About 2 months ago, or maybe less, I became a Bzz Agent and signed up to take part in the Glade Sense & Spray campaign. I've seen the ads on tv, and was interested in how it worked.
I love the concept. Rather than a plug in air freshener that is always releasing scent, often to an empty room, it is motion activated. Also, unlike a spray freshener that the kids are likely to use and keep using, this gives off a metered spray and then locks out for 30 minutes.
My first problem with the Sense & Spray was, it was hard to find a suitable place in my home for it. The bathrooms are very small, and the cats' water dishes are in there. I didn't want it to spray each time a cat jumped up to get a drink of water. Especially because 2 of my cats would be scared of the spray and run off. The kitchen was the next best place, but it is also really small. And, I knew it would be triggered almost every half hour when I'm home.
I did settle on the kitchen for placement. I hate that because we have an open home design, any smell in the kitchen can also be smelled in the dining room and front room. I love that because we have an open home design, the Sense & Spray freshens the dining and front room too.
The other problem we have is the Clean Linen scent that I chose is too strong in the kitchen. It makes me wish I'd chosen another scent. It does smell good in the front room and dining room, just not when you are right on top of it in the kitchen.
I would like to see Glade add some more subtle and natural scents to their collection. I like fragrances that are light and natural. One company that has done a wonderful job with this is Method. Their fragrances that include scents like Pear-Grapefruit and Rain are very light, but still refreshing. I would love to see similar fragrances from Glade.
Another solution would be a dial that allows the user to turn down the amount sprayed each time, or allow the user to set a longer lock-out period.
Overall I like the Sense & Spray and will try it again with another scent and maybe another location.
Now I have 5 coupons to giveaway. Each coupon is good for $4 off a Glad Sense & Spray holder. This coupon should allow you to try one out for FREE! If you would like a coupon, just let me know in the comments. Leave a comment by Friday, May 8th, and I'll use a random number generator to select the 5 recipients, and announce on Monday the 11th. (Coupons are only redeemable in the USA) Anonymous comments are welcome, but please make sure I have contact information for you in the post.
Wednesday, April 29, 2009
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Mo's Party
Here are those photos from Saturday.
Mo enjoyed unwrapping his gifts. I love that he's reached the age where unwrapping is half the fun.
As I mentioned yesterday, he received monster trucks.
And, more monster trucks.
Then it was time to blow out the candle.
Finally, he got to enjoy a Tow Mater cupcake.
Mo enjoyed unwrapping his gifts. I love that he's reached the age where unwrapping is half the fun.
As I mentioned yesterday, he received monster trucks.
And, more monster trucks.
Then it was time to blow out the candle.
Finally, he got to enjoy a Tow Mater cupcake.
Monday, April 27, 2009
It's Monday...
I have a ton of photos to share with you. Saturday was Mo's birthday party, and he had a blast. Every gift had wheels, or in the case of clothing, pictures of wheels on it. He received monster trucks, race cars, more monster trucks, more cars, firefighters and emergency personnel figures, Thomas movie and trunks, a Lightning McQueen pop-up hamper to hold all the trucks, and a football. I have great pics too, on the camera.
Sunday, Kaia was playing with the dogs. She made a cute bouquet from one of the flowering trees and put it in Rocks' collar. She also held the bouquet while I took photos of her and Sampson. I have great pics too, on the camera.
And finally, last night, I took Kaia to see Walking With Dinosaurs. It was pretty cool. I thought for the cheapest seats I could find, we had some of the best seats in the house. We were behind the wheelchair seating, which was right at the head of the arena. The crazy part, I looked at the gal we were sitting next to. She looked familiar. Then, I realized, we sat next to each other at the Thomas show too. 2 large events, and we end up next to each other both times. We enjoyed catching up. She was shocked to hear about the twins, and I enjoyed meeting her daughter. Kaia enjoyed sharing her vast dinosaur knowledge with her daughter too. I have great pics of the dinosaurs, on my phone.
I will figure out how to pull these photos off my phone. Really, I will. And hopefully tonight, I'll get some of those weekend photos off the camera, and onto my blog. But, for now, it's Monday morning. That's all I can say.
Sunday, Kaia was playing with the dogs. She made a cute bouquet from one of the flowering trees and put it in Rocks' collar. She also held the bouquet while I took photos of her and Sampson. I have great pics too, on the camera.
