momonthegoinholytoledo

Chex Party Mix Exchange: Convenient, FUN, and did I mention convenient?

January 24, 2012October 2, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

In celebration of the New Year one of our Playgroup Moms hosted a Chex Party Mix Exchange and it was a blast!

I have to admit I was a little leery at first since I have never made a Chex Mix. I always thought you had to have a microwave and since we got rid of ours I thought my chances of being able to prepare a decent Chex Mix was out of the question. So when I was invited to the party my first thought was to kindly decline. Then I looked over the Chex Mix Party website and noticed all the amazing recipes and I was pleasantly surprised http://www.chex.com/Recipes/ChexPartyMixChange.aspx. The website offered great tips and tricks, creative packaging ideas, and a slew of recipes.

I decided on Goin’ Fishin’

Ingredients

3	tablespoons butter or margarine
9	cups Corn Chex®, Rice Chex® or Wheat Chex® cereal (or combination)
2	cups tiny pretzel fish-shaped crackers
2	cups bite-size cheese crackers
1	package (1 oz) ranch dressing and seasoning mix
1/2	cup grated Parmesan cheese

Variation

For extra fish appeal, and even more whimsy, use fish-shaped cheese crackers.

1.	In large microwavable bowl, microwave butter uncovered on High about 30 seconds or until melted. Stir in cereal and crackers until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated.
2.	Microwave uncovered on High 3 minutes, stirring after every minute. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container.
Oven Directions: Heat oven to 250°F. In ungreased large roasting pan, melt butter in oven. Stir in cereal and crackers until evenly coated. Stir in dressing mix and cheese until evenly coated. Bake 10 minutes, stirring after 5 minutes. Spread on waxed paper or foil to cool, about 15 minutes. Store in airtight container

I placed my mix in Mason Jars to pass out at the party.

When I arrived I was greeted by the amazing aromas coming from the kitchen. Our host outdid herself and made a beautiful combination of savory and sweet hors d’oerves.

Okay, so I was partial to the sweets, they were so good!!

It was so nice to be able to sit down, relax, and hear about everyone’s New Year and Christmas. While each of us loves our children it was so enjoyable to be in a kiddo free zone for a night. We could sit our beverages on the coffee table without the fear of a toddler drinking it or knocking it over, we could actually say words like crap and that sucks (come on, you know you have your own select few you allow around adults too), and maintain eye contact with the person talking (I always feel so rude when someone is talking and I just start running off because I foresee some accident waiting to unfold, usually involving my preschool and toddler, they can be a dangerous combination).

Everyone sampled each others Chex Mixes. Wow, I have to admit, I am not usually a huge fan of lemon but my two favorite Mixes had lemon in them. Then we exchanged Chex Mixes and the host even had beautiful container for each of us to take our Chex mixs home.

It was an all-around fabulous night and I would highly recommend a Chex Party Mix Exchange. The added bonus, in addition to getting away from the kiddos and having some fun “mommy time” was that I went home with enough Chex Mix for my kiddos to snack on for the next two weeks.

Thank you for a wonderful night Lilly, you outdid yourself (and thank your mom too, please).

So, if you are looking for a great way to celebrate any occasion (hello, Valentines Day is right around the corner) host a Chex Party Mix Exchange and invite some of your friends over and exchange these delicious (and so easy to make) treats. Added bonus, if you are room mom or in charge of any child’s holiday party you will have plenty of treats to share (this means you have to do a lot less work, hello, sing me up, right!?!). So, Chex that off your list as a “to do” (too much?).

I would love to hear your thoughts. Have you ever attended a Chex Mix Party Exchange? Would you contemplate hosting a Chex Mix Party Exchange? Do you have a favorite Chex Mix you make? Please share…

39th Anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade and the Amazing Moms who chose Life

January 22, 2012January 22, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Today is the 39^th Anniversary of the Roe vs. Wade and since the legalization of abortion more than 50 million abortions have been done in the United States, 50 MILLION! About 23% of all pregnancies in the United States end in abortion. These statistics are disturbing but it should be noted that there are women who are taking a stand, a stand for their unborn babies.

In church this morning I found myself deeply moved when I read about the following women and I wanted to share their stories with you and I hope you find their stories to be an inspiration for all of us.

Gianna Francesca Beretta was born in Italy. She was the tenth of thirteen children in her family, only nine of whom survived to adulthood. In 1942, Gianna began her study of medicine in Milan. She received a medical diploma in 1949, and opened an office in Mesero, near her hometown of Magenta, where she specialized in pediatrics.

