Last night, I was having dinner with my cousin when Rob called and uttered two terrible words "where's Bunny?" We are now going on 24 hours without any Bunny sightings. For those of you who don't know Bunny, she is my 2 1/2 year old's lovey. She looks alot like a rag, and she goes everywhere with Mary Jane. I know that some kids don't have loveys, but they are big in our house. I once backtracked on a walk for 45 minutes, 2 hours before my sister's wedding in order to find Mason's bear. I realize that I usually do a Bunny-check every 20 minutes or so if we have her out of the house, and yet, she's no where to be found. We have turned the house upside down - we've checked the usual places like the bed, couch, refrigerator, and places that I know Mary Jane would never be able to put her like in high cabinets or under our mattress.
Apparently, we're not the only ones with this particular bunny that is no longer made, I found one on eBay for $140.00. If we find Bunny, maybe we should sell her. I guess the good news is that Mary Jane is sad, but not devastated. I, on the other hand, am heartbroken. I feel like I have let her down by not keeping up with her baby, as she calls her. I was up most of the night sifting through laundry and closets. Who knew that old West Wing episodes came on at 3:00 AM? So, in my sleep deprived state (more so than usual), I offer this daily latte, it's ok to mourn a loss, even that of a small lovey. Be sad for a day, and then move on - if necessary, there's always eBay.
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
Tuesday, October 28, 2008
Starting a Business (Part 2)
Ok, I know I haven't been blogging for very long, and it may be a little soon to recycle old blogs, but, here's the latte to go along with this recycled blog - know your technology. Prior to now, I haven't had working links in my entries and I thought it would be nice to include those. Also, here is a follow up, and another business started by a classmate of Rob's from Ohio, I love, love, love my bag from www.amymichellebags.com! It makes me feel like I'm not in a hurry to potty train Mary Jane. Finally, the other business that I mentioned and love, play-2-grow.com, a great place to take a class with a toddler in Atlanta. Now for the recycled blog...
Of course, we would all love to find that perfect business idea that will give us flexibility to do what we love while spending time with our families and making enough money to support everyone at home. I just thought I would take a minute to say good job to a few who have actually had the endurance to make it work. www.stinkykids.com is a t-shirt business started by the mom of kids at our old preschool. I must say that this family has done more than our share to help get the business going. Another one that I have supported a bit is www.darlingmummy.com I love their shirts and I must be a sucker for $25 tees. If you end up shopping with either of them, let them know that you read about them on my blog. If you design and sell expensive tees, let me know, I'll probably buy one. If I were at all artistically inclined, I would design some myself.
The one business that all moms should check out is www.brainytunes.com My brother-in-law is a terrific kid's singer/songwriter. It's worth a listen. If my mom and my sister are still the only ones reading this, then I guess we all know the words to Molly the Moose (my personal fave).
Of course, we would all love to find that perfect business idea that will give us flexibility to do what we love while spending time with our families and making enough money to support everyone at home. I just thought I would take a minute to say good job to a few who have actually had the endurance to make it work. www.stinkykids.com is a t-shirt business started by the mom of kids at our old preschool. I must say that this family has done more than our share to help get the business going. Another one that I have supported a bit is www.darlingmummy.com I love their shirts and I must be a sucker for $25 tees. If you end up shopping with either of them, let them know that you read about them on my blog. If you design and sell expensive tees, let me know, I'll probably buy one. If I were at all artistically inclined, I would design some myself.
The one business that all moms should check out is www.brainytunes.com My brother-in-law is a terrific kid's singer/songwriter. It's worth a listen. If my mom and my sister are still the only ones reading this, then I guess we all know the words to Molly the Moose (my personal fave).
