Praises of a Wife and Mommy

Grab a dish, straw, bubble bath, and add a few drops of food coloring and your kids will be entertained in the bath tub until the water starts to get cold!  I had my 22 month old and 5 year old both enjoying the bath by simply creating more and more bubbles from a straw.  My daughter of course picked pink food coloring and my son picked green.  We also discussed how the bubbles were created with our breath.  Then we did a little color mixing with the red and the green.  Now I think we need to hit the Library for more Science books since my kids are asking more questions about bubbles.  :) 
This was such an easy way to create a fun and learning experience for your kids!  :)  

Ok Ladies I have a great Valentines Day gift idea that is fun for both you and the hubby!  :)   I know I love new underwear and lets be honest I'm pretty sure our hubby's won't complain either.  
So for this Valentines day get the gift that keeps on giving.  Sign up for the monthly subscription to Panty by Post so you will receive an adorable new panty delivered by mail each month!  
Add a little spice in your marriage this Valentines Day!  :)   Simply visit the site: http://www.pantybypost.com and broswe the styles, pick the months you want to purchase, pick your size and then have fun getting your mail each month.  :) There is a section for men and for women! 
What is Panty by Post? Panty by Post is an online subscription service to send a pretty panty in the mail monthly. We bring back  the nostalgia of receiving a wonderful surprise in the mail!
What are the Company Origins? The founder, Natalie Grunberg, has had a lifetime appreciation of all things French. Natalie spends…

I am excited that Educational Toy Planet is going to be sending a toy for my son or daughter or maybe both to review.  :)  I am not sure what it will be but I am excited.  There are so many toys on their site that I would love to review including:  the toddler trampoline- my lil man would have so much fun on it, or he might enjoy the turtle mower since spring will be here soon.  My daughter would love the "Fashion in the Tub" kit, Alphabet Soup Sorters, or even headband craft kit.  
What ever item we do receive you can be sure to find my review here on my blog.   Stay tuned and I will let you know what we think once we get the toy.  :) 

Put your hand up if you treat your pet like your child???  Mine is half way up, hard to put my hand all the way up when I do have 2 real children and I see childless people who really spoil their dogs.  

About John Paul Pet:


John Paul Pet – pet care with a salon pedigree. 30 years ago John Paul DeJoria, co-founder of Paul Mitchell Systems, revolutionized the professional salon industry by banning animal testing for his line of hair products. John Paul’s in-depth expertise in hair and skin care formulations also led to research in new standards for pet grooming and hygiene, which lead to the creation of John Paul Pet shampoos, conditioners, sprays and pet wipes. John Paul Pet shampoos and conditioners are pH balanced so they don’t irritate sensitive pet skin and the entire line is “tested on humans first” to ensure effectiveness and safety for all pets. John Paul Pet actively supports programs benefiting all animals, including Best Friends Animal Society, The Morris Animal Foundation, PAWS…

It finally happened!  You know where the hubby and I left on an overnight adventure without our kids.  We found a sitter to stay at our house with the kids and the dog, we sure are blessed to have people we can trust.  :) My husband and I have been married for 6.5 years but I think our honeymoon was the only time we have gone on an overnight adventure without our children, so it was much needed.  

We left Sunday morning at 10 am before all the snow and freezing rain made the roads terrible.   We had enough time to enjoy the water park, the amusement park, go shopping, and eat some yummy food.  

I will admit that going to the Kalahari resort without the kids was a bit strange since it is such a kid friendly place and I did start to miss my kids, but it is a good think to miss your kids so you can enjoy them even more when you get home.  



I may have missed my kids for a few minutes here and there but being able to enjoy adult activities instead of staying in the kiddie pool!  I loved just …

The bond of a mother and her daughter
Every person finds that they have to lean on their loved ones from time to time. No one knows when these times will come, but they eventually visit us all. I personally experienced this when I was 36 years old and my entire life was thrown into turmoil. It started on a much happier note though. My daughter Lily was born on August 4th, 2005 and my family came to see its newest addition. Everyone was so in love with Lily. My husband and I were truly on cloud 9 in those first few months of her life. However, things were about to change.
Once I returned to full time work I started noticing some troubling signs. I was losing approximately 5 to 7 pounds per week and had very little energy. These are all things that often accompany new mothers, but I still felt the need to see my doctor about this. After many tests, we found out what the real problem was. It turns out that the symptoms I was experiencing were not just those of being a new mother. If onl…

You all know my husband is a pastor but many of you do not know what type of church we attend or serve at.  We are part of the foursquare church that was founded in California by an awesome women named Aimee Semple McPherson.  I love knowing that the church I belong to activates and encourages women in their gifting and callings.  :) 

So back to the foursquare and the logo:


The name represents the four-fold ministries of Jesus:THE SAVIOR "But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; the chastisement for our peace was upon Him..." –Isaiah 53:5 (Titus 2:14, Isaiah 55:7, Hebrews 7:25, Isaiah 1:18) THE BAPTIZER WITH THE HOLY SPIRIT "For John truly baptized with water, but you shall be baptized with the Holy Spirit... you shall receive power when the Holy Spirit has come upon you; and you shall be witnesses to Me in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." –Acts 1:5,8 (John 14:16-17, Acts 2:4, Acts 8:17, Acts…

Did you know that you could get a new pair of socks sent to you every month!!  YES, a sock of the month club does exist!!!  It costs $11 per month with free shipping and you will get name brand, adorable, and comfy socks sent right to your door.  No eye rolling at me, I know there are many people as excited as me about a fun new pair of socks.  I love the crisp feeling of putting on new socks, so why not do it every month.  