Gianna hoped to join her brother, a missionary priest in Brazil, where she intended to offer her medical expertise in gynecology to poor women. However, her chronic ill health made this impractical, and she continued her practice in Italy.

In December 1954, Gianna met Pietro Molla, an engineer who worked in her office, ten years older than she. They were officially engaged the following April, and they married in September 1955. They welcomed Pierluigi, in 1956, Mariolina, in 1957 and Laura, was born in 1959. Gianna suffered two miscarriages after this.

In 1961, Gianna was pregnant once again. During the second month, Gianna developed a fibroma on her uterus. After examination, the doctors gave her three choices: an abortion, a complete hysterectomy, or removal of only the fibroma. The Catholic Church forbids all direct abortion even when the woman’s life is in danger, Catholic teaching would have allowed her to undergo a hysterectomy, which would have resulted in her unborn child’s death as an unintended consequence.

“Abortion – that is, the directly intended termination of pregnancy before viability or the directly intended destruction of a viable fetus – is never permitted…Operations, treatments, and medications that have as their direct purpose the cure of a proportionately serious pathological condition of a pregnant woman are permitted when they cannot be safely postponed until the unborn child is viable, even if they will result in the death of the unborn child.” – The Ethical and Religious Directives for Catholic Health Care Services (ERD) Directive 45

Gianna opted for the removal of the fibroma, wanting to preserve her child’s life.

After the operation, complications continued throughout her pregnancy. Gianna was quite clear about her wishes, expressing to her family, “This time it will be a difficult delivery, and they may have to save one or the other — I want them to save my baby.”

On April 21, 1962, Good Friday of that year, Gianna went to the hospital, where her fourth child, Gianna Emanuela, was successfully delivered via Caesarean section. However, Gianna continued to have severe pain, and died of septic peritonitis 7 days after the birth.

Gianna was beatifiied by Pope John Paul II on April 24, 1994, and officially canonized a saint on May 16, 2004. Gianna’s husband Pietro and their last child, Gianna, were present at the canonization ceremony.

“If you must choose between me and the baby, no hesitation; choose – and I demand it – the baby. Save her!” ( Gianna)

The migraines had started about a year before, when Jenni was a sophomore at Pocatello High School in Idaho. After doctors found a 2 centimeter mass on her brain from an MRI scan, she was diagnosed with stage three astrocytoma, a tumor that affects the brain and spinal cord. Doctors gave her a 30 percent chance of surviving two years with treatment.

Only weeks after Jenni was diagnosed with cancer, she found out she was 10 weeks pregnant. Doctors told her she had to terminate the pregnancy or stop treatment while pregnant for the safety of the baby. Jenni reportedly did not consider terminating the baby. She decided to forgo radiation and chemotherapy while pregnant.

“I guess we were just hoping that after she had the baby, she could go back on the chemotherapy and get better,” her mother, Diana Phillips, told the AP.

Her family documented the heartwrenching year through a series of YouTube videos appropriately titled, “Jenni’s Journey.”

“I don’t know how long this is going to last and I just want it to go away,” Jenni said in one of the videos uploaded on November 20, 2010.

The baby’s father, Jenni’s boyfriend, Nathan Wittman, will take care of Chad in Idaho, the AP reported.

Source: http://abcnews.go.com/blogs/health/2011/12/29/teen-gives-birth-loses-cancer-fight/

Stacie Crimm received the best news of her life in March when she found out she was pregnant. Doctors have told the 41 year old that she would never have kids and was overwhelmed with the news. A few months into the pregnancy, in July, Stacie was diagnosed with neck and head cancer from a n CT scan given by her doctor that stemmed from having headaches and tremors.

When given the option to began chemotherapy the mother refused. She risked her health for the thought of a healthy baby. Throughout the term she was very concerned about her unborn daughter. She consistently sent over 150 text messages to her brother about her worries.

“I hope I live long enough to have this baby,” she commented on one text. “Bubba if anything happens to me, you take this child,” she also wrote.

Stacie Crimm passed out in the middle of August finding out that the tumors were wrapping around the stem of her brain. During so the babies heart rate began to drop severely. Stacy’s heart had stopped for an hour an a half. The doctors proceeded to resuscitate but decided to deliver the two pound baby. Dottie Mae Crimm survived the tragic ordeal. Last month was the first time she held her newborn baby. Three days later Stacie Crimm died leaving a dying wish behind- a beautiful baby girl. The miracle baby is now 5 pounds living with her uncle, wife and their four children.