Monday, October 27, 2008
Mix It Up
When I tell my kids that we are going to "mix it up", it usually means that I forgot something or I am running so late that we're going to change our routine to make up the time, but occasionally, I change things around on purpose. A great way to do this is to rotate toys. This works especially well on babies and little kids. I've said before that we have way too much stuff in our house, and lots of that "stuff" is in the form of toys. If we kept all of the toys accessible, our house would be overrun with them and 95% of the toys would go unnoticed. By packing some of the toys away and bringing them back out after a few months, it's like having Christmas several times a year. If your kids are really little, you can actually have Christmas several times a year - open the gifts without your child present so that you can make the necessary thank yous and then save the toys for a rainy day. Just last month we brought out a train set that Mason lost interest in about a year ago, and he had a great time building new trains to run all around the dining room.
You don't even have to have small children to rotate things in and out of use. I always feel a little bit like I've gone shopping when I get my winter clothes out of storage each fall, and I know that my mom loves to rotate her dishes and tablesettings. You can have dinner with her every night for a week and see new things at each meal. So there it is, my latte for the day - Mix it up, and in the spirit of the day, I ordered a green tea chai latte when I went to Starbucks today.
You don't even have to have small children to rotate things in and out of use. I always feel a little bit like I've gone shopping when I get my winter clothes out of storage each fall, and I know that my mom loves to rotate her dishes and tablesettings. You can have dinner with her every night for a week and see new things at each meal. So there it is, my latte for the day - Mix it up, and in the spirit of the day, I ordered a green tea chai latte when I went to Starbucks today.
Saturday, October 25, 2008
Toys
Pokemon, Bakugan - If this sounds like a foreign language to you, then I'm guessing you don't have a six year old boy living in your house. Bakugans are my first grade son's latest obsession. They are these neat little things with magnets in them that the kids trade and battle with. Mason sleeps with his, sets them up on the table when he eats, you get the picture. Here's the thing, 2 months ago he was just as obsessed with his Pokemon trading cards. He spent days decorating his Pokemon card book. This week he gave that book to his little sister since he isn't into Pokemon anymore.
What latte could I possibly derive from all of this rambling? Don't stock up on anything. In my basement right now there sits a Pokemon game of some sort that I found last month at a consignment sale, and I thought it would make a great Christmas present. I guess I could give it to Charlotte since she is now the owner of all of the cards. It seems like only yesterday that Mason was outgrowing Elmo, Blues Clues, Spiderman, Transformers... One day he'll learn to just stick with what works, and maybe he'll enjoy ordering the same thing from his local coffee shop every day. Until then, I'll wait until December to do the Christmas shopping!
What latte could I possibly derive from all of this rambling? Don't stock up on anything. In my basement right now there sits a Pokemon game of some sort that I found last month at a consignment sale, and I thought it would make a great Christmas present. I guess I could give it to Charlotte since she is now the owner of all of the cards. It seems like only yesterday that Mason was outgrowing Elmo, Blues Clues, Spiderman, Transformers... One day he'll learn to just stick with what works, and maybe he'll enjoy ordering the same thing from his local coffee shop every day. Until then, I'll wait until December to do the Christmas shopping!
Friday, October 24, 2008
2 year old fun
How do you entertain a very energetic and temperamental 2 year old? It's not always easy if you want to have some fun yourself as well. Since I worked at a preschool every day last year, MJ and I didn't have much time alone together until this fall. Good thing I've taken Filling time with a Preschooler, 101.
Here's what I've learned through the years - classes are fun sometimes, but really only if you are having fun with the other moms. Trust me, I've tried them all - I took Mason to his first Gymboree class when he was 7 months old. We've also tried My Gym, The Little Gym, swimming, and various music classes. The most fun I've had in a class is when several girlfriends and I signed our then 2 year olds up for a class at play-2-grow.com. It's not a franchise and it was great!
Even a great class can be a big commitment both financially and in terms of time. For now, I'm trying to reduce the amount of stress in our lives, and so Mary Jane and I have some mornings when we just go to the park or make a game out of grocery shopping. My stand-by for entertainment is to go to the book store, if there is a free story-time going on, even better. And of course, what 2 year old doesn't love feeling like a big girl and getting a vanilla milk with Mommy who is getting, you guessed it, a daily latte.
