Tips on Tuesday: Pray for Men and Kings

With primaries and elections happening around us, I've been captured by the thought of our responsibility as citizens to "pray for men and kings and all who are in authority" and how that relates to modern life. The scripture I'm referencing is 1 Timothy 2: 1-3.

1 Timothy 2: 1-3 (21st Century King James Version)
I exhort therefore, first of all, that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks be made for all men, for kings and for all who are in authority, that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Savior,



1 Timothy 2: 1-3 (The Message)
The first thing I want you to do is pray. Pray every way you know how, for everyone you know. Pray especially for rulers and their governments to rule well so we can be quietly about our business of living simply, in humble contemplation. This is the way our Savior God wants us to live.

Applying this scripture to today, I have been led to think about how we think about our leaders. Do we lift them up in prayer or do we tear them down? I admit that I'm not always so supportive of elected officials, especially when I strongly disagree with their decisions. But I've been instructed here to pray for them. So I've been working on this. I pray for them to have wisdom to make decisions wisely. I pray for them to be surrounded by men and women of God who can help shape their thoughts with regard to God's instructions for all of us that are found in the Bible. With elections coming up, I am now praying for the candidates. I pray that those elected will also 'rule well' so we can live a quiet and peaceable life.

Take a few minutes today to think about what this scripture means to you and in your life. I hope you will join me in lifting up our leaders in prayer.

EcoStore Winner

Congratulations to the winner of the EcoStore bar of Manuka Honey & Kelp Bar Soap. The winner is bison61.

Congratulations!!

CLOSED: Dryel Starter Kit Review and Giveaway

Here's the other product I was given to try. It's the Dryel Starter Kit which turns your dryer into a steam clean machine.

The Dryel Starter Kit is very easy to use. It comes with an Instant Stain Remover Pen, two of the 2X ultra concentrated refill cloths, a reusable bag and an instruction sheet with coupons. It was really easy to use, but we haven't been wearing much dry clean only items. I ended up using this to freshen some clothes that had been boxed up for a while. It really made them smell nice and took out the wrinkles.

To use, you Zip It, Steam It, Hang It. Just zip your clothes into the bag with the refill cloth. Depending on the type of items/fabrics, you put in your dryer for 15 or 30 minutes. Remove the clothes and hang them right away so the wrinkles fall out. Toss the Dryel Cloth, but the bag can be used for up to 50 loads.

I have to admit it did a nice job on what I put in the bag. I'm happy you can reuse the bag so many times by just purchasing the refills.

Would you like to try a Dryel Starter Kit (or get a box of refills) for free? Head over to the Dryel Site and click on the "Try Dryel Free" button. If you purchase a Dryel Starter Kit or a Refill package from Walmart, you can submit your purchase for a full rebate. This is an exclusive offer for Walmart customers only. So don't take my word for it, you can try it free for yourself.

Want to win some free Dryel Products for yourself?

**Mandatory Entry**

Visit Dryel and tell me what your favorite Dryel product is.

PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to be a blogger to enter this contest, but you must leave a way for me to contact you. Use the anonymous comment form to enter and leave an email.

*You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*

**Bonus Entries**

{Leave separate comments for each entry}

1. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect (current followers, too) {2 entries}

2. Subscribe to my blog {1 entry}

3. Follow me on Twitter {1 entry}

4. Subscribe to the Dryel newsletter {1 entry}

5. Add my blog to your blog roll/sidebar {1 entry}

6. Email three friends with the link to this giveaway inviting them to enter. Remember to cc me at coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com {2 entries}

7. Tweet about this giveaway {can be done once per day} {1 entry per tweet} You can use this:

@Coolestmommy has a #giveaway of Dryel Products for you to #win. Ends 9/10 http://bit.ly/cfo9JG

**Rules**

•Giveaway ends Friday, September 10, 2010

•Winner will be chosen via Random.Org. and contacted by email

•Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen

• Open to addresses in the United States

Disclosure: This is a Mama Buzz review. Dryel and oneCARE provided the product for me to review.