Source: http://www.imperfectparent.com/topics/2011/10/19/oklahoma-mom-rejects-chemotherapy-to-save-her-baby/

Thank you to all the moms who have chosen life and if you are reading this you need to thank your mom too!

Tonight when you are kissing your children goodnight give them an extra long hug and think about the moms in this post and the ultimate sacrifice they made for their children. And think about the 50 million babies that have died all because here in the United States women have a choice, not a gift or a blessing, but a choice. And pray.

Make Healthy Food Convenient

January 22, 2012January 4, 2014momonthegoinholytoledo

Why is it that those inevitable words, “Mommy, I’m hungry” always seem to strike at the most inconvenient moments? In our house it seems like those words are always uttered moments before we have to drop off a child at school, pick up a child from school, go to an after school activity, doctors appointment, playgroup event, and/or whenever mommy gets a moment to do anything for herself, whether that be using the restroom, brushing her teeth, you name it and they come running. It is like they have this sixth sense and they can tell when mommy is suddenly not doing something for someone else but surprisingly doing something for herself. It is as if they have mommy detectors that go off in their little heads when mommy is no longer in mommy mode. Saying, warning, warning, mommy is enjoying a moment of solitude, must intervene. Like we will lose our title as Mrs. Mommy or something? (In case Mrs. Mommy can’t fulfill her duties then the first runner-up will be crowned). But, I digress….

So there you are, a mom on the go, and there is your little one(s) asking for a snack, what to do? Well, you could prepare a healthy, nutritious snack for your little one which might take a few minutes or you could grab convenience foods thus making the solution rather, well, convenient. More than likely, since you do have a tight schedule, you will choose the more convenient route, and who could blame you? Those darn companies making the individually packaged serving sizes so darn appealing, just grab it and go. Now that is something the modern-day mom can get on board with, am I right ladies? I know I for one personally enjoy the convenience of the Late July peanut butter crackers and the cheddar cracker snacks. The prep and cooking time are just my speed. The directions are as follows, open box, remove individually wrapped cracker package and place in diaper bag, done. True, that was way convenient but at what cost?

Here is a riddle for you, what is inexpensive to get but expensive to treat? Answer: Heart Disease and Type II Diabetes.

As moms it is important that we teach our children healthy eating habits. Thus, in an effort to have healthy growing foods available for your children to have as snacks I propose that you make healthy food convenient. And this is how…..

The day you get home from the grocery store clean and prepare fruits and vegetables. I realize you may be tired and that you have much more to do during the remainder of your day but trust me, you will thank yourself.

Side Note: When purchasing produce remember the dirty dozen, these are the fruits and vegetables with the highest levels or pesticides. The following are the dirty dozen and you should make a special point to purchase these organic.

1. Apples
2. Celery
3. Strawberries
4. Peaches
5. Spinach
6. Nectarines (Imported)
7. Grapes (Imported)
8. Sweet Bell Peppers
9. Potatoes
10. Blueberries
11. Lettuce
12. Kale and Collard Greens

Roast butternut squash, spaghetti squash, and sweet potatoes preparing each as your family likes. I prefer to have the butternut squash with a little olive oil and sea salt, the spaghetti squash plain so the kiddos can place their own topping on it (parmesan cheese and marinara sauce), and I slice the sweet potatoes into sticks and mix with olive oil, nutmeg, and cinnamon.

Slice cucumbers into sticks and divvy out serving sizes of hummus for dipping. Slice up broccoli, cauliflower, and green peppers too, all taste great with hummus.

Place a serving size of grapes, carrots, apple slices (with a few drops of lemon so it doesn’t turn brown) in containers. I also like to have salsa (or cowboy caviar, sooo good!!), hummus, Greek yogurt, and peanut butter in smaller containers for dipping. Children seem to really enjoy dipping their fruits and vegetables.

You could also make a few yogurt and granola parfait, these are another fun and delicious treat.

Voila, you just made healthy food convenient. Now, depending on how old your little one(s) is, you can even place these items at their level in the refrigerator and allow them to choose their snack. I have even added a container with filtered water that my 4 and 6 year-old can reach and help themselves to, which is really awesome when they are thirsty and I am not near the kitchen.

