I need to first apologize to anyone who tried to tune in and watch our show live on Monday. We experienced a few technical difficulties for our first show and it did not go live, unbeknownst to us. We actually went through the entire show and then noticed that we were not being seen, so disappointing! But we handled the situation with class; we had a glass of wine and then did the exact same show again. If you don’t succeed at first try…try again…and so we did! So without further ado, Moms’ Timeout Episode I….
And Part II….
Do you have any Time Management or planning tips to add to the list? Or perhaps you can relate to some of the issues we discussed?
Please share your thoughts, ideas for future shows, suggestions for the format of the show, any and all comments are graciously welcomed so please share. Don’t worry; you will not hurt my feelings.
Okay, so I fell in love with this mug the moment I walked into Caribou the other day, I just had to have it. So, I did what any Super mom would do, I bought it for myself because if past experience has taught me anything it is that you sometimes need to purchase your own Mother’s Day gift. Please, don’t get me wrong, my eyes fill with tear the moment my children hand me those delicate imprints of their hands and I read those heart wrenching poems that coincide. You know the ones; the ones that make you want to come up with some secret potion to keep them small forever. Why must they grow, and why so fast?? And of course my hubby, God bless his soul, he does try to makes an effort to give me a Mother’s Day gift from the heart, kind of. But if I have to fake a smile for one more gosh darn last-minute, convenience purchased, cheap, carcinogen based candle I might lose it! Seriously, I am not sure if he is aware of this or not but he has given me the same candle 3 years in a row, I have the proof.
So, long story short, instead of doing a woe is me pity party later, after the Mother’s day festivities I decided to purchase the mug for myself. This way I am guaranteed a smile Mother’s Day as I sip on my coffee from my new mug. Despite what gifts and appreciation may, or may not be expressed on Mother’s Day I am already guaranteed a great day because my mug says I am a SUPER MOM!!
The mug got me thinking though, what does every SUPER MOM need in order to be, well, SUPER? Faith, patience, kindness, a sense of humor, love, tolerance, integrity, faith, a positive disposition, a sense of humor, fortitude, a sense of humor!! If you can’t tell, I think faith and a sense of humor need to be emphasized; you can’t take life or raising children too seriously and sometimes you will have those days when you only get by on a prayer. SUPER MOMs also need super support networks. A supportive family, friends, neighbors, etc. are a must otherwise you lose your mind and the SUPER. Then I started thinking about some of the more modern-day gizmos like technology, iPads, iPhones, etc. and the ways they support and encouraged the SUPER status. There are two must have apps that instantly came to mind.
Gube, it is wonderful, a true life saver in desperate moments. You know those days when you are at your wit’s end and you feel like throwing in the towel but you still have 2 more errands on your list? Well, Gube is the answer. Gube is an app that provides kid safe videos. Parent’s there is no need to worry about your toddler or preschooler stumbling across a provocative video on their search for Elmo or Yo gabba gabba. Gube provides parents with a catalog of pre-screened, moderated, and safe, yet fun, YouTube videos. Designed and developed by parents of toddlers for parents with young children. Paired with the BubCap (www.bubcap.com) home button cover, it turns your iPhone or iPad into a great learning and entertainment device!
Best part, as a special Happy Mother’s Day Gube is $0.99!! It is normally $3.99 but starting Friday May 11th– Sunday May 13th it is $0.99, so be sure to get your app Friday! Moms this is a great gift to give yourself for mother’s day, trust me, you will thank yourself the next time you are waiting in the Doctor’s office, waiting in line at the grocery store, going on vacation, or stuck in road construction (construction season is just around the corner).
The second app that is a must for a SUPER MOM is Rescuehood. As many of you know I experienced a Scary Mommy Moment this spring while enjoying what was supposed to be a fun-filled memorable day at the zoo with my children and friends, but quickly became a nightmare. As I express in Scary Mommy Moment: You can’t Find your Child!, there is panic and pure adrenaline that takes over your body when you can’t locate your child. It is a feeling that no mom, parent, or guardian should have to feel or experience. But if they do have the misfortune of experiencing this scenario Rescuehood is the ally you want on your side!
Rescuehood would instantly alert everyone in the area that a child is at risk, so a mass of people can mobilize into action and rescue the child fast. Rescuehood is an emergency broadcast social network however in order for it to work the technology needs to be on EVERY mobile phone in the world to help save children from harm. The founders are building awareness parent by parent, community by community.
Rescuehood is a must for every SUPER MOM and for that SUPER MOM’s support network. This app is FREE; please share with all you come in contact with today.
Now it is your turn to share, what helps you be the SUPER MOM you are? Do you have a support network, technological allies, or some other means for getting through parenthood, please share?
Lastly, I would like to take a second to give a special shout out to all the amazing Mom bloggers, followers, and friends, you rock!! You are all a part of my social support system, it is nice to read other moms banters and blessings, to know that I am not alone, that there are others who have experienced the same is comforting. To all the SUPER MOMS out there I hope you have a Happy Mother’s Day and God blesses all your efforts.