And finally, last night, I took Kaia to see Walking With Dinosaurs. It was pretty cool. I thought for the cheapest seats I could find, we had some of the best seats in the house. We were behind the wheelchair seating, which was right at the head of the arena. The crazy part, I looked at the gal we were sitting next to. She looked familiar. Then, I realized, we sat next to each other at the Thomas show too. 2 large events, and we end up next to each other both times. We enjoyed catching up. She was shocked to hear about the twins, and I enjoyed meeting her daughter. Kaia enjoyed sharing her vast dinosaur knowledge with her daughter too. I have great pics of the dinosaurs, on my phone.
I will figure out how to pull these photos off my phone. Really, I will. And hopefully tonight, I'll get some of those weekend photos off the camera, and onto my blog. But, for now, it's Monday morning. That's all I can say.
Friday, April 24, 2009
She Sits!
It's been a long time coming, but Rocks actually has learned to sit! She had no training when we got her, but was a very good dog. She didn't jump up, she didn't try to take off, our only complaints: the barking and not sitting.
The barking has been semi-solved with a bark collar at nights. This was after our neighbor called to say she was being woke up 3 to 4 times a night. The collar works well, until Sampson takes it off of her. He's not as dumb as we thought.
Sitting has happened twice this week, and last night she sat before Sampson while waiting for her treat. She didn't try to take it out of my hand either. She sat, and ate it. This was met with a round of baby talk by me. "Goooood girl Rocks, yes you are a good girl, you are a goood girl Rocks." She seemed to love it. Sampson seemed irritated that Rocks got so much attention for doing what he always does. But, I'm happy with the progress!
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
The Unveiling
Thank you so much for all of the birthday wishes for Mo! He was so excited to see his photos on the blog, and loves to say that he is "fwee."
Today, as promised, I have belly pics for you! So here I am at 11 weeks and 4 days along.
That really is all belly. The print shirt isn't playing tricks with your eyes.
Now for some comparison...
This photo was taken October 15, 2005. I was about 13 weeks pregnant with Mo at the time. It's hard with the different angle, but I am bigger now at under 12 weeks, and the expansion won't stop anytime soon!
I hope to post belly pics every 4 weeks to track my growth. I want to keep a good record of this crazy time in our lives! If you notice time passing and no photos, holler at me, ok?! My pregnant brain is a little lost most days.
Today, as promised, I have belly pics for you! So here I am at 11 weeks and 4 days along.
That really is all belly. The print shirt isn't playing tricks with your eyes.
Now for some comparison...
This photo was taken October 15, 2005. I was about 13 weeks pregnant with Mo at the time. It's hard with the different angle, but I am bigger now at under 12 weeks, and the expansion won't stop anytime soon!
I hope to post belly pics every 4 weeks to track my growth. I want to keep a good record of this crazy time in our lives! If you notice time passing and no photos, holler at me, ok?! My pregnant brain is a little lost most days.
Happy Birthday Mo!
It's hard to believe that our little man was born exactly 3 years ago today. He went from being our tiny, quiet and mellow baby to our big monster truck and mud loving boy!
Happy Birthday Morgan!Monday, April 20, 2009
Good Reading
It was a busy weekend with nice weather, a birthday party and a barbeque. Next weekend looks much the same, but without the nice weather. I've enjoyed some good reading this week though!
Meredith @ Like Merchant Ships blogged about raising a bigger family in a smaller space and I loved it!
Crystal @ Money Saving Mom finished her After Baby Comes Freezer Stash, two weeks before her due date! (I only hope to be that prepared.)
Mrs. Mordecai @ Be It Ever So Humble posted a recipe for Black Beans and Rice. Not only was it easy, quick, and inexpensive... it was delicious and I'm still eating leftovers!
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Easter 2009
I'm a little late posting these, but finally a photo recap of our Easter Sunday!
We tried for a group photo, but someone had to be a rebel.
The rest of the cousins were happy to pose though. Those are happy kids with bellies full of pancakes, ham, eggs and potatoes.
The rose covered cross. An Easter tradition.
Mo was much happier to pose at the egg hunt after worship.
The end of the hunt, and even with eggs still on the ground, most of the kids were done.
After services we went home to change, and then it was off to Grandma Owie and Papa Richard's for another egg hunt and barbecue. Kaia was wearing her new HSM shirt from Grammy and Papa, and her in her basket she found new HSM flip flops from Grandma Owie and Papa Richard.
Mo was still stylin in his church clothes.
I was there too. My jacket nicely hides the baby bump (or is that babies bump?) that is growing on a daily basis. On Tuesday evening, my entire family swore that I was bigger than I had been Sunday.
I hope you had a wonderful Easter too!