So, while I realize those prepackaged foods will more than likely still be in your pantry (and mine, I am still buying the Late July crackers and the TLC crackers because let’s be honest, we can do it all, just not all at once, and sometimes we get by with a little help from our conveniently prepackaged friends, am I right ladies?).

Happy Birthday Mama!!

January 20, 2012January 20, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

I turned 32 this past week and it was awesome. I received so many warm wishes from family and friends, cool gifts, and surprises too! I figure what better way to share my experience with you than by posting a few pictures.

birthday 063 — We partied like it was my birthday!!

As tradition would have it in our family my birthday began with birthday donuts for breakfast. (Birthday breakfast is the only time our family has donuts, that way it is truly special and a fun tradition. Although my hubby might not always agree, he is the one getting up early and going out in the cold/heat, depending on whose birthday it is, to get donuts and we all greatly appreciate his sacrifice).

It really means a lot to me to have the entire family sitting down to breakfast together on a school/work morning.

I can’t think of a better way to wake up on your 32nd birthday then being greeted by your 3 beautiful children and loving husband (and dog and cat too!).

After breakfast it was time to get ready. I did the morning drop off, afternoon preschool pick-up, and then during quiet time I received a surprise visit from my sister and mom as well as balloons and an iced coffee- AWESOME!

That evening we went to my mom and dad’s for dinner and cake. My sister and brother also came over for dinner and before we ate they played with the kiddos, I loved it, it was such a genuine moment. As I stood watching them I realized how truly blessed I am to have family in town, family that speaks to each other, that loves one another, and enjoys spending time together. The two best gifts my parents have given me are faith and my siblings. Faith is just as vital as breathing as far as I am concerned and my siblings keep me real, they don’t allow me to get a big head, they enforce humility in a good way.

And did I mention they are a lot of fun!

Earlier in the week my in-laws came over to celebrate my birthday and they brought a delicious cake.

birthday 017 — Best gift, my toddler saying "Happy Birthday Mama"

I bought a new living room area rug with my birthday money, I love it!!

As an added bonus, in addition to the Scott Hahn Signs or Life book my sister watched my two younger kiddos so I could meet friends for lunch. On my way to lunch I received another surprise, my hubby called and informed me that there was someone interested in seeing the house that evening (we are talking 5 hour notice for a home filled with lively youngsters and animals, AHHHH). I was still in shock from the first surprise when I walked into the second surprise.

Instead of just having lunch with two of my close friends all my mommy friends were there, it was a wonderful surprise but I fear my face didn’t exude happiness since I was still overwhelmed by the fact that the house would need to be clean in record time. (The image above is of a previous event but most of the mommies in the picture were present at lunch). These women are amazing and I am so thankful they are each in my life. Most had to get babysitters to watch their children since we met during lunch and all are on a budget, amazing friends.

I received so many beautiful cards, presents, and spent precious time with family and friends.

My wish is that everyone cherishes the relationships in their lives and realizes that it is truly the people who add substance, value, purpose to your life.

Thank you everyone for your warm birthday wishes.

God Bless,

Kat

Working Mom vs. SAHM

January 16, 2012April 3, 2013momonthegoinholytoledo

While reading an article the other day I had an epiphany. The article was discussing the ongoing mommy war of Working moms vs. Stay at home moms which I have often found to be moronic. As soon as a woman is given the title mom she is working. She is physically, mentally, and emotionally on the clock so to speak. She is up at 3am for feedings, changing diapers, packing bags, giving baths, making meal, and those are just the physical requirements.

16fa5838b5680496_workingmom — Source:http://equalwrites.org/2009/10/20/careers-children-choices-why-the-usual-feminist

She is also modeling behavior regarding appropriate ways to interact with others, seek assistance, and compassion for her youngsters. She is answering philosophical questions, and teaching basic vocabulary, cause and effect, colors, shapes, religion, etc. She is also emotionally invested till the day she dies. She will worry about the way her child is developing. She will wonder if she is doing everything she can and should be doing for her children. She will put immense pressure on herself and even blame herself for any social, physical, or physiological delay her child may experience.

stay_at_home — Source: http://www.worldcompass.org/blogs/stacyjj

As moms we question ourselves enough without the added pressure from other moms. Let the mom who is perfect, with perfect children, and home/household to be the first to pass judgment on another mother.

stay_at_home_mom_and_lovin_it_tshirt-p235707481227540783uh2p_400350x350 — Stay-at-home mom salary: $117,856 (source:http://blog.sfgate.com/sfmoms/category/stay-at-home-mom/)

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Let the mom who is perfect, with perfect children, and home/household be the first to pass judgment on another mother.

