momonthegoinholytoledo

Jewelry Giveaway!

November 16, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

The other day the girls ( 3 and 7 yrs. old) were practically begging to raid my jewelry box. Why? Was it the allure of the unknown that was so enticing? I personally hadn’t gone through that thing in ages. So after contemplating worst case scenarios I caved and let them go in search of their treasures. Ha-ha!

They ooh and aahed as they opened each drawer. Then they inquired on how I received each, when I wore it, and why I don’t wear it anymore. I have to admit they had a point. Why don’t I wear my jewelry? Then I remembered, I became a mom and basically kissed my jewelry days goodbye. Why? Well for one, the fear of a child pulling or yanking and breaking an expensive piece of jewelry and possibly harming themselves or me in the process. Two, exhaustion! I feared losing jewelry simply because I was too tired to remember where I had placed it last. But the infant and baby days are behind me now. Perhaps it is time to venture back into the bling?

So I joined the girls in their endeavors and perused through my jewelry box. And what I found was that I did not have much in the way of variety when it came to my jewelry. Everything was silver. All necklaces were short. And most pieces looked formal. I was lacking casual, fun, colorful pieces. So what’s a girl to do? Go shopping of course. Haha! But what was I going to be able to purchase on a SAHM salary? Are there any jewelry stores around here that will accept hugs, kissing of boo-boos, and a mean meatloaf in return for a pair of earrings? Lol! So I figured I was out of luck. Then I checked my email and boy did my luck change!

I received an email for a local woman named Mindy who expressed that she was a Paparazzi Accessories consultant. She explained that she sells trendy, affordable jewelry. (PLEASE! I doubted her concept of affordable and mine coincided….she probably thought $50 was affordable for a necklace.) I continued to read. Turns our she has two younger kiddos so maybe she can relate? She stated that with the affordable prices of this jewelry moms can still stay fashionable. (Hmm…does affordable mean cheap?) She went on to explain that she makes sure all pieces hold up, and if you ever had a problem with a piece, will repair or replace it at no cost to you. And then closed by stating that she would like to provide me with a matching set of necklace, earrings, bracelet and ring to review. (Um, YESSS PLEASE!). So we arranged a meeting for the following week.

After school the kiddos and I met up with her at a local coffee establishment. And let me tell you what unfolded was pure fun! The girls and I had a blast looking through all the jewelry.

And so much more…..

I had a difficult time deciding what I wanted given the amazing selection! While I contemplated between two of the longer necklaces she shared more about the Jewelry line. Turns out her definition of affordable and mine were spot on! Each piece cost $5. That’s right, only $5!! Now that is my kind of jewelry. For that price the girls can borrow it. For that price I can be guilt free if I ever misplace a piece. For that price I can get a lot more jewelry!! For that price I can be a SAHM who wear jewelry!! I finally mad my decision…what do you think?

I wore my jewelry practically everyday for a week. I received so many compliment and I haven’t broke or lost a piece yet. I have even let the girls borrow the necklace and ring and they always get returned in one piece….that’s pretty impressive if you ask me.

She also carries adorable hair accessories that I simply have to get my hands on!! Click here to shop now! Oh, and I almost forgot. She also does Facebook parties. What it entails is you setting up an event and having a virtual party with all your friends and the best part, you would be the hostess and receive free jewelry and/or hair accessories. Awesome, right!? Click here and message Mindy today to set up your party (you heard me right, virtual party which means you don’t have to clean or cook. Haha!).

And last but not least, the GIVEAWAY!!….

Win $25 worth of jewelry and/or hair accessories (images below are just an example of options. You will decide which pieces you want)

To Enter :

Like 5 Dollar Fashion Accessories Facebook page (please like from your personal page so it will be counted)
Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo Facebook page (please like from your personal page so it will be counted)
Follow @mamaof3onthego on twitter
Once you have completed 1-3 comment to this post stating what your favorite piece of jewelry is…be as specific or generic as you want.

Winner to be randomly selected Nov. 29th @ 11:59pm

(Winner’s name will be posted on this blog post, Facebook, and twitter. Winner will be asked to email their address to mommyblissmarks@gmail.com. Thank you)

Disclosure: I was given a necklace, earrings, and rings to review, no other compensation was received, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Spoiled Rotten!

