Mama Pajama

Security Systems

2008-12-02T14:26:39-08:00

I don't know about you, but I am a very big fan of security systems. Sure, I accidentally set it off on occasion. But overall, it gives my family the peace of mind we're looking for.

One of the things I like about our security system is the motion detector. At night we can turn it off so that a midnight water run doesn't wake up the entire neighborhood. But, when we are gone, the motion detector will pick up on any movement and set it off.

Installing a home security system will also help you save money on your home owner's insurance. It practically pays for itself!

Time to Shop

2008-12-02T09:04:13-08:00

I can't believe how much of our Christmas shopping we have already completed this year. This year we bought a few large gifts instead of a bunch of small things. When we were at the mall on the day after Thanksgiving, we did find good deals on dress shirts and ties that Chris can wear to work. I also found two pairs of khaki pants and two pairs of jeans for me. I was thinking, wow, I'm glad I don't work at the mall right now. It was so packed that day. I'm sure the clerks are very grateful for the barcode scanners.

Great Nursing Program!

2008-11-24T13:56:27-08:00

Have you heard about the great nursing program at St. Xavier's? My sister-in-law is thinking about pursuing a MS nursing degree. She will actually be getting a Clinical Nurse Leader Masters Degree. She is already a Registered Nurse, but would like to further her career. What's really cool about this particular school, is that they offer online courses. She will also have to attend a weekend of applied campus experience, but the online classes will allow her to continue working while she furthers her education. I am so excited for her, and think that St. Xavier's is a great choice for people like her. If you have a family, and are looking to further your education in the Nursing field, you need to check this out!

Have You Heard About SeatSnug?

2008-11-24T13:25:08-08:00

If you have young children, and you haven't already heard about the SeatSnug Child Stability Device, you should definitely continue reading. Considering how much time we all spend in the car, we need to do our best to make it as safe as possible! When I learned that I would be receiving one of these devices from the nice folks over at Mom Central, I was really thrilled.

Have you ever noticed your child bouncing, rocking or being bumped around in his or her booster seat? Well, the problem is that slack or looseness often develops in the lap belt of the seatbelt. When you make a quick stop, or have an accident, these loose lap belts often contribute to child injury. Even though the buckle may be fastened correctly, your child still may get hurt.

Luckily, there is now a product that provides an easy solution that will allow seatbelts to perform as intended. It will properly and safely secure a child in a booster seat to prevent potentially life-threatening injuries, while also enhancing the stability and comfort of children while riding. SeatSnug is a device that easily attaches to an existing seatbelt to prohibit the seatbelt from developing slack. It also keeps the child's seat properly and safely secured in place during travel.

With the signature "on-off" feature, SeatSnug is intended to stay on the seatbelt at all times and can be placed in the "on" position when a child is secured in a booster seat to properly and safely secure the child in place. Placed in the "off" position at all other times, the seatbelt will operate normally in the event anyone else, including an adult, sits in the seat and uses the seatbelt. The inherent safety features and easy usability make the SeatSnug an incredibly appealing solution for family car safety.

If you are interested in this new device that will give you the functionality and flexibility that you are looking for, you should watch the video at www.seatsnug.com. It will help you better understand how SeatSnug can help make your child's car ride safer. SeatSnug is all about "saving children's lives and reducing injuries one seatbelt at a time."

What Does Your Height Say About You?

2008-11-21T11:44:38-08:00

OK, now I'm hooked over at blogthings taking quizzes....this one is pretty accurate. You might want to try it. All I had to do was enter my height (5' 6").

What Your Height Says About You

You are a sensitive, emotional, and even shy person.
You are a romantic in the truest sense. You see people as you wish they were.

You tend to be a very perceptive person. You are good at getting to the heart of the matter.
You tend to be quite pensive and reflective. You think everything out carefully.

You are about as tall as the average German woman.

What Does Your Height Say About You?

What Happened During the Year You Were Born?

2008-11-21T11:36:44-08:00

After visiting one of my favorite bloggers, Sandee at Comedy Plus, I was curious to see what events would be listed for the year I was born. Give it a try, you might be surprised by what you find!