Here's what I've learned through the years - classes are fun sometimes, but really only if you are having fun with the other moms. Trust me, I've tried them all - I took Mason to his first Gymboree class when he was 7 months old. We've also tried My Gym, The Little Gym, swimming, and various music classes. The most fun I've had in a class is when several girlfriends and I signed our then 2 year olds up for a class at play-2-grow.com. It's not a franchise and it was great!
Even a great class can be a big commitment both financially and in terms of time. For now, I'm trying to reduce the amount of stress in our lives, and so Mary Jane and I have some mornings when we just go to the park or make a game out of grocery shopping. My stand-by for entertainment is to go to the book store, if there is a free story-time going on, even better. And of course, what 2 year old doesn't love feeling like a big girl and getting a vanilla milk with Mommy who is getting, you guessed it, a daily latte.
Thursday, October 23, 2008
It's all about...
not me! As a mom, I'm the queen of trying to multi-task and do 5 things at once while trying to remember what I need to remember to get through each day - lunch, backpacks, snacks, teacher notes, etc. It's overwhelming at times. Here's today's latte - remember that it's not all about you. Stop and listen to what others need.
Every day is hectic for one reason or another, and when something throws a wrench in the schedule like a sick child or daddy, car trouble, bad weather - it's all going to be ok. Don't let your first thought be "how does this affect my needs for the day?" First deal with the problem or illness at hand, ask what you can do to help, and then deal with the logistics. I tend to jump into logistics mode first because it's easier to control at times, but sometimes I just need to stop and offer comfort or support. The groceries, laundry, and dishes will be waiting later. And a little treat from Starbuck might help everyone feel better...
Every day is hectic for one reason or another, and when something throws a wrench in the schedule like a sick child or daddy, car trouble, bad weather - it's all going to be ok. Don't let your first thought be "how does this affect my needs for the day?" First deal with the problem or illness at hand, ask what you can do to help, and then deal with the logistics. I tend to jump into logistics mode first because it's easier to control at times, but sometimes I just need to stop and offer comfort or support. The groceries, laundry, and dishes will be waiting later. And a little treat from Starbuck might help everyone feel better...
Tuesday, October 21, 2008
Splurge
That's the latte du jour - splurge! Not on everything, but every now and then moms need to splurge on themselves. Ok, so I know that times are tough and I already splurge on coffee almost daily, but there are a couple of other things that are worth a few extra dollars. Here's the big one that I've found having to do with kids - diaper bags.
After about 2 years of motherhood, I realized that a baby and a diaper bag had really become my only accessories. I spent several years trying to deny the need for a really great bag, but as the babies grew and I needed even more "stuff", I accepted the fact that I need a bag that I could take anywhere. Then I just had to find the right bag. For a while I carried a gardening bag from Target. Lots and lots of exterior pockets make it a good bag to have, but it's not just right. Maybe the key is to have a few bags.
For now, I just placed an order from www.amymichellebags.com (it's co-owned by a classmate of my husband's from high school). I'm hoping that sometime in the next month, we will be a diaper-free household, but it's going to be years (if ever) before I am through carrying a bag whose main contents revolve around snacks, water bottles, wipes, tissues, toys, books, etc. I may as well have a bag that has external cup holders, a waterproof interior, and looks more like a purse than anything I've carried since I became a mother. Maybe it's my first step back into the non-baby world!
After about 2 years of motherhood, I realized that a baby and a diaper bag had really become my only accessories. I spent several years trying to deny the need for a really great bag, but as the babies grew and I needed even more "stuff", I accepted the fact that I need a bag that I could take anywhere. Then I just had to find the right bag. For a while I carried a gardening bag from Target. Lots and lots of exterior pockets make it a good bag to have, but it's not just right. Maybe the key is to have a few bags.
For now, I just placed an order from www.amymichellebags.com (it's co-owned by a classmate of my husband's from high school). I'm hoping that sometime in the next month, we will be a diaper-free household, but it's going to be years (if ever) before I am through carrying a bag whose main contents revolve around snacks, water bottles, wipes, tissues, toys, books, etc. I may as well have a bag that has external cup holders, a waterproof interior, and looks more like a purse than anything I've carried since I became a mother. Maybe it's my first step back into the non-baby world!