_______________________________________________________________________________

working mom — Source: http://www.get-carried-away.com/2011_07_01_archive.html

Some may say politicians, teacher, and religious leaders are the people who will have the most impact on the future, the ones who will write history. I disagree with this factor; moms have the most important jobs on this planet, we directly influence the future generation.

Do you agree??

Thankful Thursday: That’s not mud, a new kind of mommy guilt, and having it all!

January 12, 2012January 12, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

As I stand here cleaning dirty diapers I find myself reflecting on this morning and desperately trying to recall ~~all the~~ make that, any thankful moments. It is kind of like grasping at straws at this point.

Run down of this morning….

I guess it all started last night. Our toddler, once again, got up and refused to return to her crib. I have no idea what is going on, she is to young for bad dreams and she has never had the privilege of sleeping in a different crib so it can’t be chronic crib envy (phew, we can cross that off the list). For those of you who have not experienced, or are not familiar with the term I provided the definition below;

Definition of Chronic Crib envy – baby or toddler becomes accustom to sleeping in a crib that is not their own. Perhaps the babysitter or grandparent has a comfortable crib they prefer but since they can not speak you have no idea. The result, they fall asleep in their own crib then roll over and awake horrified by the fact that they are not in the cozy crib they prefer but rather their own uncomfortable one.

17906_PD2 — Now here is a crib to envy…checkout more at Posh tots.

So, once again she was in our bed. And sometime during the night another child was added to the mix because when I woke up our toddler was desperately grasping at my neck, the cat was sleeping on my head, and there was two additional legs kicking my torso, talk about a great night sleep. You know how those famous people are always talking about their Sleep Numbers. Well, my sleep number, is 3-1/2 or what I call maximum capacity, that breaks down to, two adults, one animal, and and child under 4 feet tall.

Sleep-Number-Bed — My personal preference is to not be choked, kicked, or sat on while I sleep. Is that asking too much?

So I managed to free myself from all the people and animal in my bed and make my way downstairs to start breakfast. After everyone is fed it is time to get teeth brushed, get dressed, and then do the girls’ hair. Little did I know that I would be in for so much more than the occasional “ouch”, I would be introduced to an entirely new concept of mommy guilt.

thick stranded braid — This site has awesome ideas for hair.

My daughter requested a braid in her hair this morning and while most moms might think this is a small task I am here to clarify, it is not. First I must make my expectations clear, so I ask that she stand straight, gently place her head where I need it to stay for the next two minutes, and ask her to not put her hands on her face. So, what does she do? She puts her hands on her face, slouches, and starts bending her knees. I then repeat my expectations and explain the consequence of not following my directions, which is no braid. She then informs me that a friend in her class gets two braids and she would like two braids. To which I reply, “maybe tomorrow, we do not have time today”. Then she went somewhere we have never been before, she expressed “But Amanda’s (name has been changed to protect the innocent) mom has time to do her hair”, ouch, really, the mommy jugular. Now, I am definitely familiar with the self-inflicted Mommy guilt but having my child inflict it was an unfamiliar pain. I didn’t know what to say, I panicked, and pulled the number of children card. I asked her if Amanda had brothers and sisters. She quickly expressed no. And there you have it folks, mommy comes out on top with the old number of children card!!! As I finished her braid and she made her way down the stair to put on her shoes she added, “Oh, no wait, she has two brothers and two sisters”. Really!?! In my mind I replied, ” well, she sounds like a lovely mom maybe you shouldgo live with her” (but I am the adult in this situation so I did not say this outloud, God did hear it though, I think I need to go to confession). At this point I added a note to self, figure out how many siblings Amanda has and how the heck she get her daughter to sit still long enough for two braids. I wonder if bribery is involved.

muddy — That is not mud, or my dog for that matter but it gets the point across.

Once downstairs I noticed dog paw prints all over the house. It rained last night and is still raining today, so mud happens but I prefer that it doesn’t happen throughout my home. Then a non appealing aroma started to linger throughout. NO!?! Could it be that the dog did not track mud throughout the house but instead, poop!?! Yup! So I request that all kiddos step around or over the paw prints as they proceed to the door.