In 1977 (the year you were born)

Jimmy Carter becomes president of the US

Most of the 10,000 Vietnam War draft evaders are pardoned by President Carter

Singer Anita Bryant starts her "Save Our Children" crusade against gay rights

Elvis Presley dies in his Graceland bathroom

Congress creates a Department of Energy

Anwar Sadat flies to Jerusalem in a dramatic gesture of willingness to discuss peace

Orlando Bloom, Shakira, Sarah Michelle Gellar, Liv Tyler, and Ludacris are born

New York Yankees win the World Series

Oakland Raiders win Superbowl XI

Montreal Canadiens win the Stanley Cup

Swedish music group ABBA passes The Beatles as having most records sold

Star Wars is the top grossing film

The Shining by Stephen King is published

"You Light Up My Life" by Debby Boone spends the most time at the top of the US charts

Three's Company premieres

What Happened the Year You Were Born?

Playing With Toys

2008-11-13T10:23:01-08:00

Cameron has so many toys. He usually picks one and plays with it exclusively for months at a time. Lately, his favorite thing is this ball ramp. Unfortunately, we've lost two of the five balls. So we have to be careful to keep track of the remaining three. I've told everyone not to buy too many more toys for Christmas because he has quite a few toys that he hasn't ever shown interest in. When the ball ramp gets old, I am planning to bring out old toys that he will think are new.

Christmas Ideas

2008-11-13T10:16:23-08:00

I have been trying to figure out what to get Cameron's cousins for Christmas. He has twin girl cousins that are four years old, and a first cousin that just turned two. I found a website that has really cool dollhouses, but I don't know if they are at the right age for that just yet. I might get the twins a game that they can play together, but I still haven't decided on what to get the two year old.

Commercials

2008-11-13T10:13:33-08:00

I have talked before about how Cameron loves commercials. He loves commercial jingles and pharmaceutical drug commercials. The other day he was even paying attention to a commercial all about a Mesothelioma lawyer. But when the actual show starts, he loses interest. I really think it is the music in the background and the soothing voices that narrate these types of commercials that really gets his attention.

Can It Help?

2008-11-13T10:10:59-08:00

Recently, I have been reading about a drug called Phentermine. It was approved in 1959 by the FDA as an appetite suppressant, and has since been widely used to help obese patients to suppress hunger and lose weight. Again, I tend to think people should use more natural means to lose weight. But, if this drug can help someone become more healthy, it is probably worth trying.

Something Different

2008-11-13T10:06:30-08:00

We have been trying to figure out what kind of curtains to put in our kitchen. But, honestly, I would like to change out the blinds we have to bamboo blinds . I think that they are very stylish and would add to the decor we already have in there. Now, convincing Chris that this is the best choice will be another story. But, I will probably be able to change his mind. I'm good at that.

Great Luggage

2008-11-13T10:03:08-08:00

One lesson that I have learned over the years, is that it pays to have really good luggage. We bought a set of Samsonite luggage about ten years ago, and it has held up remarkably well. When you consider how much it gets thrown and tossed around getting on and off a plane, you want to make sure that your luggage is very durable. Plus, I like the way it looks, too.

Texas Towns

2008-11-12T18:52:19-08:00

Despite the recent devastation of Hurricane Ike, we still really like living near the Texas coast. Chris has considered jobs in Dallas or Austin, but we really like the Houston area. We have family in Dallas, and it's a great place. But, most of our family is here, and of course we are quite attached to the Texas Medical Center in Houston. I think we will stay put for quite a while.

Geez...

2008-11-12T18:47:05-08:00

With the holidays coming, I have seen so many commercials for diet pills lately. Frankly, I'm getting tired of all of their ridiculous claims. If you eat too much, and don't exercise, you will gain weight. Exercise and eat less if you want to lose weight. Maybe some of these pills will help decrease your appetite, but I would not take anything that claims to actually burn away fat without exercise.

Will It Really Help?

2008-11-12T18:43:26-08:00

Over the years, I have heard a lot about different kinds of magnetic jewelry that can help conditions such as artritis, muscle pain, headaches, tedonitis, back pain, knee and ankle pain, fibromyalgia, and many other conditions. My question is, can this really work? Well, I guess there's no harm in trying it out. Some of the magnetic bracelets I've seen are actually really cute. If there's a chance it could help you, it's definitely worth a try.

