first 3 failed - he really was just curious the first 2 times, and the 3rd, since I was leading it - he had ZERO interest - so I backed off and decided to wait.

I can say, that in the past 4 days - I haven't been frustrated - because he is ready. He is old enough to KNOW when he has to go and what the sensation feels like. It blows my mind when I hear parents complaining that their 2 year old is having accidents (really, at 24mths old you expect them to know and associate peeing/pooping EVERY time?)

Anyways - so after all my rambling - my very simple advice is to just go with the flow. Unless there is a real NEED for it to be done, it will happen when they are ready. So don't frustrated yourself and your child by attempting before.

Potty learning - has he done it?

Today is day 5 - and I think he has it figured out! We had a trip out of the house this morning. He used the washroom before we left, and he didn't have an accident while we were gone. I asked him if he needed the toilet while we were out, and he said no. When we got to my in laws house (1hr after leaving our home) he said he needed to pee, but it was a false alarm. However 20 minutes later he went and did great!

This afternoon, he has told me twice that he needs to use the washroom - I am so proud of my little guy!

ETA:  I am not a huge fan of pull-ups or other training pants. I think that it actually HINDERS the learning process. I have used them on occasion (more at night than anything else - and twice when we went out - but only because he didn't want to wear a diaper, and I KNEW he was not ready for a trip out of the house) Otherwise, I pack 2 pairs of pants and underwear, and bring a plasctic bag for soiled clothes - although we haven't needed it just yet.

Monday, March 21, 2011

check out familylicious for a tasty giveaway

To any of my readers in the US - check out this blog for a giveaway, unfortunately it's not open to canadians


http://familylicious.com/yumnuts-review-and-giveaway

I won!

I entered a giveaway on a sophisticated mommy and I won! The giveaway was for a long sleeved bib from

kiddo designs

I will be sure to take a picture of my little guy once it arrives!

Thank you to Trudy and Nicole!

Sunday, March 20, 2011

Oreo Truffles

I love being in the kitchen; cooking, baking, eating - singing/dancing with my boys! Life is fun!

Truffles are one of my all time favortie treats, and I had forgotten about these oreo truffles - I made them a LONG time ago - but I was re-introduced to them a few weeks ago at a christening for a friends son, and then the following week again at the same friends birthday - his girlfriend made them.

This weekend I was craving some - so I headed to the store this mornig with Julien to pick up the ingredients.  They are VERY simple to make, and don't take TOO much time

1 package of oreo cookies
1 package philadelphia cream cheese
chocolate for melting

set aside approx 8 cookies

place the rest in a blender or food processor and pulse until they are fine crumbs
mix together with the softened cream cheese in a bowl (I used a hand mixer for this - but you could probably do it by hand)
chill for an hour
roll into balls and place on a lined cookie sheet/baking tray
re-chill the formed truffles

melt the chocolate (I used white chocolate)
dip the rolled balls in the chocolate, and place back on the lined sheet
drizzle with melted milk/dark chocolate
garnish with cookie pieces from the reserved cookies if you wish


The next time I make them, I am going to make truffle pops - by using sucker sticks

potty learning 4

I think it is clicking with him! So far today he has only had 1 accident, and that is partially my fault. He was wearing pants (with a button and zipper). I was feeding K and asked Jules to go to the washroom - so he did. Then he told me he peed - in his pants. He couldn't get the button undone - poor kid. Other than that he has done really well!
Tomorrow will be the biggest test, as he goes to nursery school in the morning - I plan on sending 2 pairs of pants and underwear and hopefully that will be enough  - it's only 2.5 hrs - and they are a daycare, so used to potty training kids!

win a crane humidifier

want to win a crane humidifier? check out this blog

Friday, March 18, 2011

adventures in potty learning 2

so the rest of the afternoon did not go so well yesterday. I was getting the boys ready for their bath, and Julien decided to test the water with his toes - while he was still fully dressed. The next thing I know, he is standing with 1 leg in the tub, 1 leg out and pee everywhere - of course the bathroom floor was covered in discarded clothing, so I had a floor of pee soaked laundry - oh what fun.  After the bath it was time for a diaper because he is nowhere near ready for night time without one.\

This morning, he had a good morning - as soon as he woke, the diaper came off and he peed on the toilet! Then we had 2.5hrs accident free (with trips to the toilet every 30 minutes) until we had to go out. I put a pull up on him - but silly me forgot to ask if he needed to use the washroom while we were at my friends house, so the pull up was quite soaked when we got home.  Changed back into underwear and so far 2hrs accident free!

Thursday, March 17, 2011

want to win a pashmina?

then check out the giveaway here for chance!

New giveaway coming soon!

I was approached today to review a product and host a giveaway! It's a secret for now, but keep checking back to see when it gets posted.

Just a heads up - you will have to follow me publicly to be eligible to win!

adventures in potty learning

Julien is 3.5 - and still in diapers. I have attempted a few times in the last 18mths to get him going on the potty or the toilet, and to no avail. He has done his business a few times, but then he ends up wanting diapers back on. I *think* the biggest issue is that he will happily sit in a wet/poopy diaper. He really isn't bothered by it.

We don't really have any outings planned this weekend, so when we got home from our playdate this morning I changed him into underwear and off we went. I make him use the toilet every 20 - 30 minutes, and in 3 hrs we have had  1 accident - progress from the last time we tried.

However, while he was using the potty - I was trying to put Kyle down for a nap. Once he was in the crib, I left the room to find Julien standing on a stool, dumping the contents of the potty into the sink - water/pee/toilet paper.
What happens when you put toilet paper in the sink? it clogs the drain - so not fun.

