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Thursday, June 11, 2009

Special Bedtime Moments

I have so many wonderful memories surrounding bedtime stories in our home. However, there is one in particular that stands out. I used to read each of my boys a bed time story in their own rooms every night, separately. It allowed me to have a few precious minutes alone with each child. But one this particular night, I decided to mix things up a little bit. I called both of the boys to the living room to make my announcement.

“Mommy’s not going to read any stories tonight.” I said.

“MOM! WHY NOT!?” They shrieked in horror.

”Because tonight Mommy wants to tell you stories instead-- stories about when you were babies.”

They both squealed in excitement.

I sat on the floor and began to tell them stories. “One time? When I was giving you a bath? You pooped in the tub!" They both erupted into laughter. So I told another one and another. Anytime I'd say "this is the last one." They'd agree, but as soon as I'd finish the story, they'd say “Tell us more, please?” And I would because as I was having the time of my life with my boys.

By the time I kissed them good night, my stomach ached from laughing hard. I promised that we'd do it again.

That became one of their favorite bedtime rituals-- listening to stories of when they little. And to this day, if I ever want a little time with my Teenage and Almost Teenage son before bed time, I just sit down on their floor and say "do you know that when you were a baby you would..." And they'll listen to whatever I have to say, and we'll laugh and laugh together.

I like to think they'll never be too old or grown for Story Time with their mama.

I'm writing this story today to kick off GoodNites ‘Special Bedtime Moments’ contest. You will have the chance to win one of two grand prizes of $2,500 for an all-star bedroom makeover! All you need to do to enter is go to www.SpecialBedtimeMoments.com . Share a short bedtime routine, story or moment with your kids for the chance to win. Before you post your entry, please copy the post so you can come back and paste in the comments of this post for your chance to win a “bedtime kit” ($250 value!) Kits include the following:

o $100 gift certificate to PajamaGram.com
o $50 gift certificate to Borders
o Blanket
o Bedtime journal for recording special bedtime moments
o Overnight tote bag to hold all items mentioned above



Three winners will be chosen.

Disclaimer: I have partnered with GoodNites® for this series of posts; I am being compensated for writing about my family's bedtime routine and for promoting this contest, not for endorsing a product.