Furniture Options

2008-11-08T10:09:14-08:00

I am trying to pick out something different for our guest bedroom. We have Chris' bedroom set from when he was growing up, which is still in really good shape. So, I hate to get rid of it. But, I would like to change the queen sized bed to a twin. That way, we'll have a lot more room in there. I think that modern furniture would also give the room an updated look.

Do You Have a Shopping Secret?

2008-11-08T09:52:07-08:00

Have you started holiday shopping yet? If you're like me, you could probably use a little extra cash right now. Lucky for you, there's a really fun contest going on right now, where you could win cash prizes from eBillme! All you have to do is share your video (uploaded to youtube) or text message of a secret holiday shopping confession you've made. For example, maybe you surprised someone with a diamond ring, or maybe you got yourself a really expensive purse and you didn't tell anyone. Whatever your clever little purchase may have been, now is your chance to share it with the world and possibly even win a cash prize!

Halloween 2006

2008-11-08T09:27:19-08:00

I just couldn't resist posting a picture of Cameron in his cowboy outfit from two years ago. He has come such a long way since then. I can't wait to see how much further he'll come in the next two years. We are really hoping that he'll be able to walk by the time he is five years old.

Need Boots?

2008-11-08T09:21:02-08:00

If you are looking for great work boots, you should check out this site. They have brands such as CAT, Wolverine, Bates, Rocky, Converse and many more top name brands. They pride themselves in providing top quality work boots for working class Americans. You'll also find some of the lowest prices available. They offer free ground shipping to all order over fifty dollars in the United States. They will even go so far as to match or beat the price of any competitor who would offer a lower price! They are also CCR Registered and can accept IMPACT and all other government credit cards. If you need work boots, check them out today!

Halloween

2008-11-08T09:11:12-08:00

Here's a shot of Cameron in his astronaut costume on Halloween at Meme's house. He had a lot of fun with his cousin Emily (who dressed as Dorothy from The Wizard of Oz). He even wore his hat a lot longer than we expected. Fun stuff.

Ghirardelli Luxe Milk Chocolate

2008-11-07T17:16:22-08:00

Have you tried the latest creations from Ghirardelli? You really need to get your hands on these rich and creamy candy bars. They will seriously improve your mood. Thanks to the nice folks over at Mom Central, I received samples of the Milk, Hazelnut, Almond, Crisp, and Duet varieties. Now getting a taste of these candy bars might be tricky if you have a sneaky husband like mine. So, I suggest utilizing your favorite hiding spots and/or also buying a candy bar for your significant other.

Ghirardelli milk chocolate is made from simply delicious, all natural ingredients. Like all Ghirardelli chocolates, the Luxe Milk bars go through a highly distinguished chocolate making process beginning with the selection of the best cocoa beans, special roasting methods to intensify the chocolate taste, and a refining process that brings out the smoothness.

You can find these Ghirardelli chocolate bars at stores such as Wal-Mart, Walgreens, Borders, and Linens N Things. Soon, you'll also be able to find them at Target, Blockbuster, and Cost Plus stores. If you're in the mood for a little indulgence, you might as well go for some of the best chocolate on earth!

Women Have Choices!

2008-11-06T13:24:48-08:00

Recently, I learned about an important health issue from the nice folks over at Mom Central. Many women suffer from pelvic health conditions such as fibroids, stress urinary incontinence and pelvic organ prolapse. These conditions are so common in fact, that one-third of women will experience one or more of these conditions in their lifetime. This is due to many different factors - most commonly pregnancy and childbirth.

But, the good news is that there are treatment options for these conditions that do not require the traditional surgery, which frequently comes with a higher risk of complications and a longer healing process. Minimally invasive procedures, done quickly and relatively easily, usually require much less time to heal and there's a lot less pain, too. Yet many of us do not even know they exist, as we rely on information from our doctors who may suggest the outdated approaches because they lack the skill to perform the newer, less invasive ones or even because new endoscopic procedures bring less income to the doctor or hospital.

The US News & World reported that out of the one in four women who receive hysterectomies, approximately 85% are still treated with traditional open abdominal surgical methods, despite the perfection of a decades old laparoscopic procedure that leaves the ovaries and cervix in place.

Women need to take control of their health care decisions so they can make informed choices. If a doctor proves unwilling or unable to perform minimally invasive procedures, they should feel empowered to seek out a second opinion from a gynecologist who offers less invasive options.