Thanks Sock of the Month Club for sending me a pair of socks to review your service.  I was not paid for this review and all opinions expressed are 100% mine.    
The Sock of the month club is EXCLUSIVE, FASHIONABLE, and CONVENIENT!!  You can gift this membership to someone or sign yourself up today.  
Did you know that most people have to throw a pair of socks away each month anyways so why not get it replaced the easy way, the Sock Club way!  
I love my new purple pair of socks, they fit well, and are stylish   I love how quickly they were shipped out and the packag…

The new year is here and many resolutions have been set!  Have you kept your resolution so far?  One of the top resolutions being made includes eating healthier.  

Eating better can sometimes be scary but look no further for healthy snacks then Healthy Surprise!  A monthly subscription of healthy snacks sent to your house.




My Review:
The box arrived and it was packed full of several different goodies!  There were products I have never heard of such as the Kale Chips or yummy chocolate granola!  

The variety in the box was amazing and would be worth the subscription.   
I can always give a product 2 thumbs up when the kids are happy!  :)  Just look at the happy boy eating his apple chips and mango snack.  My daughter was also a fan of those two items.  

If you are trying to eat healthy then you understand how eating the same old healthy snack can get boring, but with the help of Healthy Surprise your taste buds can get a fun surprise each month.  

The plans start at $33.00 a month up to $99.0…

Not only do we love Bigby's but I love seeing my adorable kids sharing!  How sweet is that picture?  My kiddos shared one of the yummy smoothies and I had a minty treat that helped warm me up during this freezing weather.
What is your favorite Coffee chain? 

Valentines Day is fast approaching and the fun crafts have started here at our house.  On Saturday my daughter and I made a Valentines Card and she brought them to church and handed them out.  :)  She loves to give her hard art work to people she loves.  
This craft was very simple so toddlers can do this too!  My little guy will have to do this this week, he was coloring and doing his own art project at the time his sister did this one. 
I pre-cut the heart and wrote out so my daughter could get the spelling for the words.  She also had to cut all the pieces to glue on the heart.  You could cut or rip depending on your preference.  (We used paint samples to cut up for the heart) 
After the heart is filled with pieces my daughter personalized her card with more hearts that she drew.  
Check out our other fun Valentines Day Activities:
Glow Stick Valentines
Play Doh Valentines
Toilet Paper Roll Valentines
Love Tree
Love Bugs
Snow Globes
I Love you Sew Much

I had a big laugh the other night as I was trying to find my internet connection.  I had to reset the router and I still could not locate our WIFI but I did find Abe Lincolns.  HAHAHAHA!  I really am curious to find out what neighbor labeled their WIFI with that funny name!  I am not sure if they are just a very humorous person or if they are just very negative...hoping just funny!  

So have any of you had the chance to see funny WIFI names like this?  

Well, I knew the unusual warm winter would soon pass and the real cold front would come in.  Today was a  frozen day and tomorrow's high is -2 and the windchill is probably -15 to -30!  This is the time of year that I always question myself, "Why do I still live in Wisconsin?"  

I have always said once its below 0 you can't tell if its 0 or -30... its just cold.  brrrrrrrrr

I have lived in this state my whole life and you would think at 28 years old you would just be able to tolerate the frozen tundra but every year when the cold spell hits it leaves me with numb toes, a cold butt, and thoughts in my head about spring and summer.  

So how is the weather where you are?  

This is a giveaway for a "Be My Valentine" Jewelry Candle. The giveaway is for the US only. The giveaway will run from 1/18-2/1. If you haven't heard of Jewelry Candles yet, they are candles with jewelry hidden inside. They could have a necklace, earrings, bracelet, ring, anklet or pendant. You never know what you're going to get. Good luck to everyone!
I think any women would love for her man to buy her a candle with such a neat surprise inside.  :) I sure hope one of my readers will win!!!  

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Loading Entry-Form... Disclosure: Kathy's Freebies & Savings and Praises of a Wife and Mommy is not responsible for prize shipment.

I love opening my daughters school bag each evening and pulling out these fun and adorable projects.  :)  We have not made a snowman yet this winter but my daughter must have some fun memories of building a big snowman and snow slide last year.  
I just have to brag on my amazing husband, HE is an amazing, awesome, super, fantastic DADDY!  I am one blessed wife and mommy!  :)  

BORAX



What is Borax?
Borax is 100% natural mineral from the earth.  Once removed from the ground it is washed, dried, and boxed for consumers.  
Borax is the common name for sodium tetraborate: a naturally occurring substance produced by the perpetual evaporation of seasonal lakes. 
Absolutely nothing is added.  No phosphates, chlorine, or other additive chemicals. 
Borax naturally softens hard water, which protects your detergent, so it can maximize cleaning power.  Simply add 1/2 cup of Borax to every load, along with your Purex detergent.
Once you start using Borax you will notice it will naturally softens hard water and improves detergents cleaning power and help keep stains from being re-deposited back onto clothes. 
My Review: 
Thank you Borax for providing me a free sample of their product so I could review them.  However, all the opinions expressed here are my own.  
I have never used Borax before but after using it on the last 10 or so loads of laundry I LOVE LOVE LOVE IT!  I think it…