Dryel Stain Pen & Touch Up Spray Review

Today I want to share with you several products from Dryel.

First, I got to try a Dryel On the Go Stain Pen. The Dryel On the Go is similar to other stain remover pens that you can apply to fresh stains on your clothes to remove them and prevent them from setting. The best part about the Dryel On the Go Stain Pen is that you can safely use it on dry clean only clothing.

I thought the pen worked great. It seemed equal in quality to the pens by other brands--but this one was great since it can be used on dry clean only clothing as well as clothing you launder.

The next item I was given was a bottle of Dryel 3-IN-1 Touch Up Spray.

It helps care for and freshen your clothes. Again, it's safe on both every day and dry clean only clothing. You lightly spray a mist on the fabric and use your hands to smooth away any wrinkles. Let it air dry and it looks like you ironed. (The instructions said you could also put in your dryer to dry, but I didn't try this method.) The 3-IN-1 Touch Up Spray helps keep your clothes smelling fresh and wrinkle free. I thought it worked as well as other brands, but I was impressed that it was safe for Dry Clean Only clothes.

Both of these products were great additions to my laundry arsenal. You can find both the On The Go Stain Pen and the 3-IN-1 Touch Up Spray at many local retailers including Walmart.

Come back later this morning for one more Dryel review and a giveaway!

This is a Mama Buzz review. The Dryel products were provided to me by Dryel and oneCARE. I received no other compensation for this review.

Wordless Wednesday

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Had a playdate with friends at McDonald's. Andrew set up the camera on timer and got this photo. Not sure where Nathan is at--probably climbing the tubes in the playplace. Lots of fun!!!

Tips on Tuesday: Egg Recall

Have you heard about the egg recall? I keep listening to these dire reports and dutifully run to my refrigerator each night to check my eggs. I don't want to be the bad mom serving tainted food to my family.

I finally got fed up with the same thing being hashed over and over again and went to do a little checking. I found a wonderful and informative site called www.eggsafety.org.

The first thing I did was watch the video on the home page showing the new standards set in place by the government to keep eggs safe. While it was a bit dry, I did learn new information. Then I looked at the home page and saw the giant banner stating, "Voluntary Egg Recall Expanded: Less than One Percent of All U.S. Eggs Affected". Wait, did that say less than 1%?? Yes, it did. While it's important to let people know of the salmonella outbreak, have you heard any newscaster mention that it's less than 1% of U.S. eggs? I know I haven't. They keep making it sound like if I watch for just one more day, my eggs will be recalled, too. I feel like we've been wrapped into a cocoon of fear for a situation affecting less than 1% of us.

The Egg Safety site also had the most comprehensive and most up to date listing of recalled eggs out of all the sites I saw. If you go to this recall link, you can find the most current information about which brands and the lot numbers recalled.

Please take a minute to check your eggs and return or destroy any potentially tainted eggs. The other new news I learned was that if your egg yolk is runny when you crack open the egg, do not use it. Make sure the yolk is whole.

One safety tip I learned back in home ec is to always break your egg into a small bowl before adding to your mix. Then you know that if there's a problem with the egg, you haven't tainted the whole batch of whatever you are making. I'd like to suggest we all go back to cracking eggs into a separate bowl.

If you've heard other good egg tips, let us know.

Tornados, Hurricanes and Earthquakes--Oh My!

Andrew's one request for the summer was to see the Natural Weather Disasters exhibit at a local museum. We kept meaning to 'get around to it' and then I saw that a nationally known storm chaser and meteorologist was speaking at the museum. We hustled and got a membership so he could go with his dad. They had a lot of fun learning about tornado chasing and some of the science of storms.

When we went with the family, we actually got to see the exhibit. Here Andrew is explaining to Rebekah and Nathan how buildings survive in an earthquake. There were lots of hands on activities and even a 360 view of a tornado coming and going through where the camera was anchored. It was incredible to see the power of these storms.