To learn more and find an endoscopic surgeon in your area that is a member of AAGL, a professional association of doctors who perform minimally invasive treatments, click here. You owe it to yourself to explore all of your options.

Poehler's Palin Rap

2008-11-05T14:34:01-08:00

I can't get enough of this video. It just makes me smile.

Poor B

2008-11-05T11:15:27-08:00

Don't you just hate when people dress up their dogs in silly costumes. It's Ok, I don't either. It could have been a lot worse for him, considering that over the years we have dressed him up as a jester, a clown, and Batman. And oh yes, he also owns a Santa suit.

Sugar...

2008-11-04T15:41:15-08:00

Here's a shot of Cameron giving me a big smooch. When he's not mad at me and pulling my hair, he can sure be a sweetheart. I hope this phase lasts.

Johnson & Johnson

2008-10-29T09:34:12-07:00

When you think about Johnson & Johnson, what do think about? Personally, I think about all of the fantastic health products that my family has enjoyed using over the years. From Band Aids to Baby Care, we have a huge variety of Johnson & Johnson products in our home right now. But what you may not realize is that Johnson & Johnson is also very concerned about protecting the environment. Over fifteen years ago, they set short and long-term environmental goals. They recognize the fact that a healthy planet and a healthy community go hand in hand. Personally, it's nice to know that the folks at Johnson & Johnson are willing to go above and beyond the mandatory environmental regulations expected of them.

Something Different

2008-10-28T11:11:06-07:00

I have been looking into getting a new faucet for our master tub. I really want to get something unique and different. I like our new bathroom, but I want to change it up a bit. I have seen some Grohe faucets that are really nice. But, I still have not made up my mind yet about exactly what I want.

Stop Calling Me!

2008-10-28T11:05:53-07:00

I am getting so tired of getting so many telemarketing calls on my cell phone. It's gotten to the point where if I don't recognize the number, I don't even answer the phone. This is because most of the time it's a recording telling me that I need to buy another warranty on my vehicle. I guess I should be glad that at least it's never an actual human that I have to hang up on. A lot of commercial collection agencies don't use recordings, so I would imagine that they get a lot of folks really upset.

Huggies 30th Anniversary!

2008-10-27T15:17:45-07:00

Can you believe that Huggies is celebrating its 3oth anniversary this fall? My mom used them with my brother and I, and I've certainly used them with my own son. Frankly, I can't imagine not having the convenience and reliability of Huggies brand diapers. The newest diapers have come a long way from the ones that were first introduced in 1978. But, they have always kept up with the latest advances in keeping bottoms comfortable and dry!

The great ladies over at Mom Central have partnered with Huggies to share in the celebration and help spread the word among moms about the Generation Huggies video contest as well as the Generation Huggies Sweepstakes. Huggies is currently touring through major cities where moms will be able to create their own video at designated Video Creation Stations for a chance to be part of their national ad campaign. Moms can also join the Huggies Baby Network where they will be the first to learn about new Huggies product information, mom-to-mom tips, fun activities and games, message boards, expert advice and special offers. Here are a few details fo the video contest and sweepstakes:

About Generation Huggies:
Now through November 20, 2008, there are two ways for moms to create a video reflecting on "What Motherhood Means to Me."
1. Videos can be uploaded to www.GenerationHuggies.com
2. Alternatively, moms can create a video on-site when they
      visit a local Generation Huggies event.
3. Videos should be no longer than 60 seconds in length and
      no larger than 5MB.
4. Everyone can participate by giving a hug, or vote, to their
      favorite video through November 30, 2008.
5. Judging ends November 30, 2008.

About Generation Huggies Sweepstakes
Anyone can enter the Generation Huggies Sweepstakes for a chance to win $30,000.
1. From now until Nov. 30, 2008, enter online by visiting www.GenerationHuggies.com.
2. The grand prize winner will receive $30,000 and will be chosen in December 2008.

Doesn't all of this sound like fun? I can't wait to check out the Huggies Baby Network. Head on over to Generation Huggies to check it out for yourself. You never know, you just might win big!

How Much Does Mommy Love You?

2008-10-27T14:51:18-07:00

Unfortunately, the wall is blocking his left hand. But, you can still see Cameron doing his latest trick. All you have to do is ask him, "How much does insert name here love you?" Then you'll get this response. Fun stuff.