5 Tips & Tricks for Bedtime!

1: ROUTINE!! We have a nightly routine ... pick out tomorrow's clothes, go to the bathroom, brush teeth, put PJ's on, read a book, tuck kiddo(s) in!

2: Books in bed - I let my older son (J) read in bed for 20 minutes each night, and then I put the book away and turn off the light.

3: Movie Time - Friday and Saturday nights, my older son gets to watch one movie in bed (after the routine and in place of #2).

4: Cry it out - My younger son is only one, so we are transitioning to going to bed with no bottle and without rocking him to sleep. We do the routine with Brother, but after we tuck C in, we let him cry (if need be) for about 5-7 minutes. If he is still crying, we tuck him in again, and repeat.

5: Middle of the Night Wake-Ups: For C, I rock him until he goes back to sleep. For J, I make him try to go to the bathroom, and then I tuck him back in and tell him I'll be back in five minutes IF he closes his eyes. I head back to bed and J is back asleep before I am even in my room!

www.DramaU.net

My Black Friday Plan of Attack

Mostly, I am blogging about my plan because of TwitterMoms ... but I do think it's a really fun topic!

I remember when I used to wait (impatiently) for the Black Friday ads - ahh, the days before they were available early AND online ... then, the last couple of years, I would scour the ads (online) and have my list ready weeks in advance. This year, I guess I just haven't been motivated. I have really only looked at the Target and Old Navy ads.

This year, I didn't see much. But Target has some great sale items, and that will be my first stop! I am going to get the $3 Sandwich Maker, Disney's UP ($13), 4 pack Disney Cars ($7.49), 10 pack of frames ($12) ... I am sure I will find much more when I am in the store, but those are the things that grabbed my eye in the ad. I am REALLY excited about (possibly) getting the Marcel Wanders reusable shopping bag!! It's so pretty! (One per guest, 500 bags per store.)

I will be going to Half Price Books. The first 100 people get a $20 giftcard! I am going to get some board books for Colin - he loves them and James told me that's what he wants to give Colin for Christmas!

I will probaby head to Old Navy. www.gobblepalooza.com says: Prior to store opening on Friday, November 27, customers will form a line outside the store, and a store associate will pass out one wristband per person aged 16 or older, starting with the front of the line while supplies last. Wristbands correspond to console platforms (Xbox 360, Playstation 3, and Wii), customers must choose their platform from available wristbands. Wristbands are good for one Lego Rock Band video game in the platform listed on the wristband with a qualifying purchase of $20 or more. Limit one game per person, family or household.

I plan on being home (with breakfast in hand) by 10am. And, I want to have half of my list taken care of!

What's your plan of attack?!

James Needs Votes!!

Would you please take a minute out of your day and vote for James?

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Sara & James

Beat Cancer!

For Larry ...

LOL ... This is for Larry ...

Crazy!

Life seems to be moving at an UNREAL speed! Colin will be one in just a few weeks - we are almost at the half-way mark for this semester in school - James is really starting to read.

Larry and I took the boys to the Peanut Festival ... Mom & Dad went with us. It was pretty fun, but I really don't need (or want) to go back for the next couple years! LOL! Plus, they didn't have any boiled peanuts - and that was the whole reason I wanted to go!

We are going to visit Becca and Brandon next weekend. The plan is to go to the Fair - I guess it depends on the weather. Also, the Target by her house will be having a grand opening, so we will be going to that!! :)

We are planning a trip to the Ford Family Farm in the next couple weeks.

Have a great week! Happy Columbus Day!

PICTURES!!

Just pictures! Enjoy!

Colin hit James with the gourd.

Colin weighs 10 lbs. less than James!

James in his school shirt.

Colin in his booties.

Frank likes to eat baby food and Colin thinks it's great fun!