Monday, October 20, 2008
Sentimental Attire
When Mason curls up in the den to watch TV, he always uses the same quilt. My mother made the quilt over 20 years ago using fabric from mine and my sisters old dresses. When she gave the quilt to me, I thought it was very sweet and more than a little nostalgic to have proof of all of the things we wore in the mid-70's. Now I have a new appreciation for that quilt. As a mother, sometimes it's really hard to let go of a little dress or T-shirt that has so many memories attached to it.
We are finally having beautiful cooler fall weather here so this morning I spent some time packing away some summer clothes. Charlotte's are easy since if they don't fit her next spring, I'll give them to Mary Jane. But what about the clothes that don't fit anyone? Some I'll consign or give away (consignment will be a blog all its own), but some clothes, like the crib, I'm just not ready to let go of. So here's today's latte - pack them away. If you have the space, it's ok to hold onto them for a little while longer. In a year, you might be ready to give them away, make a quilt out of them, or transfer them to a bigger box with a new batch of clothes containing new memories.
We are finally having beautiful cooler fall weather here so this morning I spent some time packing away some summer clothes. Charlotte's are easy since if they don't fit her next spring, I'll give them to Mary Jane. But what about the clothes that don't fit anyone? Some I'll consign or give away (consignment will be a blog all its own), but some clothes, like the crib, I'm just not ready to let go of. So here's today's latte - pack them away. If you have the space, it's ok to hold onto them for a little while longer. In a year, you might be ready to give them away, make a quilt out of them, or transfer them to a bigger box with a new batch of clothes containing new memories.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Expectations
I feel as though I spend alot of time trying to figure out how to simplify life for my family. Here's a tip that I read somewhere recently which makes a good weekend latte - take a look at your to-do list for the weekend and then cut it in half. You'll spend less time feeling like you should be doing something more productive, and more time having fun. Face it, your kids' main expectation is to spend time with you and running errands may not be a small child's idea of quality time.
Being flexible helps, too. This morning I thought we would try to make it to church, but when Charlotte appeared in a much too small Ohio State cheerleading uniform and tights, I changed my expectations of what we were going to do this morning. I will admit that Rob & I did drag our kids along for a quick trip to Trader Joes, but then they had plain old play time at our house and had a great time making a secret hide-out under the porch. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the fall in Atlanta.
Being flexible helps, too. This morning I thought we would try to make it to church, but when Charlotte appeared in a much too small Ohio State cheerleading uniform and tights, I changed my expectations of what we were going to do this morning. I will admit that Rob & I did drag our kids along for a quick trip to Trader Joes, but then they had plain old play time at our house and had a great time making a secret hide-out under the porch. Not a bad way to spend a Sunday afternoon in the fall in Atlanta.
Friday, October 17, 2008
Sisters
Today my mom and I had a girls day with my girls. Charlotte is recovering from being sick, and it was very rainy so a great day for indoor, girl-friendly activities. You guessed it - pedicures, mall, and lunch. We all had a great time, although Charlotte kept talking about wanting to get or save things for Mason. Mom and I even commented on how great it is that the kids are all so close.
For such a great day, it didn't end quite as well. My cousin called to say that my aunt (my mom's sister) is in the hospital. Being a mother of more than one child gives you a new perspective on sibling relationships as you see them develop for your children. I once said that there is a fine line between a hug and a headlock among siblings. My takeaway from today is a simple latte, call your sister, and if she lives nearby, go out for coffee and a pedi!
For such a great day, it didn't end quite as well. My cousin called to say that my aunt (my mom's sister) is in the hospital. Being a mother of more than one child gives you a new perspective on sibling relationships as you see them develop for your children. I once said that there is a fine line between a hug and a headlock among siblings. My takeaway from today is a simple latte, call your sister, and if she lives nearby, go out for coffee and a pedi!
