Conversations with a 4 year old

Here is a picture of my 4-year-old playing in the leaves last weekend. I think he is probably your typical 4-year-old...you know, looks all sweet and innocent yet says the craziest things.

Today before I put the boys down for their naps, we were going through the normal routine of picking up toys. Jackson (above) was all wound up and was not quite helping as much as his 2-year-old brother. He had several warnings about not helping...but then it happened. I turned into my mother and started yelling to him (as he was not even in the same room now). "Jackson! Get in here right now and help us put away your toys. One....TWO......" By now I had walked into his room because I knew the whole counting thing wasn't working.

He was sitting on his bed smiling and said, "Mommy, you forgot to say THREE!!"

"You don't want me to get to three," I said.

"I don't? Why? What happens when you count to three??" he said (very well knowing what happens when I get to three).

"You go to time out," I reminded him.

"Oh. Well, what happens when you count to four?" he asked.

"Jackson, don't worry about it." At this point I knew it was hopeless.

"Ok. So I shouldn't worry what happens when you count to four...or ten...or eighty??" he asked. "Just three?"

"Right."

How do kids come up with this stuff??

Another giveaway. Seriously.

I know you can't believe it...but we're doing it again. Time for another giveaway! We had so much fun last summer participating in the Bloggy Carnival that we're doing it again. This time we are giving away a Plush Blanket of your choice! That's a prize worth $42. How can you go wrong with that?

So, how do you enter? Simple. Just leave a comment on this post and tell us which plush blanket you would chose if you win our contest. Also, leave your email addy so we can contact you if you win. (If you don't leave your email address, you'll have to keep watching our blog to see if you are chosen.)

Also, don't miss the chance to get extra entries! Sign up to receive our blog posts via email (to the right of this post) for one extra entry and leave us another post to let us know that you signed up. You can also add our blog button to your blog for another entry (also to the right of this post). Again, leave another post and tell us where we can find our button. That gives you 3 chances to win!

Once you've left your comments...don't forget to head back over to the Bloggy Carnival to try and win some other great giveaways. Good luck! And hurry, our contest ends November 1, 2008 at midnight EST.

Rules: Winner will be chosen at random on 11.02.08 and notified via email (if you leave your email addy) or via our blog (if we have no way to contact you). You will have 48 hours after notification to claim your plush blanket. To be eligible to win, you must leave a comment on this post telling us which blanket you choose if you win. You will get one extra entry for signing up for our RSS feed and one extra entry for adding our blog button to your blog. You must leave separate comments telling us you did so. Duplicate posts will be disqualified. Winner must live in the United States or Canada. Entries must be received by 11.01.08 at 11:59 pm EST. Please note, we must share the MD love. If you have won one of our giveaways within the last 3 months, you are not eligible to win.

How many are too many??

Dogs that is....

This weekend we're babysitting my parents' dog. That means there are 3 crazy dogs running around our house! I have to admit, it is pretty fun...and the kids are having a blast. But how many dogs are too many??

Here is a pic of our 8.5 month old mutt, Chopper:

Our 11 year old mutt, Albert:My parents' 8 year old mutt, Mo:So, back to the question. How many dogs are too many??

I'm thinking 3.

Save money. Shop my favorite designers.

Mairzey Dotes has been around for a few years now and through all my experiences I have come to meet some really great designers. Not only do these gals have great products....they are great people! They are the first people I go to with new product ideas, for advice when I'm in a slump, or for sanity if my kids are being a little crazy.

To show you just how great they are, I have teamed up with them to offer you some great deals. Take a peek at their goodies and use the discount codes provided to get a jump start on your holiday shopping! (And hey, they're not just my favorite designers. These designers have had products featured on the Today Show, in Cookie Magazine, Pregnancy Magazine, Pregnancy & Newborn Magazine and many more!

Tiny Tales -- The perfect recipe for life's memories.I don't know about you, but I sure didn't keep up on my kids' baby books. I needed one of these! Use code "HOLIDAYS08" for a free babysitter notepad with every order. (An $8 value.)

Made by Angie -- Handmade baby wipe containers so you can clean up in style. I am totally into the color green right now and have my eye on this beauty. Use code "thanks" for 15% off.

Julian & Co. -- Jewelry about love for families. I received this necklace from my parents last year and absolutely love it! Use code "mairzeydotes" for $10 off your order.

Sophie & Spice -- Personalized mommy cards, wall art, pop art, birth announcements and more. My 4 year old just started his first year of preschool. We already have a box full of his art creations and would love to have a poster made with his art! Use code "babypromo08" for 10% off.

Ellie Bellie Kids -- Classic play for the modern child.I probably shouldn't admit this, but my boys new favorite game is putting the couch cushions on the floor and jumping onto them. I'm thinking they could both use one of these awesome capes. Use code "freeship" for free shipping.

And of course this post wouldn't be complete without a little gift from us. So, use code "fall20" for 20% off your order at Mairzey Dotes.

New Plush Minky Line is Here!

Finally! After several weeks in the making....our new plush line has arrived! Go check 'em out. Our new line combines some great new modern prints with the softest minky backing. Seriously, little ones are not going to want to put these suckers down. (And you won't either! We won't be surprised if we find you cuddling up with your baby's blanket!)

So go on! Take a peek! And then come back here and tell us what you think.

Cool Mom Picks....

Us! Kristen, a super cool editor from Cool Mom Picks posted about our bibs and burp cloths yesterday. See what she has to say:

"Bibs have made great strides, even since having my son 18 months ago, and now I'll be far less reluctant to pop the dreaded things on my soon-to-arrive new daughter. All hail CMP fave Mairzey Dotes and mom/owner Sarah Kronland, winning us over this time with her new applique bibs and burp cloths. The sweet, simple designs like the paisley bird or my favorite, the pink owl shown here, reflect Sarah's penchant for vintage styles. Grab a set for your next baby shower or add them to your own arsenal of bibs and burps as a special treat. Considering how much time you spend picking out those adorable clothes, if you're going to cover them up, best to find something just as cute."

We are great fans of Cool Mom Picks...and are excited they are a fan of ours!

More Stuff on Sale!

All this talk about the economy has me worried. Is it just me?? While I know the best thing to do is not to freak out...I certainly am looking for bargains now more than ever. (And I'll tell you...I'm a bargain hunter!)

So while many people are thinking Halloween and Thanksgiving -- this girl is thinking holiday gifts! You too? Good. Then I have just the thing for you. We are putting our receiving blankets on sale with the hopes that you can get an early jump start to your holiday shopping. Or, if you need a gift for that new baby in your life -- step on it! Now is the time to save some cash.

We hope that you are all hanging in there during this stressful time.