November 14, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

Last week the kiddos had parent teacher conferences on Thursday and Friday. Meanwhile my father had work and mother had a work conference in Columbus. Thankfully our parent teacher conferences with the kiddo’s teachers were scheduled for Thursday. So when my mom brought up the idea of me and the kiddos driving down on Friday, hanging out, and staying the night with them I couldn’t refuse!

I packed our bags. And my little helpers helped make lunches for the road and each selected two items to occupy their time in the car. I have learned, mostly through trial and error, that in order to limit the potty breaks I do not pass out liquids until at least an hour into the trip (once we spent 45 minutes at a rest stop…it took so long to get the 3 year old to use an automatic flushing toilet that by the time she finally did the 6 & 7 year old had to go potty again…never again!). So we started off our trip with the Rosary, then some fun music, lunch (in the car), and we were there! No potty breaks!! That was the first time that ever happened so we definitely started off the trip on a positive note! It really is the little things in life that can bring much joy, haha!

As soon as we arrived it was a whirlwind of fun! First we headed to the Center of Science and Industry (COSI). I have been going to COSI since I was my kids’ age. But what made this trip special and different from all the past trips to COSI was that I would be going with my dad! See when I was a kid my mom would take us while my dad worked. But this time my dad got to join me with my kiddos. And let me tell you there is nothing more sacred than watching your father enjoy watching his grandchildren. It is in those moments that there is confirmation that I am a part of something much bigger than I or this world. The children had a blast! We managed to go through almost every exhibit…Curious George, water play space, gears and industry, energy, etc.

Exploring science can really build up an appetite. So for dinner we went to The Cheesecake Factory! The food was amazingly delicious and best part, I did not have to prepare, cook, set, clear, or clean a thing! It gets better. After dinner we headed back to the Hilton for an evening swim. And everyone knows that after a long day of science exploration, a full belly, and a swim a child will sleep peacefully. And that is precisely what all 3 did! Granted I wasn’t too far behind them but it was the most relaxing evening I had had in a long time. I didn’t have to do laundry, tidy from the day, or prepare for the next day. In fact when we came back from our swim there were chocolates on our beds and a weather forecast for the next day….did I mention I was totally pampered!? Wonder if my hubby would start doing this at home because this is something a girl could definitely get used to, right ladies? Ha-ha!

We woke up had breakfast…and again, I didn’t have to prepare, clear, or clean…spoiled rotted, right!? Then we went back for another swim where I enjoyed a Starbucks poolside…can you get any more spoiled than that? Yes!

We then perused Easton and all the wonders it has to offer…which is a lot. The girls ventured to the American Girl store while the boys went to the Lego store. Well, let me rephrase that, the girls tried to go to the America Girl store. There was a line around both sides of the store just to get in. Can we say ridiculous? What gives people? So we did the second best thing and at least got a picture in front of the store….what can I say, I had clearly grown accustom to the pampered lifestyle. Lol!

So we joined the boys at the Lego store where our son was building his own Lego men. The store was pretty cool and the prices weren’t bad at all. Nana and Papa even treated the kiddos to Lego kits and cases which occupied their time the entire way home.

Then it was getting to be close to our departure time. But not before being spoiled one last time. My dad paid for and pumped my gas for me…how awesome is that? I was sad to see our time end. It was so much fun spending time together. I especially treasured witnessing the relationships between my parents and my children be nurtured, truly priceless!

The big question…

I had been pampered and spoiled for the past 24 hours how was I ever going to acclimate myself to my past life? I had to go back to cooking, cleaning, tidying, preparing, a chocolate free bed, no fluffy white robes, no breakfast ready in the morning, and no Starbucks poolside, no pool….how was I going to manage? Lol!

Thankfully none of my skills that I had acquired prior to this trip where lost and I did manage to acclimate to my old lifestyle but I will forever treasure my time of pampering in Columbus Ohio.

When was the last time you were pampered? Isn’t it funny what you consider pampering as a parent? Prior to having children would you have considered going out to eat as pampering?

The ABC’s of Movement (Download these today!)

November 11, 2013June 16, 2020momonthegoinholytoledo

November is Family Literacy Month!! And what better way to teach kiddos the alphabet and phonics than through movement?