Wednesday, October 15, 2008
Guilt
As mothers of small children, we have lots and lots of guilt. Guilt about kids - they are too busy, they're not busy enough, they watch too much tv, they don't eat enough vegetables. Guilt about ourselves as mothers - I don't plan enough for my kids, we don't have the right toys or books, I spend too much time on the computer & too much money on coffee. Ok, so those last 2 might just be me, but you get the point.
Here's my latte on feeling guilty - stop it! relax, breathe, and accept that you and your kids aren't perfect. There are so many things to worry about in the world today that you can make yourself crazy if you try to stress over every little thing that you could feel guilty about. It takes a village to raise a family, and, for me, Elmo, chick-fil-a, and a lot of caffeine are part of the village.
Here's my latte on feeling guilty - stop it! relax, breathe, and accept that you and your kids aren't perfect. There are so many things to worry about in the world today that you can make yourself crazy if you try to stress over every little thing that you could feel guilty about. It takes a village to raise a family, and, for me, Elmo, chick-fil-a, and a lot of caffeine are part of the village.
Tuesday, October 14, 2008
Politics
Not the politics that are in the news right now, this is a mommy blog so I'm talking about mommy politics, more specifically - Preschool Politics. I know that the current followers of this blog have heard more than my 2 cents on the subject, but it is inescapable if you have small children. It's the kind of thing that makes you dread running into some people out at the park because you have to put on a fake smile and be polite even though you've been on opposing sides of some debate or another having to do with the way a school is run.
Here's the good news, preschool doesn't last for very long, relatively speaking. You will be on the PTA at the elementary school in no time dealing with a whole different set of issues. What makes preschool tricky for the moms is that it represents the first steps towards letting go. You no longer have complete control over who influences and plays with your child. Having worked in the office of a preschool with lots of issues, I can tell you that kids are very resilient and fairly unaware of any unrest going on within the school. Parents are the ones who are more easily scarred by what they see. It has taken me several months to get over all of the catty politics that went on last year, but my girls and I actually survived quite well.
What type of tip could I possibly have about all of this? Here's my daily latte about preschools - go with your gut and what is convenient for you. If it doesn't feel like the right place, find a different one. If at all possible, find a place that is close to you house so that your preschooler will meet other neighborhood kids who will go to the same elementary school. I now put my preschoolers in the stroller and walk the 1 1/2 miles to and from their school every day, and it is great. And after I drop them off, I can even go to Starbucks to get My Daily Latte.
Here's the good news, preschool doesn't last for very long, relatively speaking. You will be on the PTA at the elementary school in no time dealing with a whole different set of issues. What makes preschool tricky for the moms is that it represents the first steps towards letting go. You no longer have complete control over who influences and plays with your child. Having worked in the office of a preschool with lots of issues, I can tell you that kids are very resilient and fairly unaware of any unrest going on within the school. Parents are the ones who are more easily scarred by what they see. It has taken me several months to get over all of the catty politics that went on last year, but my girls and I actually survived quite well.
What type of tip could I possibly have about all of this? Here's my daily latte about preschools - go with your gut and what is convenient for you. If it doesn't feel like the right place, find a different one. If at all possible, find a place that is close to you house so that your preschooler will meet other neighborhood kids who will go to the same elementary school. I now put my preschoolers in the stroller and walk the 1 1/2 miles to and from their school every day, and it is great. And after I drop them off, I can even go to Starbucks to get My Daily Latte.
Sunday, October 12, 2008
Happy Birthday!
I could give lots of tips about birthday parties for children, I've spent lots of time planning them in the last 6 years. I thought about calling this blog something like "birthdays & bandaids", but lets face it, I have many more lattes than I do birthdays. Today I had both because it's my birthday. Here's my latte of the day: Let your kids plan a pseudo surprise party for you, and act very surprised. Rob & the kids had a surprise party for me tonight. I helped Rob plan it, but the kids we so excited because they thought I was completely surprised. It was fun for everyone!
Saturday, October 11, 2008
Girlfriends
I know that it has been said over and over again in almost every type of women's and parenting magazine, but the latte of today is so important: You need to spend some time with girlfriends. Whether it is drinking coffee while watching kids play, seeing a good chick flick together, or having some rare time without any kids. I guess the irony of time away from kids is that so much of it is spent talking about the kids, but at least you can order food in a restaurant without worrying about anyone but yourself.