We tried for a group photo, but someone had to be a rebel.
The rest of the cousins were happy to pose though. Those are happy kids with bellies full of pancakes, ham, eggs and potatoes.
The rose covered cross. An Easter tradition.
Mo was much happier to pose at the egg hunt after worship.
The end of the hunt, and even with eggs still on the ground, most of the kids were done.
After services we went home to change, and then it was off to Grandma Owie and Papa Richard's for another egg hunt and barbecue. Kaia was wearing her new HSM shirt from Grammy and Papa, and her in her basket she found new HSM flip flops from Grandma Owie and Papa Richard.
Mo was still stylin in his church clothes.
I was there too. My jacket nicely hides the baby bump (or is that babies bump?) that is growing on a daily basis. On Tuesday evening, my entire family swore that I was bigger than I had been Sunday.I hope you had a wonderful Easter too!
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
Reading
Even though I feel like I'm a fairly experienced mom, finding out we are having twins instantly made me feel like a novice again. Surprisingly I still have a few pregnancy books, only because they didn't sell at the yardsale, but they cover 1 baby, and have just a few pages on twins. I searched the web and found that BabyZone has several articles on twins, which was helpful, but I wanted more.
My cousin's friend recommended a book by Jon and Kate (as in Jon and Kate plus 8). It is supposed to have good information in it, but I have one tiny problem. I don't like Jon and Kate, and I don't have any respect for them. That may not be fair because I don't know them, but what I've seen (and heard from those that watch the show) of their parenting and their marriage, I do not want to know them. So I don't think I'd actually listen to anything I read in their book. But to be fair, I looked at the library website, they have it, so I will check it out just to see.
In the meantime I'm reading another book from the library. Another book by a celebrity, but a celebrity I like. The book is Two at a Time Having Twins by Jane Seymour and Pamela Patrick Novotny. I'm really enjoying her experiences, mixed with facts and recommendations. It was in her book that I finally found some good information on calorie intake with twins. I should be eating 2700-3500 calories a day! Sound impossible? I thought it was. At least it sounds like it is when you aren't stopping at McDonalds or Carls Jr for a 1200 calorie meal. But yesterday, I did it! And for all of you that probably do not care, here is what I ate:
Breakfast:
Cream of Wheat with 1 T of brown sugar
3/4 of a Quaker 90 calorie peanut butter granola bar (Mo had the other 1/4)
1 cup of Coffee
Snack:
Banana
Cranberry Apple Raspberry Juice
Lunch:
1 cup refried beans
2 cups salad with italian dressing
Snack:
dried fruit mix (homemade) with almonds
plain bagel with cream cheese
beef jerky
Dinner:
big bowl of tomato soup
1 and 1/2 grilled cheese sandwiches
Snack:
1 cookie
Cadbury Cream Egg
1 non-alcoholic beer
Phew! That really is a lot of food, but I was hungry for it all. And there was plenty of water with every meal, snack and in between. You may notice too, the only meat I ate was the beef jerky. This pregnancy has found me not caring for meat much. The only meat that has tasted good has been ground beef and the beef jerky. I've tried chicken, sausage, italian sausage, steak, a hotdog and all of it has tasted off to me. Tonight we're going to a birthday dinner at The Golden Wheel (chinese food). I'm hoping some of my favorite dishes there will taste good.
My cousin's friend recommended a book by Jon and Kate (as in Jon and Kate plus 8). It is supposed to have good information in it, but I have one tiny problem. I don't like Jon and Kate, and I don't have any respect for them. That may not be fair because I don't know them, but what I've seen (and heard from those that watch the show) of their parenting and their marriage, I do not want to know them. So I don't think I'd actually listen to anything I read in their book. But to be fair, I looked at the library website, they have it, so I will check it out just to see.