As the weather gets cooler I am always looking for fun creative ways to keep the kiddos active indoors. These cards provide just that! Oh, and I forgot the best part, the children are actually learning while they move!

What are the ABC’s of Movement card?

They are developmentally appropriate movement activities for young children. They consist of 26 durable 5″ x 7″ alphabet cards, one instruction card and one logo card per set. The front of the cards has a photograph of a child demonstrating each letter movement while the back has instructions to trace the letter, a rhyming sentence, an alliteration (words with the same first consonant sound) sentence, performance instructions, modifications for children with special needs and gross motor domain addressed. Since my children are at different developmental stages (ages 3, 6, & 7) these cards are the perfect lesson for all 3. Talk about a lot of bang for your buck!

Why Movement and Literacy?

Movement is a very effective learning medium for children. Movement enhances every aspect of young children’s growth and development. By combining movement experiences with the alphabet, children learn their letters and make literacy connections while improving their large motor skills. Literacy experiences prior to first grade are critical for children’s success in learning to read and write. Through movement, play, and active learning, children acquire knowledge by physically experiencing concepts. Current brain research tells us that students need to be active to get their brains working and growing. The ABC’s of Movement can also be used with older students to refocus their attention during “brain breaks”. Students can learn during these brain breaks plus return to a task renewed and energized.

My kiddos have so much fun with these cards. They enjoy tracing the letters in the air and mimicking the movements of the child illustrated in the photograph. In fact, in their free time they ask to get out the movement cards instead of inquiring about screen time which astounds me…not many things can compete with screen time.

Click here to download The ABC’s of Movement

These are also ideal for teaching: preschool to 2nd grade. Also beneficial for children with special needs such as developmental delay, autism, Down syndrome and mild cerebral palsy. Perfect for use at home, school, childcare, daycare or therapy setting.

If you’re a parent of a child with special needs, here are some resources you might find helpful:

– Cerebral Palsy Family Network – A compassionate community that provides resources for loved ones with cerebral palsy

–Autism Support Network

–Children with Apraxia and Reading, Writing, and Spelling Difficulties

– Learn about Financial Planning For Kids With Special Needs

-Learn about Managing Your Child’s Screen Time

You won’t believe what I overheard!

November 7, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

After a long day of running kiddos around, helping with homework, mediating sibling quarrels, laundry, making dinner (you know the drill) I was just about spent! I had no patience left. I was feeling overworked and underappreciated. I was questioning my self-worth as a mother (3 year olds will make you do that ha-ha!). Wondering why it is that I bother doing half the stuff I do or say? Wasn’t it all just in one ear and out the other? It had gotten to the point that it seemed like the dog was the only one listening to me anymore. So I did what any mother would do when they hit their breaking point. I sent the kiddos up to brush their teeth and get ready for bed.

Since they did not have school the next day we had said it was okay for them to have a sleepover, which basically entails all 3 sleeping on the girls’ bedroom floor. Not really that big of a deal but to them it is the coolest thing since sliced bread. Lol!

So I sent them up to get ready and a few minutes later the laughter started. My blood started to boil. I made a mad dash up the stairs. I halted suddenly when I overheard…..

Now I lay me down to sleep. I pray the Lord my soul to keep. Guide me safely through the night. And wake me with the morning light. God bless, mommy, daddy, grandma….

They were saying their prayers. I stooped down on the step. I managed to get a visual of the children sitting on the floor finishing up their prayers. I was so proud of my little ones in that moment. With no direction to do so they knew that prayers are an important part of the bedtime routine. I decided to stay on that step for a few moments longer and eavesdrop on the children. Real mature, right!? But who knew, maybe I would finally know who dropped their gum between the cushions of the couch or who tore a hole in the leather couch, or who dropped the toothpaste in the toilet, there are quite a few cases still open and it would be nice to finally close them. Ha-ha! So I stood their basically waiting for them to incriminate each other (not exactly mom of the year material…it wasn’t one of my finest moments). But to my astonishment the opposite played out. They illustrated….

Faith-They said their prayers together and asked God to watch over every family member.

Compassion– The youngest tripped and her siblings came to her rescue and share their own stories of tripping on things and told her it would be okay.