Today I got to get away for a lunch for a baby shower for a good friend. It is a great feeling to dress up a little bit, and share some laughs and a nice meal with friends while daddy entertains the kids at home. I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing group of women to call my friends!
Today I got to get away for a lunch for a baby shower for a good friend. It is a great feeling to dress up a little bit, and share some laughs and a nice meal with friends while daddy entertains the kids at home. I consider myself very lucky to have such an amazing group of women to call my friends!
Friday, October 10, 2008
Culture
As a mother of young kids, it's easy to get caught up in the lives of children so that the biggest cultural event in your life is the opening of the Jim Henson Muppets exhibit at the Atlanta History Center (I'm really looking forward to that!) or a week of all new episodes of Mickey Mouse Clubhouse. I spend 90% of my time in mom mode, and I have the uniform of capris, T-shirt, running shoes and ponytail to go along with it.
Here's my latte today though: Do something cultural that doesn't involve the kids. Go to a museum, see a classic film, go to the theater, etc. This is not a tip I would have thought of a week ago, but I've had a big few days culturally. On Tuesday night we watched The Graduate (Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft) which Rob & I had never seen. It's really good, I guess that's why it's now a classic. It was a nice break from the over-the-top everything movies of today. Then my big cultural showing of the week was really last night. My step-mother's mother had an extra ticket to see the Broadway play Wicked at the Fox theater. It was amazing, and I feel great today just because I had that experience of going to it.
Here's my latte today though: Do something cultural that doesn't involve the kids. Go to a museum, see a classic film, go to the theater, etc. This is not a tip I would have thought of a week ago, but I've had a big few days culturally. On Tuesday night we watched The Graduate (Dustin Hoffman, Anne Bancroft) which Rob & I had never seen. It's really good, I guess that's why it's now a classic. It was a nice break from the over-the-top everything movies of today. Then my big cultural showing of the week was really last night. My step-mother's mother had an extra ticket to see the Broadway play Wicked at the Fox theater. It was amazing, and I feel great today just because I had that experience of going to it.
Thursday, October 9, 2008
What's for dinner?
I know, there are books, websites, blogs, etc devoted entirely to ways to feed your family. Here is a tip that someone told me last spring, and it has really helped me: Decide by 10 AM what you are going to do for dinner that night. It sounds so simple, and it is, but I didn't realize that I really did it before. It's so easy to get caught up in rushing through the day that you don't stop to think about dinner until you have 3 hungry children ready to eat. Then it's too late to plan!
At least 2 or 3 days a week, my decision is that we are going out. I am not someone who cooks every night by any means. At least this way I can manage expectations with everyone for the evening plans. I just went to the grocery store, and tonight we are having an Ohio favorite for Rob, Brats on the grill. Tomorrow is taco night. I feel so organized right now! Last night we went out with friends, and that was great, too.
Everything can be a source of stress, but I have found a way to make dinner time a little easier for this family at least on some nights. Of course, I'm sure that someone will end up eating a pop tart and banana for dinner instead!
At least 2 or 3 days a week, my decision is that we are going out. I am not someone who cooks every night by any means. At least this way I can manage expectations with everyone for the evening plans. I just went to the grocery store, and tonight we are having an Ohio favorite for Rob, Brats on the grill. Tomorrow is taco night. I feel so organized right now! Last night we went out with friends, and that was great, too.
Everything can be a source of stress, but I have found a way to make dinner time a little easier for this family at least on some nights. Of course, I'm sure that someone will end up eating a pop tart and banana for dinner instead!