Here Andrew learns why we never know when the pressure between the plates will create an earthquake.

Nathan & Rebekah loved this experiment. You got to jump and make an earthquake.

You know the phrase "Raining Cats & Dogs"? Well this shows how a waterspout can actually cause it to 'rain' fish and frogs. Sometimes truth is stranger than fiction.

After visiting some other exhibits, we had a snack at the old fashioned soda shop. We got some popcorn and tootsie rolls to hold us until lunchtime. The kids had fun sitting on the stools at the counter and we got to watch a soda jerk make a couple old fashioned sodas.

A fun time and we look forward to heading back again before the exhibit moves on.

Baby Prodigy 3 DVD Set Winner

Congratulations to comment #9 evilredcaboose who won the Baby Prodigy 3 DVD set.

She will receive 30 Minutes to a Quiet Baby, Baby Pre-School Shapes, Colors and Games and Baby's First Words Vol. 1.

Be sure to check my other giveaways. All of them are currently low entries. More are coming soon.

Free Enfamil Samples

Click here to get your free sample.

Tips on Tuesday: Two Moves Ahead

I have a quick driving tip today. Something that Sean does that I've just learned about. I know he has a method to his driving and he's really a very good driver. A couple weeks ago, he was irritated by a car that kept switching lanes at the last second for turns and almost clipping cars in the process. He said, "Why don't people think two moves ahead while driving?"

I've been thinking about this. I think one move or one turn ahead, but never two. I think it's why he's able to get around traffic jams without hesitation. He's already two moves ahead and if something changes and he can't get through, he can quickly come up with an alternate plan and get two turns ahead on the alternate.

I've been trying to think about driving with the next two moves in mind for the past couple of weeks. I was surprised at how much easier it is to get places without nearly as much stress. I can reroute myself or just be thinking ahead enough to change lanes early instead of trying to get over at the last second.

Give it a try and let me know how the "two moves ahead" method works out for you.

CLOSED: Ruby's School Walk Review & Giveaway

Ruby's School Walk

Here we are in Back To School season and I have the cutest book for young people off to school. At first I thought it would be for kindergarten only, but it applied for my preschooler as well as my third grader.

Facts from the publisher:

Synopsis: Join Ruby on her way to school and see the world her mom cannot see. In an old house, she spies bats with red eyes peering out and scary witches that flit about. And these aren’t the only dangers on her path: tigers, crocodiles and mighty beasts abound! "I must be brave, I must be strong," chants Ruby as she musters the nerve to scare them off; but will it work?

ISBN: 978-1-84686-275-5

Price: $16.99

Hardcover

Ages: 4-7

Order at www.barefootbooks.com/shop

My thoughts:

We all enjoyed this book at our house. The pictures are captivating and while showing 'scary' thoughts in a whimsical way. The alliteration and rhyming is attention getting and makes the story incredibly fun. I loved the way Ruby is certain of the monsters and tigers on the walk, even though her mother tries to tell her she's just imagining things. Her mantra of, "I must be brave I must be strong" was one that kids can pick up upon and relate to. Then, at school, the mother comes up with crazy imaginings to help Ruby get excited to stay at school.  Overall, I felt this was a great book for all young children who are about to go to school.

When you get to Barefoot Books, you can check out their podcasts from the main page. You can also get some free digital content on some of the books. There's a maze you can download for Ruby's School Walk. There is also information regarding their Ambassador Program where you can earn money for your schools or a little extra money for yourself.

Would you like to win a copy of Ruby's School Walk for yourself???

