Giveaway Time: Purex Complete with Zout

 ***Giveaway Now Closed***

Congratulations to Michelle David!
I had to select a new winner as the first one didn't respond within 48 hours.

As a Purex Insider, I received a sample of the new Purex Complete with Zout.  You have probably seen it on the shelves at the store.  This product combines Purex detergent with Zout pre-treater, all in one.

This product is safe in both standard and high efficiency washers!  It is also good to note that it comes in a free & clear option for those who need hypoallergenic detergent or have sensitive skin.  B was diagnosed with eczema when she was two and this sometimes comes into play with me.  I have found that I do not have to use free & clear 100% of the time with her but I do when she has a skin issue going on so it is definitely nice to have this option!

I love that it is easy to use - pour it in and go!  I really liked this product.  It did a great job cleaning our clothes, and with four little ones ages 7 and under you can imagine some of the stains that can pop up.  I would highly recommend this Purex and I want to throw in that is is extremely reasonably priced, another bonus in my book.

So, want to try it for yourself? Great because this is a giveaway after all.  Just leave a comment letting me know if you have tried Purex with Zout yet.  That's it.  Please make sure to leave your email or that it is visible on your profile so I know who to contact.   If you want a bonus entry, follow me on google friend and leave a separate comment letting me know.  This giveaway will end on July 15th at midnight.  The winner will have 48 hours to respond before another winner will be contacted.  Good luck!

Outside Fun

Last night we filled up our baby pool and let the kids splash around a bit.  I was surprised that all four of them had a good time!  Next time we plan to get out the slip-n-slide for the older ones.

C and D goofing off on the swings.

Having fun.

D wasn't in her swimsuit but she didn't seem to mind.

 C at the neighborhood park.

 D sliding down this slide for the 50th time!

Book Review #3: Secure Daughters Confident Sons

For my third installment for the blogging for books program I will review Secure Daughters Confident Sons (How Parents Guide Their Children into Authentic Masculinity and Femininity) by Glenn T. Stanton.

I love the title and I love the topic!  As a mom of four, and one on the way, it is important to me to teach my children security and confidence.

First, Stanton explains the importance of difference between males and females.  He explains that there are extremes one way or the other (those that believe that sex differences are merely minor plumbing issues vs those that are Macho Joes and Pretty-in-Pinks).  This book focuses on the middle ground between those two extremes for each gender.

Stanton goes on to describe the qualities that make a good man: they are explorative, determined to deliever the goods, need to know what's next, are opportunists, initiators, active and aggressive, must take chances, and are competitive and dominant.  Followed by qualities that make a good woman: confidently enticing, seek intimacy over action, wisely receptive, seek security, prefer modesty, they care, use words, desire equity and submission, wield soft power which shapes humanity, and are about connecting.

The book continues with what you need to know about boys.  First, a boy is a young male on his way to manhood.  Secondly, a boy is God's creation.  Thirdly, boys need to know that what they do can make a difference, they need big missions, need to be innovative, disciplined, have good called out of them, need to be honorable, accepted and respected.  This section is then followed by what you need to know about girls.  A girl is a female on her way to womanhood.  Secondly, she too is a creation of God's image - she bears God's image in a way a man never will.  Thirdly, she needs to see herself as capable, she needs intimacy, community, modesty, wants to talk, heard and affirmed, and a sense of security.

Stanton also makes a point to talk about the different parenting styles between mothers and fathers and how they are both important.

I love that their are Q&A sections after the chapters.  I really enjoyed this book.  I think it has some great insight into raising boys and girls and lots of practical tips as well.

100 Days

Baby E is due in 100 days.  It seems like a long time in one sense and then forever in another.  I am so happy that we are all doing well and I look forward to meeting our littlest one, hopefully the first week of October.

In other news, did I tell you our fish had babies again!  This time on Father's Day.  Rainbow and Tiffany are pretty funny on their timing.  There are two babies left from the first spawning.  The kids have named them Travis and Twinkle.

If you look closely you will see the fry above the papa fish.  We will see how many survive this go around.

A has been into spiking C's hair lately.  It is actually rather cute and C is really into it.  He had his 4 year old check-up this week and his doctor is amazed at how healthy he is.  He is 50% height and 25% weight and doing great!

C with his spike!

Spike #2.

Miss D continues to make me laugh daily.  She just had her 18 month check-up when C had his and she is doing well also.  She is growing well, just on her own petite curve.  She is 25% height and 5% weight.  It always amazes people that she does eat really well but she is nonstop action too!

D found C's ties and decided to try them on.  She clipped them on her shirt herself!

We took the kids to a ballgame a few nights ago and had so much fun!  We let the kids split a cotton candy and it was then that I realized that was D's first cotton candy.  She looked at it in confusion for awhile and then decided to try it and decided that she liked it - it is always fun to watch a first moment.

Take us out to the ballgame...anytime!

Latest News on Baby E

Well, we went in for my sonogram this afternoon to check up on the choroid plexus cysts they found on baby E's brain last month.  And we have great news, they are completely gone!!  Praise the Lord.  The technician checked the brain/head, heart, abdomen, took measurements and told us that baby E looked great!  I am so relieved and happy to hear this news.  Thanks so much to those who have been praying for us.

And just for fun, another view of our precious one.

Happy Father's Day!

My hubby has been a father for over 7 years now!  I am so proud of him.  He is a wonderful Dad and an amazing husband.  Here are some pics of our first born when David first became a father!

 David in the NICU with A.

Another shot of Daddy and A.

Happy Father's Day to all the amazing Dads out there! 

Bunk Bed Fun

My babies are growing up way too fast.  Really I don't have any babies right now as Dorothy is a toddler and has been since 8/9 months of age.  David has finished his bunk bed project and A and B are sleeping on their new beds!!  In case you don't know, my husband is amazing.  He is so talented and I love him more than anything!  His project got put on extended hold when I found out I was pregnant b/c well I couldn't do much for awhile and David stepped in - everything from household maintenance to cooking, cleaning, laundry, schooling - you name it - he did it.  Thanks babe!  I am glad you were finally able to have time to finish - it looks fabulous.

 C helping Daddy with assembly.

 D testing out tools and keeping inventory!

 Bunk bed going up...

 Now the mattresses.

And the finished project.  What do you think?

I love that the girls both have a little bookcase and a shelf to put their special things.  I also love that the side rail is removable allowing easier access to make the top bed!!  And I might love the most, that all 4 kiddos are now in their room.  D is officially in her crib now, which means their are no kids in our room currently out of utero.  Of course, this will change in a few months but still :)

Where, oh Where?

Has my digital camera gone?  Oh where, oh where could it be??  Any ideas?  I am stumped.  It makes it really hard to do posts or to take cute pictures of your kiddos with no camera.  I hope to find it soon but that is what is going on here...