In the meantime I'm reading another book from the library. Another book by a celebrity, but a celebrity I like. The book is Two at a Time Having Twins by Jane Seymour and Pamela Patrick Novotny. I'm really enjoying her experiences, mixed with facts and recommendations. It was in her book that I finally found some good information on calorie intake with twins. I should be eating 2700-3500 calories a day! Sound impossible? I thought it was. At least it sounds like it is when you aren't stopping at McDonalds or Carls Jr for a 1200 calorie meal. But yesterday, I did it! And for all of you that probably do not care, here is what I ate:
Breakfast:
Cream of Wheat with 1 T of brown sugar
3/4 of a Quaker 90 calorie peanut butter granola bar (Mo had the other 1/4)
1 cup of Coffee
Snack:
Banana
Cranberry Apple Raspberry Juice
Lunch:
1 cup refried beans
2 cups salad with italian dressing
Snack:
dried fruit mix (homemade) with almonds
plain bagel with cream cheese
beef jerky
Dinner:
big bowl of tomato soup
1 and 1/2 grilled cheese sandwiches
Snack:
1 cookie
Cadbury Cream Egg
1 non-alcoholic beer
Phew! That really is a lot of food, but I was hungry for it all. And there was plenty of water with every meal, snack and in between. You may notice too, the only meat I ate was the beef jerky. This pregnancy has found me not caring for meat much. The only meat that has tasted good has been ground beef and the beef jerky. I've tried chicken, sausage, italian sausage, steak, a hotdog and all of it has tasted off to me. Tonight we're going to a birthday dinner at The Golden Wheel (chinese food). I'm hoping some of my favorite dishes there will taste good.
Monday, April 13, 2009
This Poor Child
If your last name is Hooker, for goodness sake, do not give your child the middle name Heavenly! It is a perfectly suitable name for strippers and porn stars, but not for little girls!
Friday, April 10, 2009
Resurrection
I think it is so fitting that in the Northern Hemisphere we celebrate the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ in the spring. I only have to look outside to be reminded of how all may seem desolate, it is only for a time, because life returns.
My garden is just returning to life, after a season of frozen ground and snow.
Bleeding Heart that will soon tower over Mo.
White Hyacinth
Yellow Daffodils
More Daffodils
Jonquils, which I had forgotten planting until Kaia picked a few to show me.
On Sunday, we will sit outside in the 40 degree temps for sunrise service. It's cold, but being out in God's creation, singing to Him, and reading His words is always powerful. Especially when we are joined by the birds, and we are each year.
I wish you and your family a blessed Easter weekend!
My garden is just returning to life, after a season of frozen ground and snow.
Bleeding Heart that will soon tower over Mo.
White Hyacinth
Yellow Daffodils
More Daffodils
Jonquils, which I had forgotten planting until Kaia picked a few to show me.
On Sunday, we will sit outside in the 40 degree temps for sunrise service. It's cold, but being out in God's creation, singing to Him, and reading His words is always powerful. Especially when we are joined by the birds, and we are each year.
I wish you and your family a blessed Easter weekend!Thursday, April 9, 2009
Photos By Kaia
It's time once again to highlight some of Kaia's photography. She loves to take photos of her stuffed animals, but her favorite subjects are her crazy family.
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Easy "Enchiladas"
I wanted to post this yesterday, but couldn't access my dashboard. Then, the morning sickness hit and thinking about food was out of the question. So here it is, a day late:
Enchiladas are a favorite food in our home. But, to make real enchiladas you need some time, and you need to be prepared for a mess. Most of the time, I need dinner to be quick and easy. I don't get home until 6 most nights, and we like to eat by 7:30 at the latest. Easy "Enchiladas" are a great way to get the flavor, without the mess or time. The big bonus is, I almost always have the ingredients on hand!
1/2 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey or shredded chicken)
1/3 c Chopped Onion
1 can Red Enchilada Sauce
4 Tortillas (we prefer corn, but flour works also)
1-2 c Shredded Cheese
Brown the ground beef in a pan, when almost done add the onion and cook until fully done. Pour in about 1/3 of the can of sauce. In a medium sized casserole dish, add about 1/3 of the hamburger mix. Sprinkle the burger with cheese, then top with a tortilla. If you're tortillas are larger than the dish, break them up into halves or quarters and layer them. Then pour a little bit of the enchilada sauce on top. Repeat this process, and finish with cheese on top.
Now if you are rushed, you can microwave this dish. Just heat about 10 minutes. If not, or if you are using a metal dish, place in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese on top begins to bubble.
Serve sour cream and jalapenos on the side and enjoy!
Enchiladas are a favorite food in our home. But, to make real enchiladas you need some time, and you need to be prepared for a mess. Most of the time, I need dinner to be quick and easy. I don't get home until 6 most nights, and we like to eat by 7:30 at the latest. Easy "Enchiladas" are a great way to get the flavor, without the mess or time. The big bonus is, I almost always have the ingredients on hand!