Love– Big sis, our 2^nd grader, read a book and helped her younger brother to sound out a few of the words and patiently answered her little sister’s persistent questions.

Gentleness– Big sister gently took out little sister’s hair bow.

Compromise– They had a discussion on who would sleep where and made some compromises.

Pure Selflessness– It was adorable. Our little Kindergartener let his little sister have his pillow pet and then made certain she was covered up with her blanket.

A tear ran down my face. I had just witness the most beautiful thing. My children illustrating genuine faith, love, and compassion. They didn’t rat each other out or point fingers. They looked out for one another. So maybe the huge hole in the leather couch case will never be closed. But you know what I can close is the case of, am I even doing this mom thing right? I am sure many moms can relate. You question yourself. You wonder if anything you are saying or doing is sinking in to those little souls. And just when you are ready to throw in the towel and race up those stairs, and lose it the most miraculous thing can occur. Reassurance! Reassurance is what we all want. And God sends it to us if we are willing to listen. This means you have to shut off those negative thoughts in your head and be open to the good.

Have you ever found yourself at your wits ends? Questioned your worth as a mom? How do you snap out of it? Or maybe you witnessed a genuine moment between your kiddos? Please share.

Is technology working for you or are you working for technology?

November 3, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

While driving the kiddos to school last week I heard something that was a tad alarming. Apparently we are addicted to our phones. We check our phones 110 times per day. Shocking, right!? My first thought was there is no way that was true. That study had to have been rigged. Then I took a second and really contemplated how often I check Facebook, email,the time, etc. My conclusion was that maybe 110 wasn’t such a ridiculous number after all. Perhaps we are addicted?

Hello, my name is Kat and I am addicted to checking things online. Checking what? Well, this is embarrassing to admit but I easily check Facebook a half dozen times right after I post something in order to see who will be the first to like or comment. I also do the same right after I send an email to see if they have replied yet. Like they are just sitting there waiting for my email…like they have nothing better to do, ha-ha! The crazy thing is that the beauty of Facebook and email is that it doesn’t have to be in real time. I don’t have to be present when someone hits like. Which makes sense now but what about later, how do I stop? How do I stop the insanity? Lol!

See, even if I walk away from the computer, silence the phone, and shut off any other screened device my mind will still be distracted with the thoughts of…I wonder if anyone liked that….I wonder if so-and-so read my comment….what if so-and-so read it, interpreted it wrong, and is spreading horrid lies across Facebook right now? And that is just Facebook. There is plenty more where that came from for emails, meetup, twitter, etc. I need to refocus! One of the main purposes of email, Facebook, meetup, etc. is the convenience, right? They should be freeing up my time. So why is it compromising my time? Is technology working for me or am I working for technology? Hmmm?

Solution….

It clearly isn’t healthy to occupy your time offline thinking about the things going on online. So my solution is to unplug, redirect, and to go easy on myself. I remember reading somewhere that it takes us up to 21 days to adjust to a lifestyle change. So I have been planning my time accordingly and carefully. I have been allowing myself a ½ hour either in the morning or afternoon to check, post, and comment. This is proving more difficult than I had anticipated. Turns out my main downfall was instant messaging on facebook….it is fascinating how quickly time flies when chatting online with multiple peeps. So I had to adjust my chat settings, which felt slightly deceitful but it was necessary. And when I am offline I have found the following to really be a helpful distraction….

Painting with a Fairy Princess…..

Learning about NFL players with an Army Man…..

Baking……

And partaking in a few science projects…..

My time is valuable and I don’t want another minute to be wasted on meaningless distractions about things that truly are not that important in the grand scheme of things. I mean let’s face it, while I enjoy reading Facebook statuses, seeing pics of my friends and their adorable little ones, reading an interesting article or two, etc. I am growing brains, young and impressionable brains. I need to model healthy behavior with technology. I don’t want my children to be slaves to the virtual world. But I must admit I only see this becoming more difficult given the rate that technology is advancing.

How do you balance your online time? How do you manage that urge to check your phone? Have you introduced technology to your children, if so how do you moderate that time? Are you concerned with the impact technology is having on children? Please share.