We divided and conquered today. My hubby took my son to preschool and I took our daughter to Kindergarten (different schools/building but they begin at the same time). Once home I had to rush downstairs to clean diapers because I put the last clean one on her this morning. And so here I am cleaning diapers and contemplating what I am thankful for today.

prefolds — http://greenmomhappymom.com/prefold-cloth-diapers/

Then it dawns on me, I am thankful for all of it, everything! I am thankful for the fact that I have a little toddler to keep me up at night, a preschooler who infringes upon my quality of sleep, a kindergartener who made me a mommy which also gave birth to mommy guilt, a cat that sleeps on my head, dog that tracks poop throughout the house (well I could do without the poop, it is just not sanitary, but you get my point), and a house for that dog to track poop throughout. But most importantly I am thankful for my hubby, my partner in lives journeys and that God has blessed me with so much.

What are you thankful for today?

Bathroom Remodeling

January 11, 2012January 21, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Okay, so last night my toddler awoke at 2am and she refused to go back to sleep in her crib so I brought her to bed with us hoping both her and I would go back to sleep. Instead, she fell asleep in seconds and I laid in bed staring up at the ceiling thinking about random things. I wondered how, and why, selling Girl Scout cookies became such a huge competition and if my little kindergartener was ready…..I wondered why the English langauge is so difficult, for heaven sakes, wind means one thing and unwind something entirely different ….Then I wondered what the heck is in Velveeta and why they can’t consider it cheese…. Why is it that the woman’s brain never stops, NEVER! Meanwhile my hubby was sawing logs next to me. So I continued on with my queries in my mind. My next thought, our house.

Our house has officially (I say this because we did put up a For Sale By Owner sign a year ago then signed with a realtor) been on the market for 3 months, and while I realize that is not a long time I can’t help but have a plan B. I am a mother, a Capricorn, and a recovering perfectionist (does anyone know of a perfectionist anonymous group?), I need a plan B and often times C & D (now I just sound like the Cat in the Hat).

So, here is my plan B, we take down walls. That’s right people, I said walls. We remove the wall between the dinning room and kitchen to allow for a more open floor plan which will be visually appealing and allow for a more functional traffic flow and use of space.

Then we will focus our attention on the bathroom which is currently a little shoe box were all five of us wash and bath but thankfully only 4 of us are potty trained. Once we add that fifth person to the pot we might be in some trouble. So this is what I propose, Bathroom Remodeling. We expand the current bathroom to allow for a larger soaking tub and vanity with two sinks. It would be so nice to have a luxurious spa like atmosphere in the adult bathroom (then again, I might never want to leave). Directly behind our current bathroom is a computer room that we will make into the children’s bathroom so we can use the same plumbing wall. Then the real fun begins, finishes, fixtures, and accessories!

Wow, after all that thinking I finally started to feel sleepy. Then the alarm clock went off. It was time to get the kiddos going for school. While I prepared breakfast and waited for my coffee to brew I quickly perused some websites and came up with a few ideas for our bathroom. Does anyone else suffer from the same mind debilitating nuisance of not being able to let things go?

Here are a few ideas that I have come up with thanks to Houzz http://www.houzz.com/photos/bathroom (think pintrest for interior design. Though it should come with a warning, it is difficult to walk away from this site.)…….

21st Century Bungalow traditional bathroom

traditional bathroom design by other metros interior designer Shane D. Inman

traditional bathroom design by chicago photographer Cynthia Lynn Photography

Ranch House Bathroom Renovation contemporary bathroom

contemporary bathroom design by atlanta interior designer Joel Kelly Design

Master Bath Retreat traditional bathroom

traditional bathroom design by seattle kitchen and bath Kayron Brewer, CKD

contemporary bathroom ideas contemporary bathroom

contemporary bathroom design by austin architect Dick Clark Architecture

Master Ensuite Bathroom - Divine Homes contemporary bathroom

contemporary bathroom design by toronto photographer Brandon Barré

Don’t these inspirational photos make you want to take a sledgehammer to your poor excuse for a bathroom? I will be sure to keep you all posted for when Plan B is taken into effect.

Maybe tonight while I am not sleeping I can try to come up with a plan to achieve world peace?

Any suggestions for getting a mommy’s brain to shut down are welcomed and greatly appreciated.

Momup Monday! What would you include in a motherhood survival kit?(Linky)

January 9, 2012January 9, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Momup Monday! What would you include in a motherhood survival kit?