I learned my lesson that I cannot leave him alone in the bathroom....

Wish us luck on this journey please - I hope it's quick

Wednesday, March 16, 2011

Imaginary friends

When I was little, I didn't have the traditional imaginary friend. I had a pet "worm" named Charlie. I would freak if someone went to sit down on "charlie"; and he was everywhere - on the windowsill, at the dinner table - you get the picture.

Julien has "monsters". The number of monsters changes by day, and they don't have names - they are colours. He has a yellow monster, a green monster (these are the 2 that are around the most) and then he has also mentioned a blue and red one occasionally as well. Often when he is getting a snack, he will take 2 - 1 for him, and 1 for his monsters to share. He will hunt around the house until he finds them.

Do your kids have imaginary friends? Who or what are they?

Tuesday, March 15, 2011

baby half off giveaway

Check out shari's page and like it, and then leave your comment baby half off blog for a chance to win a britax stroller!

Friday, March 11, 2011

make a donation to sick kids

Here is some more info on Zackie - on the webpage there is also a link that will allow you to make a donation to sick kids

info on zackie

Thursday, March 10, 2011

gotta love hand me downs

hubby is going to be building a closet organizer in Jules room this weekend. I was cleaning out the closet, throwing out things that are stained, and putting aside clothes that are too small.  I needed to take the boxes of old clothes (too big for K just yet) off the shelf - and what did I find? 2 boxes of 6-12mth clothes - I had completely forgottten. I went through them, and 1 entire box is clothes that will fit K RIGHT NOW! So excited - cause I was looking at his closet last week thinking how little he had. This is awesome! YES!

my heart hurts for them

I came across a blog. It's a mom writing about her family - she has 3 boys. One of the boys, Zackie - had special needs. Sadly, he died last night.

My heart hurts just thinking about it. I can't even begin to imagine how they must be feeling right now.

If you have a minute, take a glance at the blog - it truly is an awesome look into Zackie and his personality.

the blog

and in memory of Zackie and his love of elmo's world

bravado giveaway on not just baby brain

check out not just baby brain for your chance to win a nursing bra from bravado designs

check out the hank player giveaway on familylicious

check out familylicious for her review and giveaway on hank player tee's. I would love to win one for my older guy - he loves clothes!

I entered to win one, and you can too!

Tuesday, March 8, 2011

it's the little things

I have posted about this before, but it came to mind again.

Since becoming a mom, I have noticed how inconsideraqte a lot of ppl are. They get frustrated when you are walking slower with a toddler; they are "stuck"behind a stroller in a narrow aisle; or are impatient as you try to open a door while pushing a stroller/carrying a baby/toddler - yet they don't offer to help. It is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves (that and being late). So when I am out, if someone is deliberately showing annoyance that I am taking too long loading my kid in the car (which isn't the easiest task - 3yo in a car seat, infant to load, and groceries - come on - be a little patient would ya) or having difficulty opening the door with my arms full - I will give them a dirty look and take my sweet ass time. Maybe that's being inconsiderate, but how hard would it be to just open and hold the door?

\I was raised to help out ppl in trouble. If I see an older person, I will hold the door for them - whether or not it looks like they "need" me too - I just think it's polite.\

I had to pick something up at the doctors this morning ,and as I was walking up to the door - there was an elderly couple that had driven up and stopped in front - the woman got out, and she had a cane - I was worried she would slip, but coulnd't get there in time to help her out - but she was fine. I did get there and offer to close the car door, but she shut it with the end of her cane. As we were walking, she thanked me. She said that I couldn't possbly know how such a simple offer made her day! That as you get older, ppl get annoyed and try and get by "quicker" so that they aren't inconvenienced by her. I then held the door for her - and again she thanked me.

What have you done to help someone lately? Leave me a comment and let me know!

Monday, March 7, 2011

listening

I find myself constantly having to ask Julien to listen to what I am saying to him. So much so that I actually get tired of saying it. Then it struck me - there are many times where I don't "listen" to him. I am trying to get stuff done so I nod, say uh huh etc etc. But I don't really "listen" to what it is he is telling me. How can I expect him to when I don't.

So, typing this out is my committment to start REALLY listening to my children.

Do you listen to yours?

Saturday, March 5, 2011

Owly Design Winner

Thanks to all that entered! Random.org generated the number 8, which makes Emily the winner! Congratualtions! I have emailed you, please respondwithin 48hrs!

Don't forget to keep checking Owly Designs for more items!

Friday, March 4, 2011

Last chance to enter

today is the last day to enter the owly design giveaway  - check out the post here to enter!

disney fans

For any of my blog readers that are disney fans, check out this awesome site.

It was started and is run by a Canadian couple that have a love for disney! There are forums to ask questions/have discussions on, and a whole slew of information on just about anything you would need!

http://www.disneymagic.ca/

take a look - I am weemcp over there!

Wednesday, March 2, 2011

scary night

Please remember not to leave the stove unattended. Our neighbours had a grease fire tonight. Scary stuff. Everyone is ok - the fire was contained in the kitchen (hood fan is gone, and some of their cabinets - and some smoke damage).

More outdoor fun

We headed over to my mom's again yesterday afternoon to make use of the slide again! It was in great shape, and Jules and I had a lot of fun on the many runs we took! Unfortunately, it was quite windy so we were only outside for 30 minutes or so - but lots of fresh air and exercise!

I find it really difficult to get the kids out in the winter, as I am not a fan of the cold. At least this way we are getting a little bit of exercise in;.

How do you keep your family fit and healthy in the winter months?