**Mandatory Entry**

Visit Barefoot Books and tell me one other book you (or your children) would like to read.
PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to be a blogger to enter this contest, but you must leave a way for me to contact you. Use the anonymous comment form to enter and leave an email.
*You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*


**Bonus Entries**
{Leave separate comments for each entry}
1. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect (current followers, too) {2 entries}
2. Subscribe to my blog {1 entry}
3. Follow me on Twitter {1 entry}
4. Follow Barefoot Books on Twitter {1 entry}
5. Add my blog to your blog roll/sidebar {1 entry}
6. Email three friends with the link to this giveaway inviting them to enter. Remember to cc me at coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com {2 entries}
7. Tweet about this giveaway {can be done once per day} {1 entry per tweet} You can use this:


@Coolestmommy has a #giveaway of Ruby’s School Walk book for you to #win. Ends 9/3 http://bit.ly/bqAfgP


**Rules**
•Giveaway ends Friday, September 3, 2010
•Winner will be chosen via Random.Org. and contacted by email
•Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen
• Open to addresses in the United States (no PO Boxes)


Disclosure: This is a Mama Buzz review. Barefoot Books provided the book for this review. All opinions are my own and providing me with the product does not affect my review.


 

When mom's away, the others play

While I was at a MOPS retreat, my family scored tickets to the baseball game and Christian concert. Sean wasn't sure he'd be able to take all three without another helper and survive, but he attempted and succeeded. Way to go, honey!!! (I suggested taking a sitter with the spare ticket, but he couldn't find one on short notice.)

Pregame, they saw the Great Clips car. Nathan and Andrew spotted the Autism Speaks logo on the car (it's a puzzle piece). I guess Rebekah wasn't interested in this photo, but she made up for it later.

During the game, she saw her favorite mascot...

Then Daddy & Rebekah tried to get a photo of themselves...

but Rebekah felt she needed to hold the camera instead...

Much nicer smile.

After the game were fireworks

And a concert by Rebecca St. James

They said Rebekah was dancing up a storm. Andrew tried catching some of her moves, but it was too dark. He did catch her wearing her sunglasses at night (stage in the background).

While that's cute, the cutest part of the evening was the "Shake Your Booty" dance during an inning break. Sean captured this video and we've been laughing ever since. What a cute boot!

Not only did Sean manage with 3 to 1 odds, they all came home in one piece. Tired (it was after 11pm when they got home), but they made a memory with their dad.

And me? I was tired, too. I stayed up WAY too late chatting and making new friends. We got a lot planned and ready to go for our MOPS year and I even did my nails. We sunned and swam at the lake and relaxed with each other. I was tired, but refreshed. Since they had my camera at home, I'll have to get photos from some other MOPS moms and post those another day.

Total Pillow Winner

Congratulations to #9 sohamolina who won the Total Pillow Giveaway.

She follows on Google Friend Connect.

Thank you to everyone who entered. Please register to win my other giveaways and come back tomorrow for another giveaway.

Decent offer for Disney DVDs

If you buy all the Disney DVDs (like I do), this isn't a bad deal.

Wordless Wednesday

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Rebekah had a friend over to play and she decided she needed to be in pajamas because they were playing baby and night-night. So she got dressed in "pretend pajamas" (a.k.a. Tinkerbell swimsuit), a black shoe and a white shoe, lei and princess birthday crown.

I think she's ready for bed....don't you??

Side note: The friend did NOT want to dress up. She was happy to be in her standard clothes. Wonder why? And, check out the bags under poor Rebekah's eyes. No nap this day--think she might be a bit tired?

EcoStore Review and Giveaway

I was thrilled when I was contacted by EcoStore USA to review a couple of their products. I have been on a search to find a better way to clean toilets. I wanted to stop using chemicals that end up polluting our water systems. The homemade answers I had found really didn't work and were disappointing.

I received a Toilet Cleaner and a Pure Oxygen Whitener (for laundry). I was also given a bonus product that I'm choosing to give away (see below to enter).

From the website regarding the Toilet Cleaner:

Because Ecostore USA’s Toilet Cleaner uses NO NASTY CHEMICALS, your toilet will not only be fresh and clean but safe for Earth’s waterways as well. Conventional products have released toxins, dyes and synthetic perfumes into toilets for years causing water degradation. Created with your environment in mind, this product is extraordinary.