Moms mark your calendars!! On Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6 from 1:00 to 4:00 p.m. Kirkland’s Home stores are having a grand opening of a new store in Crossroads Centre. You know the amazing Kirkland’s stores that contain everything you need to meet all your interiors’ design needs? Yep, that’s the store!! But wait; it gets even better, not only can you shop where the designers shop (or at least this Interior Designer) but as part of the celebration, Toledo personal organizer and decorator, and owner of In Its Place, Ltd., Lori Eckel will be offering free one-on-one consultations. (Okay, you have my permission to give out a woo-hoo!!)
The grand opening events will be the weekend before Mother’s Day. I think we all know a mom who can never find her keys, steps on toys in her house, or is always racing against the clock (and yes, I meet the criteria for all the above). So, in the spirit of crazy-busy moms everywhere, Lori has some great suggestions to help de-stress, increase productivity and creativity, get the family’s daily schedule flowing more smoothly, and actually make parents more punctual. Here are some of her tips and tricks:
· Put limits on toys: The less they have, the more they actually play with them. If you don’t have the heart to purge the toys, then ROTATE them! Remember, the less they have, the less that needs to be picked up.
· Drive through: You can run a lot of errands without ever getting out of the car – pick up prescriptions, dry cleaning, hit the bank and more. This way you’re not dragging the kids in and out of the back seat, you’re not making impulse purchases at the cash register, so you’re saving time and money, and not bringing home more stuff you don’t need.
· Merge errands and make it family time: When the kids are old enough, leave one in the dentist chair, with one observing while the sibling is having his or her teeth cleaned. Meanwhile, mom can go shopping across the street with the third child. Then have the dentist’s office call on the cell phone when they’re done. Kills two birds with one stone!
· Start chores from an early age: Kids love to help. Start them out early and make them feel important when they accomplish small tasks.
· Contain it: Setting aside a drawer for mail, bills, or kids’ drawings you want to keep isn’t helping. Get expandable file folders, a filing cabinet, or even collapsible storage containers – and use them.
Lori can help guests of the grand opening events get started on the baby steps to find out what systems or routines would work to keep their families organized. She can also help get plans in place to follow through. We may not all need professional help, but many of us aren’t solving our organizational problems alone.
Lori Eckel strives to help people de-stress their lives and reclaim their space. The owner of In Its Place, Ltd. is a member of the National Association of Professional Organizers and part of the Institute for Challenging Disorganization, and when she takes on the task of organizing your home or office, she’s all about making it FUN! On Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6, Lori will be at the grand opening of the new Kirkland’s at Crossroads Centre in Rossford. She’ll share tips and tricks on purging, downsizing and decorating to help organize your home and give your family a less hectic daily routine.
Again, just to recap, the Grand opening celebration and FREE personal organization and design consultations with Lori Eckel Saturday and Sunday, May 5 and 6 1:00 to 4:00 p.m.
Kirkland’s ― Crossroads Centre
9830 Olde US 20
Rossford, OH 43460-1723
Do you have a room that is dying for some finishing touches, furniture, accessories, etc.? Maybe you have an organizing question you would like to ask a professional organizer? Please share….
Moms have you ever had one of those days where you wish you could just run away from home and check into a hotel, or better yet, a Marriott Suite? Just to get away for a few hours, to do whatever your heart desires and not be responsible for one gosh darn individual, activity, group, chore, etc.? I fulfilled that dream this past week and I thought it only fair to share with you, other hard-working parents who also deserve to run away from home every once in a while.
My husband was in his college roommate’s wedding which was held in Fort Wayne Indiana. So we made arrangements with my parents to watch the children over the weekend and we headed for Fort Wayne. Once there my hubby had to tend to his groomsmen responsibilities, you know, get his suit, change, take pictures, etc. So that meant that little old me would have to be all alone for 4 hours. Oh dear, what to do? HELLO, live out my ultimate mommy moment!
So I dropped off my hubby and headed to TownPlace Suites-Marriott where I proceeded to check in, all by myself. I walked the luggage in, all by myself, not having to hold anyone’s hand. I slowly and effortless got on the elevator, all by myself. Our eldest is not a fan of the elevators so I usually take the stairs with her or I calmly walk her through the elevator ride. But not on that luxurious day, I stepped on that elevator like I owned it. I walked into the room, all by myself, and let out the hugest sigh ever. I had arrived; it was finally my moment, the mommy moment of all mommy moments, I was all by myself!! No dog to let outside, cat to feed, nose to wipe, shoes to tie, argument to put at bay, food to prepare, laundry to fold, butt to wipe, spilt milk to clean, etc. it was just me. IT WAS JUST ME!!
What to do????