McDonald’s Happy Meals: Calcium, Fruit, and Literacy? (Giveaway)

October 31, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

National Family Literacy Day is Nov. 1 and McDonald’s is inviting families to celebrate the joy of reading with the launch of a new Happy Meal Books promotion. From Nov. 1 – Nov. 14, McDonald’s will offer books in print for Happy Meal customers, providing more than 20 million books to families across the U.S. Throughout the two-week Happy Meal Books offer, families will be able to enjoy four original books featuring McDonald’s Happy Meal characters.

Here is a video the kiddos and I did expressing how we make reading an important part of our family (you totally have my permission to laugh…between the distinct root line of my hair and the kiddos comments this is rather amusing)

Also, as part of the launch of Happy Meal Books, McDonald’s is collaborating with Reading is Fundamental (RIF), the largest children’s literacy non-profit in the U.S., to help more children and their families discover the joy of reading. RIF will distribute 100,000 Happy Meal Books to children who do not have easy access to books.

“Books are essential for inspiring children to explore, dream, and achieve, yet far too many children do not have this basic resource,” said Reading is Fundamental CEO Carol Hampton Rasco. “To change this unfortunate reality, RIF is uniting with McDonald’s, a company that embraces the transformative power of books and is committed to helping families and communities thrive. Together, McDonald’s and RIF can truly help enrich kids’ lives through access to books and by putting the fun back into reading.”

The new books follow a number of enhancements McDonald’s has made to the Happy Meal over in recent years including:

•McDonald’s 2011 “Commitments to Offer Improved Nutrition Choices,” to ensure 100% of McDonald’s national kids’ communications include a nutrition or active lifestyle message.

•Since 2013, the automatic inclusion of apple slices, a smaller kids-sized fry and the choice of a low-fat dairy option like 1% low-fat white milk or fat-free chocolate milk.

•Since 2010, a portion of proceeds from each Happy Meal sold goes to support Ronald McDonald House Charities.

The four limited-edition books include:

•“The Goat Who Ate Everything” – Tells a story of a goat who has a big appetite and struggles to eat right. But when he does, he feels great and becomes the playful ‘kid’ everyone loves.

•“Deana’s Big Dreams” – Shares how Deana, the world’s smallest dinosaur, grew tall by eating right.

•“Ant, Can’t” – Features Ant, a bite-sized bodybuilder who’s big on encouraging physical fitness through exercise and eating right.

•“Doddi the Dodo Goes to Orlando” – Follows happy-go-lucky bird Doddi who travels the world. She eats right because this dodo is always on the go-go.

Clearly Happy Meals are not what they used. These are not your mommas Happy Meals, haha! Kudos goes out to McDonald’s for listening to the customers’ needs and for teaming up for such a great initiative, thank you!

Giveaway:

3 lucky winners will be awarded 2 Happy Meal coupons!!

To enter…..

Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo Facebook page
Follow McDonald’s on Twitter https://twitter.com/mcdonalds_NWOH
Follow @mamaof3onthego on twitter
Once you have completed 1-3 comment to this post stating how you make reading an important part of your family or share your family’s favorite storybook.

Winner to be randomly selected Nov. 5th @ 11:59pm

(Winner’s name will be posted on this blog post, Facebook, and twitter. Winner will be asked to email their address to mommyblissmarks@gmail.com. Thank you)

Disclosure: I was given McDonald’s Happy Meal coupons, no other compensation was received, and all opinions expressed are my own.

Wordless Wednesday: Toy Catalogues, Ugh!

October 30, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

What started off as a good intention and small distraction while we waited for school clothes to dry (Have you ever remove the clothing from the washer, placed it in the dryer, and then totally forget to turn on the dryer?) ended up becoming a territorial, argumentative, and overall appalling scene! Why did I think this was a good idea? I will never look at Target the same way again! Lol!

In the beginning there was structure, patience, peace….

Then the girls got sidetracked by all the pink and sparkles and boy became frustrated….

The beginning of the end…all order went out the window. They were each told to circle 3 items. I asked how many they circled and the little exclaimed “twenty-three!” while holding up 5!?! The eldest accused the middle of circling items that she had already circled. While the middle child looked perplexed and proclaimed ” I don’t like clothes!” which clearly had nothing to do with the conversation, but good to know…good to know! Lol!