Ingredients

•Water

•Ethanol

•Anionic and Amphoteric Detergents (from coconut oil)

•Formic acid

•Ethereal Oils

•Chlorophyll

•Polysaccharide

•Citric acid

Also from the website:
The Pure Oxygen Whitener contains oil of citrus and Coconut and other plant-based ingredients. Ecomommas will love the way this product brightens and cleans baby’s clothes and does not contain any harsh chemicals that could irritate delicate skin.




Ingredients
•Carbonates (simple mineral salts)
•Sodium percarbonate (oxygen producing whitener)
•Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda)
•Citrates (from citrus)
•Highly biodegradable surfactant
•Natural citrus oil




My thoughts:
I thought the toilet cleaner did a great job of cleaning the toilet. I've had trouble with some non-chemical toilet bowl cleaners allowing stains or mildew to come back sooner than chemical cleaners. I thought this plant based cleaner worked as well as a chemical cleaner.


When I tried the Pure Oxygen Whitener, I was very impressed. In one day, 4 of the 5 members of my family managed to spill red things onto white tshirts. I had three Taco Bell Red Sauce shirts plus a very nice ketchup shirt. I knew these shirts were probably lost to me forever. So I used the Pure Oxygen Whitener as a soak. I soaked the shirts overnight, then sprayed with prewash and washed as normal. Of the four shirts, I was able to get three clean on the first try. The last one took me a few soakings to get clean.


The other thing I've been working at cleaning is Chocolate Ice Cream. Rebekah now gets a chocolate cone or a twist cone when we eat out. I love chocolate and understand her desire for the flavor, but she appears to drip chocolate ice cream onto every nice shirt she owns. I can't believe how well this has been getting chocolate out of her shirts. It's saved us a fortune in not having to get new clothes.

I'm happy to say that EcoStore is now manufacturing all of our products in the USA and we are working on perfecting our shipping strategies. All of their packaging (including the packing slip) is recycled and/or all natural materials. You can learn more at the EcoStore USA Blog.

Would you like to win an EcoStore product??

I received a bar of Manuka Honey & Kelp soap. Instead of hogging it for myself, I thought I'd give it away to one of you.

**Mandatory Entry**
Tell me what your favorite thing about http://www.coolestmommy.com/ is.

PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to be a blogger to enter this contest, but you must leave a way for me to contact you. Use the anonymous comment form to enter and leave an email.
*You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*


**Bonus Entries**
{Leave separate comments for each entry}
1. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect (current followers, too) {2 entries}
2. Subscribe to my blog {1 entry}
3. Follow me on Twitter {1 entry}
4. Add my blog to your blog roll/sidebar {1 entry}
5. Email three friends with the link to this giveaway inviting them to enter. Remember to cc me at coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com {2 entries}
6. Tweet about this giveaway {can be done once per day} {1 entry per tweet}


**Rules**
•Giveaway ends Friday, August 27, 2010
•Winner will be chosen via Random.Org. and contacted by email
•Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen
• Open to addresses in the United States




Disclosure: The products reviewed were provided by EcoStore USA. No monetary compensation was given and providing products does not affect my review. The giveaway item was provided by me, not by EcoStore USA.

Tips on Tuesday: Back to School Tips

It's creeping up on us...back to school time. Well, maybe 'creeping' isn't the right word. At our house, back to school is bearing down on us like a Nascar driver coming into the straightaway. I've been thinking of what we do to make the start of school go easier and wanted to share what we do and some ideas I've found.

First and foremost, get enough sleep. We try to start a week or two in advance with backing bedtime closer and closer to school year bedtimes. I don't know about your family, but we let bedtime creep later and later as summer goes by.

Besides going to bed early enough, start waking up closer to the normal school wake up time. Some people also get their kids dressed on time as well, but we tend to let them have a few extra jammie mornings before school starts. (I also have 3 kids who can all dress themselves which takes us less time than when I had to dress one or more.)