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Slow Down
My tip today is simple and one that I should try a little harder to follow, slow down! If you are running late, you're not going to make up any time by trying to rush preschoolers out the door - trust me, I've tried. I'm sure that they played a part in the reason that you might be late, but it really isn't their fault so just let it go. If there is something for which you absolutely cannot be late, the kids need to be in the car, stroller, or with the sitter at least 10 minutes early. Murphy's law is so true with kids, I should just call it Mary Jane's law. This morning was a good example, I thought we were all ready to get in the stroller to go to preschool, but then Mary Jane (who was wearing a cute outfit of pink jeans and a shirt) saw Charlotte's outfit. Charlotte had on tights and a skirt, apparently a much better choice. Getting a 2 year old into tights and a skirt is not a quick process. I also had to convince Charlotte that her choice of shirt was too small and needed to be changed. Needless to say, we left about 10 minutes later than I planned. You know what? It wasn't a big deal.
Being on time to 1st grade with Mason is a whole different story, but the rules still apply, slow down and don't make your child anxious or feel responsible for the fact that things don't always run according to schedule!
Being on time to 1st grade with Mason is a whole different story, but the rules still apply, slow down and don't make your child anxious or feel responsible for the fact that things don't always run according to schedule!
Monday, October 6, 2008
Daddy
This morning Mary Jane had a 30 minute tantrum because Daddy left for work. There was nothing I could do to calm her down. I felt terrible for her and for me because I was so helpless. By the time we took Charlotte to school, took Daddy to work (his bus never arrived) and made it to Starbucks, she was happy again. We then had a great morning of coffee, strolling and storytime at the library. My latte of the day is that all tantrums will come to an end! You might have to wait it out for a little while. Mary Jane didn't want me near her until she calmed down. Also, there are times when it is nice to not be the favorite parent - Mary Jane would rather have Rob take care of her if she wakes up in the middle of the night. That's a nice break for me sometimes!
Sunday, October 5, 2008
Sunday Lessons
When I was little, everytime we had dinner with my grandparents my Grandfather would ask "What did you learn today?" It's not always an easy question to answer, but in the few days since I have been working on this blog, I've realized that I learn alot each day! Here are some of my lattes of the day...
1. Church is a great place to get some "me" time - the girls both love Sunday School during which I go to Java Monkey and read the Sunday Times Magazine. Rob and Mason spend some daddy son time together. During church, I sit with my grandparents who are now in their late 80s. It is very comforting to sit through the routine of the service and to see my grandparents help one another after 65+ years together.
2. Being a mother makes you overly emotional about most things and that is ok. Mary Jane stopped sleeping in a crib 4 days ago, and we were going to take the crib down this afternoon. I stood in the girls' room and cried and cried about it. It's a big milestone for her, and I'm excited that we're moving on, but I've has one of my babies in that crib for 6 1/2 years. Now I don't have any more babies in the house.
1. Church is a great place to get some "me" time - the girls both love Sunday School during which I go to Java Monkey and read the Sunday Times Magazine. Rob and Mason spend some daddy son time together. During church, I sit with my grandparents who are now in their late 80s. It is very comforting to sit through the routine of the service and to see my grandparents help one another after 65+ years together.
2. Being a mother makes you overly emotional about most things and that is ok. Mary Jane stopped sleeping in a crib 4 days ago, and we were going to take the crib down this afternoon. I stood in the girls' room and cried and cried about it. It's a big milestone for her, and I'm excited that we're moving on, but I've has one of my babies in that crib for 6 1/2 years. Now I don't have any more babies in the house.
Saturday, October 4, 2008
Starting a Business
Of course, we would all love to find that perfect business idea that will give us flexibility to do what we love while spending time with our families and making enough money to support everyone at home. I just thought I would take a minute to say good job to a few who have actually had the endurance to make it work. www.stinkykids.com is a t-shirt business started by the mom of kids at our old preschool. I must say that this family has done more than our share to help get the business going. Another one that I have supported a bit is www.darlingmummy.com I love their shirts and I must be a sucker for $25 tees. If you end up shopping with either of them, let them know that you read about them on my blog. If you design and sell expensive tees, let me know, I'll probably buy one. If I were at all artistically inclined, I would design some myself.
The one business that all moms should check out is www.brainytunes.com My brother-in-law is a terrific kid's singer/songwriter. It's worth a listen. If my mom and my sister are still the only ones reading this, then I guess we all know the words to Molly the Moose (my personal fave).