Moral of the story…..Mom, always make certain you turn on the dryer!!

What do you do when the toy catalogues arrive at your house? Do you let your kiddos look through them one at a time…and if so, how do you manage crowd control? Do you hide them? Perhaps you use them as kindling for the fire? Do tell!

Jesus in Disguise

October 27, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

On Saturday I had the pleasure of hearing John Wood, author of Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission speak. I read his book earlier in the summer and it was life changing! So when the opportunity for me to hear him in person presented itself I was beyond thrilled. I highlighted the heck out of the book and often find myself going back to it for my morsels of convictions when I find myself falling short or struggling with worldly temptations. I keep it right next to my life manual, the bible.

During his talk he brought up the fact that we all come in contact with difficult people in our lives. Think back over the past month. Did you come in contact with a difficult person, an ornery neighbor, frustrated parent, or a toddler throwing a full on Oscar award winning tantrum? I know I have, on more than one occasion. He then quoted Mother Teresa…..

Each one of them is Jesus in Disguise. Then he went on to ask, how should you treat those people? You could laugh at them when they throw their tantrums, you could mock them, or ignore them? But they are Jesus in disguise, how would you treat Jesus? Would you treat him kindly, compassionately, with patience and love? I know I would. That was a real ‘aha moment’ for me. I have always considered the poor, sick, and elderly to be Jesus in disguise but my 3 year old? It is brilliant!

When I came home that evening and my 3 year old was throwing an Oscar award winning tantrum I knelt down and looked in her big blue eyes and spoke to her in a calm voice with patience. Granted she didn’t listen the first 3 times. But the 4th time I did not yell or lose my head, I maintained composure and compassion and guess what? She listened. A sense of Grace came over me and I found myself welcoming my next encounter with Jesus in disguise.

But what about those days, weeks, or months when you are plagued with difficult people, tantrums, and constantly giving? Those days you are tempted to just lose it and say what about me?

Remember this….

“The world offers you comfort. But you were not made for comfort. You were made for greatness.” Pope Benedict XVI

Interested in reading more on this topic: Haley Stewart wrote a fabulous article, You were Made for Greatness, Not Comfort.

Have you come in contact with a difficult person recently? How did you handle it? Do you have a toddler? Where have you seen Jesus in Disguise?

Lying to your kids

October 23, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

So last week was Little Boo at the Zoo, it is a trick-or-treating event for toddlers and preschoolers at the Toledo Zoo. I look forward to Little Boo every year. I have been going for the past 6 years and this year was going to be my first with only one kiddo, (boo). Our little Minnie Mouse had been looking forward to it and couldn’t wait to see all her friends. We made this a playgroup event so we would be seeing our friends, getting candy, and seeing animals…the toddler trifecta!! Haha!

Before we left I had to get a pic…(yes, I am that mom) she is saying candy…you can really tell by how big her eyes are, haha!

My plan was to get in and out of the zoo within an hour, hour and a half, then attack my list of errands that was a mile long before picking up the older kiddos from school. So you can imagine my astonishment when we drove up to the parking lot and the line started there! No joke!

What was going through my mind when I saw the line….

If I just abort the mission now and drive away my little Minnie Mouse will be heartbroken and let’s be totally honest, she will drive me insane the rest of the day!

If I stay there is no way I can even make a dent in my errands….I will be lucky if I get out in time to pick up the older kiddos from school.

I am the head organizer for our playgroup and the moms might be in line, or inside already, how am I supposed to find them?

Solution….

I kind of fibbed to my daughter. I wouldn’t call it a straight out lie because I was not initially trying to be deceitful. The last thing I wanted to do was hurt her. Plans simply had to change. We needed to be flexible with our day. But unfortunately a 3-year-old has no concept of being flexible. So I put it in terms she could understand. I expressed to her that I had forgotten to get a reservation for this event and I was terribly sorry but I did make a reservation for the gift shop. Boy did her eyes get really big again. See we avoid gift shops at all cost at all times so this was kind of a big deal. So we walked past the LONG line and strolled on into the gift shop that was entirely empty…as if I had made exclusive reservations just for us, haha!