1/2 lb Ground Beef (or ground turkey or shredded chicken)
1/3 c Chopped Onion
1 can Red Enchilada Sauce
4 Tortillas (we prefer corn, but flour works also)
1-2 c Shredded Cheese
Brown the ground beef in a pan, when almost done add the onion and cook until fully done. Pour in about 1/3 of the can of sauce. In a medium sized casserole dish, add about 1/3 of the hamburger mix. Sprinkle the burger with cheese, then top with a tortilla. If you're tortillas are larger than the dish, break them up into halves or quarters and layer them. Then pour a little bit of the enchilada sauce on top. Repeat this process, and finish with cheese on top.
Now if you are rushed, you can microwave this dish. Just heat about 10 minutes. If not, or if you are using a metal dish, place in the oven at 350 degrees until the cheese on top begins to bubble.
Serve sour cream and jalapenos on the side and enjoy!
Monday, April 6, 2009
Settling In
The idea that we are having twins is definitely starting to settle in. The shock is wearing off, and we are already discussing the practical issues. Actually, this is what I do. Whenever I am faced with a problem, or something new, I start to think of all the practical things I may need to know or do.
First is a vehicle to accomodate us all. Come November it will be impossible for me to go anywhere with the kids, unless we have a bigger vehicle. We aren't rushing out to buy anything, although I am test driving a Denali. We'll find what we want, and have a friend pick it up at auction for us.
The second consideration was the sleeping arrangements. We had planned to put the baby in with Mo, but two babies will make that a bit harder. At first they'll probably sleep in our room, and possibly share a crib for a few months. But, Mo is going to need his sleep, and so we will likely convert the TV room back into a bedroom for Mo. Because it is the second largest bedroom in the house, it will also be the playroom. As in ALL of the toys go in there, except for a few of Kaia's which will stay in her room (the smallest bedroom in the house). The TV, sofa and loveseat will all move back down to the main floor. The good news for me, since I won't be moving them, I don't have to worry about my thumb again (which has half the old nail and half of a new nail on it)!
One last consideration is my health. I wasn't worried at all about carrying one baby. My body has done that twice before without complications. All of a sudden, I find myself scared that something will happen to these babies. Although I prayed for just one, specifically prayed for there not to be twins, I now love these babies and am praying for their health and safety. I'm being far more careful with my food intake. Calorie intake for twins is 300 more than with a singleton. I was having trouble getting in all the calories in a healthy way, before Friday. So I'm working on that. Good healthy meals, plenty of fruit and veggies, plenty of protein, and whole grains. Tonight I splurge though! BBQ ribs in the crockpot and homemade potato salad.
First is a vehicle to accomodate us all. Come November it will be impossible for me to go anywhere with the kids, unless we have a bigger vehicle. We aren't rushing out to buy anything, although I am test driving a Denali. We'll find what we want, and have a friend pick it up at auction for us.
The second consideration was the sleeping arrangements. We had planned to put the baby in with Mo, but two babies will make that a bit harder. At first they'll probably sleep in our room, and possibly share a crib for a few months. But, Mo is going to need his sleep, and so we will likely convert the TV room back into a bedroom for Mo. Because it is the second largest bedroom in the house, it will also be the playroom. As in ALL of the toys go in there, except for a few of Kaia's which will stay in her room (the smallest bedroom in the house). The TV, sofa and loveseat will all move back down to the main floor. The good news for me, since I won't be moving them, I don't have to worry about my thumb again (which has half the old nail and half of a new nail on it)!
One last consideration is my health. I wasn't worried at all about carrying one baby. My body has done that twice before without complications. All of a sudden, I find myself scared that something will happen to these babies. Although I prayed for just one, specifically prayed for there not to be twins, I now love these babies and am praying for their health and safety. I'm being far more careful with my food intake. Calorie intake for twins is 300 more than with a singleton. I was having trouble getting in all the calories in a healthy way, before Friday. So I'm working on that. Good healthy meals, plenty of fruit and veggies, plenty of protein, and whole grains. Tonight I splurge though! BBQ ribs in the crockpot and homemade potato salad.
Friday, April 3, 2009
Show & Tell Surprise!
I just got back from my doctor's appointment. Kaia came with me, and she was thrilled when I pointed out the baby, and then the doctor pointed out the other.
Send your prayers (and donations) our way! We were getting used to the idea of a family of 5, now it's a family of 6. That means we have to upgrade vehicles (anyone want to buy a Pontiac Grand Prix) and rearrange the house, and....
For more Show & Tell visit Kelli's House!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
Nonprofits and Social Media
This is one of the reasons I love my job. United Way is really all about using social media to get connected with our donors. So much so National was featured in Beth's Blog.
If you'd like to see what I'm doing for my local United Way, check out our New Leaders Facebook page. Also my coworker and I manage our website www.uwcw.org.
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