So, have you ever run into an old college roommate at a coffee shop, or met your husband’s co-worker for the first time, or simply been introduced to a female without children at a social function? They often inquire about your life, asking, “so, what do you do?” To which you reply, “I am a stay at home mother”. What follows is a slight side tilts of their head in a sympathetic manner, nod, and an expression of sorrow, as if they just found out you were diagnosed with a deadly disease. Then the icing on the cake, the ever dreaded comment, “You are JUST home with the kids”. WHAT!!! Like it is a cake walk!

What if you were given the opportunity, right then and there, for her to truly experience all the joys of being a stay at home mother? She would have to walk, drive, and run, in your shoes for one week. She would have to do every single thing you do, the household chores, drive children to school and after school functions/activities, make certain all three meals are made everyday, home is tidy, laundry done, pets fed, appointments kept (dentist, orthodontist, eye doctor, vet, what have you) be the support system, referee, therapist, tutor, lego builder, boo-boo kisser and any additional hats your children require. Granted, it would only be fair to at least arm her with some sort of Motherhood survival package. After all we would be throwing her into this role cold turkey. So, the question for this Mondays Momup! Topic is: What would you include in the motherhood survival kit?

My Motherhood survival kit would include……

First and foremost I would include my 199 Favorite Bible Verses for Busy Moms book, the role of motherhood requires much prayer. When you do everything you do in the glory of the one that made you the day is much brighter.

yhst-38767375295741_2190_499637 — My sister gave me this book when I had my third child. I look forward to reading a verse every morning and I reflect upon it throughout the day.

Second, caffeine, it is a must! I am beginning to think that once you become a mother you need to kiss those well-rested days goodbye. It doesn’t matter what age your children are, the mother’s mind is a difficult thing to shut down at night, and even more difficult to reboot in the morning. So I will be adding Fairtrade coffee from Delicious Peace to my kit. (This coffee comes highly recommend by me, http://www.deliciouspeacethemovie.com/)

untitled7899 — (This coffee comes highly recommend by me, http://www.deliciouspeacethemovie.com/)

The third item I would include in the kit is my planner. It contains everyone’s schedule, where they need to be, when they need to be there, and any additional short notes. Without my planner I would be dropping the wrong child off, missing appointments, shoot, even forgetting who I am. You can write your name, address, and who to contact in case of an emergency (Calgon take me away, remember those commercials, haha) in the front. It also has weight and measurement configurations, Toll-free numbers for rental cars, airlines, and hotels, and time zones (I guess in case the first two items don’t work you have all the necessary info to flee?) your aspirations, values, mission statement, and so much more.

planners 2010 franklin covey — Would be lost without my Franklin Covey Motherhood planner, every child has a row where you can write down their schedule for the week in addition to your own daily tasks.

The fourth item I would include is a phone to call mom. It is funny, from the age 14, and up until the time you have children, the blame for practically everything under the sun is often placed on your mother. However when you have your first child the relationship you have with your mother is reborn. You suddenly have such an appreciation for everything she ever did for you, and sorrow for everything you ever did to her. You can relate to her on a level you never experienced before, and it is so comforting to hear her voice on the telephone after you have experienced your own precious angel’s meltdown. She becomes your ally in motherhood.

Lastly, and this was a tossup, and very close, but you will be happy to know that my readers beat out a glass of wine. Did I mention it was close? While it is nice to unwind with a glass of wine of Friday evening after a long week it is far more fulfilling to read fellow mommy blogs and know you are not alone. So, please add your blog to the Linky so that I may place it in my motherhood survival kit.

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Thank you and be sure to post a comment expressing what you would include in your kit.

There is a place for everything, now just make certain everything is in its place.

January 7, 2012January 7, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

After Christmas the real fun begins, the process of finding a location to store each and every single item the children received.

Everything that comes into the house must have a home; this is a huge rule in our house. If each and every little small thing that entered our house was just tossed somewhere our home would be clutter central and the chaos would soon follow. In order for every single item that enters your house to have a specific home you must have the necessary storage and this all begins with your furniture.

As an interior designer I have much respect for the craftsmanship of furniture design. The line, form, symmetry, etc. of a fine piece of furniture is easy on the eyes however as a mother I find myself always looking for the functionality of a furniture piece. If a furniture piece is not capable of storing something I no longer see a purpose for it in my home.

Reassess your furniture, is it working for you? Can you store objects inside, on top of?