Remember to start the day right. Breakfast is the most important meal of the day. Make sure your kids start school with a full tummy.

To help alleviate some of the anxiety of starting a new year, remind your child of the fun times you had in the past at school (or tell of some of the upcoming fun things if it's a new school). We get to visit the teacher and room before school starts and we talk about some of the fun things we saw in the room. We talk about the friends that we already know in our room and remind our kids the best way to make a friend is to be a friend. The other kids are as nervous as you. Remember to smile and try to meet someone new.

Pack backpacks the night before school starts so you aren't scrambling before school starts to find all you need to take with you.

Same idea with lunches. Most schools give an advanced schedule of lunch menus so you know in advance if your child will eat at school or take a lunch. If taking a lunch, pack it the night before and leave in the fridge. I then put a note that says "Take Lunch" on the backpack. Some friends use clothespins to remember. If the backpack needs something in the morning, they put a clothespin on the backpack. I find that with three kids, a clothespin isn't enough. I need a paper note to remember what is missing.

Line up shoes and backpacks (and jackets if needed) the night before so it's in one place and ready to go.

As a parent, remember to tell your child how much you love them. Knowing you care is one of the best things that can help keep your child's attitude positive.

We are looking forward to a great school year!

Snikiddy Winner

Congratulations to Deana who won the snack bag of Snikiddy Snacks.

Thanks to everyone who entered. Keep an eye out for more great contests and check out the current giveaways at the top of the page.

Wordless Wednesday

Life is not measured by the number of breaths we take, but by the moments that take our breath away.

Rebekah recently did a study to compare normal hearing children's understanding of language vs. hearing impaired children's understanding of language.

On the way out, Rebekah was looking out the window and we could see her reflection in it. I thought it was so cute so I snapped a few pics.

Little miss sticking tongue out girl!

Cheese face.

Tips on Tuesday: Staying Cool in the Summer Heat

With record temps and heat indexes sweeping the midwest and south, I thought it might be a good idea to talk about strategies for keeping cool. I remember having "Heat Sickness" or "Heat Exhaustion" several times as a kid. It was terrible and I'd love to make sure nobody else suffers.


The best information that I found on the web came from the CDC in their Extreme Heat section. The young and the elderly are the most susceptible to extreme heat. The number one defense you have against extreme heat? It's air conditioning. Even if you don't have air conditioning, you should find a place to spend the hottest part of the day that is air conditioned. A mall, buying a meal or drink at a restaurant or a public library are all places that are air conditioned. Some cities even set up "heat relief stations" where you can go pass the day. Depending on your community, many community centers will welcome you in to relax and be in an air conditioned environment.


The other big key to preventing heat related illness or death? Drink more water. The CDC says, "During hot weather you will need to increase your fluid intake, regardless of your activity level. Don't wait until you're thirsty to drink. During heavy exercise in a hot environment, drink two to four glasses (16-32 ounces) of cool fluids each hour."

Please remember that no matter what, do not leave children or pets in your car. Even with the windows open, a car can gain 20 degrees of heat within the first 10 minutes. Children left in cars run the greatest risk for heat illness or death. One suggestion is to bring a stuffed animal along in the car. If you have a child in the back, put the animal up front next to you as a reminder to make sure you don't forget a child (especially a sleeping one).


Stay cool, stay hydrated and stay safe during these dog days of summer.

CLOSED: Review & Giveaway: Baby Prodigy DVDs

Baby Prodigy sent me three DVDs to review. I received:  Baby’s First Words Vol. 1, 30 Minutes to A Quiet Baby and Baby Preschool Shapes, Colors and Games DVDs. (Keep reading because the generous staff at Baby Prodigy are going to send one reader of my blog the same package of DVDs.) The Baby Prodigy company and the DVDs have won several prestigious awards.