She lost her mind. She loved it! I total her she had $10 to spend as she pleased. So we perused the shop for a few minutes, she likes to know all her options. We even stopped for a quick photo op to commemorate this magnificent day.

Bottom-line….

I totally lied to my child! Granted I have a whole slew of reasoning behind it and can totally justify my actions but truth is truth, and the truth is I lied. Which got me thinking, how often do I lie to my children and is it really that bad?

Turns out more often than I had assumed or would like to admit.

That same day we had a discussion over the dinner table about the Tooth Fairy. See our 7 yrs. old only received $2 from the Tooth Fairy while our 6 yrs. old received $3. I suddenly found myself making up an entire fantasy about Tooth Fairies…talk about a lie that snowballed. There was no way I was going to break the news that mom and dad simply got their wires crossed.
During that same meal I convinced our 3-year-old to eat her food by expressing that it was Minnie Mouse’s favorite (FYI: If my child claims that carrots and meatloaf are Minnie Mouse’s favorite food just go with it)
The next day at breakfast our daughter was crossing her eyes and making funny faces and I told her that if she kept doing it her face would get stuck.
I told our 3-year-old not to swallow her gum because it takes years to leave the body…simply in an effort to get her to stop eating gum. (Update: She busted me that afternoon after taking a BM she made certain I notice that the gum came out of her body).
At the store the kiddos were distracted and we needed to get going. I explained we need to go now and if they chose to stay that they will want to contact the manager and see if he is hiring.
And I am sure you could tell that whole reservation story came too easily. This was not my first Rodeo…I use the reservation concept all the time…movies, toy stores, etc. “We have to make a reservation” is a phrase that commonly escapes my mouth.
Santa Claus
The Easter Bunny

Turns out I might just be one perpetually lying mother. Are you? When was the last time you lied to your child? Did you do it as motivation? Maybe as a control mechanism? And, is it really that bad? When have you crossed that line…when does the lying become detrimental? Please share.

Warner Bros. Spook-Tacular Movie GIVEAWAY!

October 17, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

What is the best part about Halloween?

The pumpkin carving? The costumes? The free candy? All are amazing, but our favorite by far is Halloween Movie Nights!! Warner Bros. has a line-up of Spook-Tacular Movies to get you in the holiday spirit. From classics like It’s The Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown & Scooby-Doo The Goblin King to Adventure Time – Jake the Dad, you can count on a spook-tacular selection that the entire family can enjoy!

And for those older kiddos nothing beats a spooky story! Before you and the kids take the neighborhood by storm, get in the mood by sharing some spooky stories! Download copies of the Spook-Tacular Story Time PDF, fire up the flashlights, and gather in a circle….. this Halloween it’s STORY TIME! Perfect for kids ages 7 to 73!

And to really get you in the holiday spirit….

Which Spooky Family Are You?

QUIZ – Is your family all about the candy and costumes? Or are you pumpkin-carving crazy? Take the quiz to find out which spooky family YOU are! (Click on the image below to get started!)

The Giveaway!!

Enter to win ONE of the following Spook-Tacular DVDs! (Prize will be chosen randomly from the titles below!)

• Scooby-Doo! 13 Spooky Tales: Run for your Rife!

• Regular Show – Fright Pack (V4)

• It’s the Great Pumpkin, Charlie Brown Deluxe Edition

• Tom and Jerry: Tricks and Treats

• Bugs Bunny’s Howl-oween

• Scooby-Doo and the Goblin King

• Tom and Jerry: Halloween Hijinks

• Sesame Street: Elmo Says Boo!

• Adventure Time – Jake the Dad (V5)

To Enter the Giveaway complete each of the following…..

Like Mom on the go in Holy Toledo Facebook page

Follow Warner Bros. Entertainment on twitter

Follow @mamaof3onthego on twitter

Reply with your results from the quiz…what spooky family are you?

Winner to be randomly selected Oct 25th @ 11:59pm

Winner is only eligible to win 1 WB Spook-Tacular Family Movie [CHOSEN AT RANDOM]. If you have won the same prize on another blog, you will not be eligible to win it again. Winner is subject to eligibility verification.

(Winner’s name will be posted on this blog post, Facebook, and twitter. Winner will be asked to email their address to mommyblissmarks@gmail.com. Thank you)