If you have an idea, you should take the leap and just try it out. Julie Clark, a mom from Ft. Collins, CO spent $15,000 making a video. Just a few years later she sold The Baby Einstein Company to Disney for 7 million dollars!
The one business that all moms should check out is www.brainytunes.com My brother-in-law is a terrific kid's singer/songwriter. It's worth a listen. If my mom and my sister are still the only ones reading this, then I guess we all know the words to Molly the Moose (my personal fave).
If you have an idea, you should take the leap and just try it out. Julie Clark, a mom from Ft. Collins, CO spent $15,000 making a video. Just a few years later she sold The Baby Einstein Company to Disney for 7 million dollars!
Friday, October 3, 2008
Organization (or lack thereof)
I have several books about how to get organized, reduce clutter, etc. It's a slow process for me because I tend to just keep things in stacks around the house, but it's hard to keep little hands from moving things. Organizing toys is a constant battle, but we have a rough system for it. Rob now refuses to purchase any more bins, baskets or shelves to further organize. We need to just "get rid of the stuff." This blog is going to be yet another test of my organizational skills. I haven't quite figured out how to organize my thoughts. I would welcome any suggestions.
I guess my daily latte (or tip) on this subject is to purge as much as possible rather than store it. This especially holds true for toys. One thing, you must make sure that you have all of the pieces of a toy before getting rid of it otherwise you're in for trouble when a 3 year old finds a stray part.
I guess my daily latte (or tip) on this subject is to purge as much as possible rather than store it. This especially holds true for toys. One thing, you must make sure that you have all of the pieces of a toy before getting rid of it otherwise you're in for trouble when a 3 year old finds a stray part.
Thursday, October 2, 2008
Useful (sometimes) Tips
Here is a random assortment of tips that might be useful. I find it easy to collect tips, but not always easy to follow them:
1. Do it the night before - I often leave the house 10 minutes late in the mornings thinking I should have started the wash, packed the snacks, picked out clothes last night instead of watching Nip/Tuck episodes from Netflix.
2. Do it all at once - I have found this very useful for laundry and cleaning, it is easier to devote a few hours to each rather than spend a little bit of every day and feel like it is never done.
3. Stop the junk - if you look at the bottom of one of the free credit card offers you get in the mail, there is a number you can call to stop all offers. I did this a year ago for me and Rob and it has made a huge difference in the amount of junk we have to sort through.
More to follow, hence the term daily latte...
1. Do it the night before - I often leave the house 10 minutes late in the mornings thinking I should have started the wash, packed the snacks, picked out clothes last night instead of watching Nip/Tuck episodes from Netflix.
2. Do it all at once - I have found this very useful for laundry and cleaning, it is easier to devote a few hours to each rather than spend a little bit of every day and feel like it is never done.
3. Stop the junk - if you look at the bottom of one of the free credit card offers you get in the mail, there is a number you can call to stop all offers. I did this a year ago for me and Rob and it has made a huge difference in the amount of junk we have to sort through.
More to follow, hence the term daily latte...
Wednesday, October 1, 2008
Lip Gloss
If you have a toddler, a tube of clear lip gloss is a great tool for entertainment or distraction when you're on the go and the mess is relatively minimal.
Addictions
So my big addition right now is coffee, more specifically mochas. In the summer, I take them on ice, but today I ordered my first hot drink of the season. A sure sign that fall has arrived in Atlanta! I'm thinking that there is a good chance that blogging will be my next big addiction. At least this doesn't cost $5 a day.
My life has gotten just chaotic enough that I am terrible at keeping up with email so this seems to be the next best thing. I can post new pictures and share any news. Most of it will be trivial stuff usually about the kids. Check back in a few days, maybe I'll have something interesting to say...
My life has gotten just chaotic enough that I am terrible at keeping up with email so this seems to be the next best thing. I can post new pictures and share any news. Most of it will be trivial stuff usually about the kids. Check back in a few days, maybe I'll have something interesting to say...
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