I want to be sure to mention that the Baby Prodigy DVDs are now available in Toys 'R Us stores nationwide. These DVDs are also available online at Baby Prodigy.com. If you're looking for a great baby shower gift or a gift for a new mom, I'd recommend these DVDs. They retail for $12.99 each.

When I got the DVDs in the mail, I noticed that they appeared (on the front cover) to be similar to another line of DVDs that incorporate classical music with shapes and toys to grab baby (and toddler) interest. My first thought was that these were just knock offs of the other DVDs, but then I flipped it over and immediately caught the big difference. There are two main characters, Dookie Duck and his sister Dottie Duck that appear throughout each DVD and pull the whole show together. Very impressive!

The founder, Barbara Marcus, had a daughter with colic and she bought every "Quiet Baby" DVD she could find. She said she always felt something was missing from the DVDs. There wasn't a main character for the children to identify with. I have to agree with her that I've always found the other DVDs to be absolutely mind-numbing because it's just pictures and sounds.

When I put the first DVD in for my 4 year old daughter, I wasn't sure she'd stick with it. The box says "For Ages 1 and Up" and I thought we'd lose her fast. Not only was she totally engrossed with the Baby Preschool Shapes, Colors and Games DVD, it even caught the passing attention of both the 8 and 12 year old. The boys still love watching the mechanical toys go, but everyone agreed that having Dookie and Dottie in the show was a great addition. Rebekah kept focused on the show and loved the shapes singers. She interacted with Dookie and Dottie and as soon as it was over, she was choosing what we would watch next.

She liked the music in the 30 Minutes to a Quiet Baby DVD and has asked to watch it again. She's very attracted to the Baby's First Words Vol. 1, but tends to wander in and out for it. I think she's just a bit old for this one, but is still attracted to the pieces within the show. She has deemed it as her favorite out of the three DVDs, so I'm not sure if she's too old for it or if it is working her brain enough that she gives herself breaks while watching it.

Overall, I was genuinely impressed by all three DVDs. I agree that having a central character makes each one more interesting (for both parent and child) to watch. I'll admit that I find the music and pieces so relaxing that I have trouble staying awake while watching them. Good news is, if we lay in my bed and watch them in my bedroom, I can catch a 30 minute nap while Rebekah is totally engrossed with the show.

Would you like to win your own set of 3 DVDs?

**Mandatory Entry**

Visit Baby Prodigy and tell me one thing you learned or what your favorite product is.

PLEASE NOTE: You do not have to be a blogger to enter this contest, but you must leave a way for me to contact you. Use the anonymous comment form to enter and leave an email.

*You MUST do the mandatory entry! All bonus entries will be deleted if it's not done first!*

**Bonus Entries**

{Leave separate comments for each entry}

1. Follow me publicly on Google Friend Connect (current followers, too) {2 entries}

2. Subscribe to the Baby Prodigy newsletter (will be confirmed by Baby Prodigy) {1 entry}

3. Subscribe to my blog {1 entry}

4. Follow me on Twitter {1 entry}

5. Follow Baby Prodigy on Twitter {1 entry}
6. Like Baby Prodigy on Facebook {1 entry}

7. Add my blog to your blog roll/sidebar {1 entry}

8. Email three friends with the link to this giveaway inviting them to enter. Remember to cc me at coolestmommy2000 at gmail dot com {2 entries}

9. Tweet about this giveaway {can be done once per day} {1 entry per tweet} You can use this:

@Coolestmommy has a #free #giveaway of 3 Baby Prodigy DVDs for you to #win. Ends 8/20  http://bit.ly/cc8Ep2

**Rules**

•Giveaway ends Friday, August 20, 2010

•Winner will be chosen via Random.Org. and contacted by email

•Winner will have 48 hours to respond to the email or another winner will be chosen

• Open to addresses in the United States

Disclosure: This is a Business2Blogger review. The products were provided by Baby Prodigy for review. All opinions are my own and providing me with the product does not affect my review.