One of my favorite pieces of furniture in my home is my bench in our living room (similar to the one in the image). The finish matches the décor, it has comfortable leather padding for guest to sit on, and the best part, it has drawers and baskets that are currently filled with our linens, winter gloves, scarves, and hats, and a basket for mommy’s planner.

205615-SM2 — Source:http://www.cymax.com

While it can be difficult to locate the perfect piece that meets the aesthetic and functional needs of your interior and your growing family, space can also play a factor.

SMALL SPACE ORGANIZERS

home-storage-systems-582x523 — Source: http://www.home-designing.com/2009/08/home-storage-and-organization-furniture

If per chance new furniture isn’t in your budget or perhaps you have already purchased all the furniture your family requires the next location that can be organized for storage are the closets. This includes the linen closet, pantry, bedroom closets, and front closet.

CLOSETS

organized-closet_300 — Source: http://www.realsimple.com/home-organizing/organizing/get-organized-00100000064718/page27.html

My closet is the same size as this closet and I am working on organizing it so that it resembles this image. At this rate by the time the children leave for college my closet should be complete.

betterhomesandgardens — Source:http://www.campusconfidant.com/style/style-closet-freak-out-organizing-your-small-closet-on-a-small-budget

I highly recommend removing closet doors when you have a long shallow closet and it encourages children to keep the space organized since it is visible at all times.

organize-kids-closet-1 — Source: http://kids-closet.closetsystems.co.uk/organize-kids-closet/

Once you no longer have storage available in the furniture pieces, closets, or shelves you need to become a little bit more creative. You can even have fun with it.

CREATIVE STORAGE

I want this for under my basement stairs, PLEASE!!! Talk about organized storage space and utilizing all means for storage, this is this girls dream come true.

furniture-for-small-spaces — Source: http://urbankitchenandbath.blogspot.com/2010/07/brilliant-storage-idea.html

Here is a creative way to maximize storage in a laundry room.

white-laundry-room-cabinets-design — Source: http://www.home-designing.com/2009/08/home-storage-and-organization-furniture

jib_4250-300x201 — Source: http://bungalowinsanity.com/2008/08/16/playroom-progress/

These are so much fun for a child’s room.

surreal-creative-curved-shelving-storage — Source: http://dornob.com/surreal-storage-curved-cabinets-dressers-bookcases/?ref=search

So, the next time your little one comes home with goodies from a party, gifts from their own party, clothing from grandma, etc. remember to express the importance of finding a home for each and every item that enters the house. This will keep the home clean and also keep you from losing your mind because everything will be in its place, no more searching the house for random objects again. That goes for the children as well, if they lose an item simply give them a gentle reminder that if it was in its place it would not be lost and they are in charge of their material things. Failure to place your items where they belong doesn’t constitute an emergency on mommy’s part.

Do you have a similar rule in your home? Do you have a special item in your home that helps keep you organized? What is your favorite piece of furniture and why?

Wacky Wednesday: Mommies have to poop too!

January 4, 2012January 4, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Why are moms always the last individuals in the family to get to go to the bathroom? Ever missed your window and had to live with that bloated uncomfortable feeling all day? Or worse, after waiting your turn, and rapidly approaching a closing window, your opportunity finally arises only to be interrupted by some form of chaos. Such as the baby placing small foreign objects in her nose or ears, or, perhaps your son thinking he can fly like superman only to be hugely disappointed by the impact of gravity and the pain of his head hitting the coffee table. Off to the emergency room, maybe you can poop tomorrow?

OLYMPUS DIGITAL CAMERA — Source:http://mystery-solved.com/potty-train.htm

“No great genius has ever existed without some touch of poop”.

-Lucius Annaeus Seneca-

As if it wasn’t bad enough already not being able to have the opportunity to have a bowel movement, we are then reminded periodically throughout the day that every other living creature in our house is, has, or will be pooping but us. We clean up poop from the animals, we smell the horrific farts from the dog and our husbands, we change the baby’s diapers, we wipe our 3-year-old’s butt, and we flush the toilet after our 5-year-old forgets. Yes, it is in our face all the time, everyone is pooping but mommy.

Why does daddy get 20 minutes of uninterrupted pooping time, often twice a day? Does mommy’s colon not deserve the same? Ladies it is time to stand up for our time in the bathroom, or sit down, either way you get the point. So, grab that magazine you have been meaning to read and claim your time on the throne!

Taken from the book Minimize the Chaos in order to Maximize the Joys of Motherhood