So I did what any mom would do when they find themselves in this situation: I jumped on the bed, I turned on all the lights, I flipped through every channel on television, I paid homage to the ever so popular self-portraits in the bathroom while dancing and singing, I jumped on the bed again, read my book, ate some salty snacks (thanks for the Chex Mix Lilly), gave props to the interior design who designed the suite (except for one small detail that I did not quit agree with, ever wondered what you look like while taking a crap? Well now you know thanks to the full-sized mirror located across from the toilet), made some coffee, watched the Client List (scandalous, seriously), and….I know I did something else… oh, yeah, and then I attended a wedding.
Living the dream…..WOOHOO!
That’s right….I am dancing with a shower curtain because I can. Jealous?
NO KIDS….AHHHHHHH!!!!
Ever wondered what you looked like while taking a crap? Good news, just check into the TownPlace Suites-Marriott and wonder no more.
Thanks for helping this mama relax, let loose, and ultimately, even though it may not be apparent based upon these pictures, maintain her sanity Fort Wayne Indiana.
This post is dedicated to the one I love. Don’t we clean up nice? And congratulations to Adam and Brooke we wish you many happy years together!
So how was your weekend? Have a dream mommy time moment to share?
Do you feel like you are constantly being pulled in different directions? Do you feel torn when you have to partake in household chores instead of spending time with your children? Does the mommy guilt begin to pile on? Do you start questioning your priorities?
We have all been there, we feel so guilty for taking time to do things like laundry and dishes instead of spending quality time with the children. Granted these are tasks that need to be completed; maybe there is a way to do both? This is what I like to call Hybrid time.
Hybrid Time is time during the day that you complete household chores while still participating in fun games and activities with your children. This way you can remove the mommy guilt and feel great about getting the necessary chores accomplished. Below are a few of the activities that my children and I participate in during Hybrid time.
Treasure Hunt: So you need a few minutes to switch around the laundry and start dinner? This is a great choice that is sure to give you some time to complete your chores and your child is guaranteed to have fun.
Appropriate for Age: preschoolers and up.
Time: Should give mom 10-15 minutes to complete her task
What you will need: Paper, Pen, & Treasure The treasure could be their snack (still in package) or their favorite toy, any treasure will do, it is more about the hunt.
How to make: Take the paper and pen and draw out five locations on the map. It is important that the map is age appropriate for your child. If your child can read you can write out hints and clues along the way but if they are younger pictures will need to be provided. The last location should be where you place the treasure. Time to play: Hand over the map and watch as the fun unfolds.
Added fun: If you have walkie-talkies you can feed them hints and clues along their travels throughout the house. You can be in the basement doing laundry while talking to them or, in the next room, wherever.
Time: this fluctuates, you decide how many rounds your want to play. This is a favorite game for the children to play while I prepare meals. They often sit at the table eagerly awaiting my next question.
How to play: While prepare a meal have your children sit around or within ear shot and you name three foods. You can either name two healthy options and one unhealthy (they would name the unhealthy), or you name two unhealthy and one healthy (they would name the healthy).
For example: Name the unhealthy option- Apple, Peach, or French Fries? The answer is French fries. Name the healthy option- Carrot cake, oatmeal cookies, or celery? The answer is celery. You could also add to the fun and use visual aids if you have them available in your kitchen. You can make this age appropriate as well, say you would like to teach your elementary child healthy food options. You could have them name the complex carbohydrate or perhaps the food with protein, etc. Then give your child a chance to ask you the questions, this really helps them understand nutrition. Hopefully one day they will stump you. I think that whenever you have the opportunity to engage in an educational activity with your child why not make it fun!
How to play: Take 5 of the same objects, maybe five plastic stacking cups, linking rings, Barbie dolls, legos, five of anything that is similar. Hide those five objects in your home. Place them in age/height appropriate locations then have your child locate them. This is a fun activity because you do not have to hide, mommy can continue on with the household chores while the kiddo searches the house for the objects.
Appropriate for Age: All time Favorite with the babies and toddlers
How to play: Get out a pot, pan, spatula, and wooden spoon and give them to the baby. You tap on the pot and pan with the spoon then the baby will, and so on and so forth. This is an oldie but a goody.
How to Play: You pick an animal in you mind, say a cow. Your child then guesses what animal you are, basically 20 questions but with animals. Then it is their turn to pick an animal. If you can get some pictures of animals prior to playing and then pull those out for your children to review during the game it makes it easier for them to pick their animimal and answer your questions.
Now you can kiss that mommy guilt goodbye, get the household tasks accomplished and still have fun with your children. Life is good!
I promised myself when I started this blog that I would never speak, or type, negatively about any local establishment. My purpose was to support local businesses and encourage others to do the same especially local businesses that pertain to motherhood, children, and the like since I myself am in the throes of motherhood. However what I never took into consideration was the fact that the time might come when a local establishment might have me questioning my loyalty.
It all started Sunday evening with a text. I had texted a friend inquiring about getting together later in the week. Our dilemma was we would have our kiddos. She would have her 5-year-old and 1-year-old and I would have my 18-month-old (my 4 & 6-year-old would be in school). So we tossed around a few ideas. We initially wanted to just sit down at a coffee shop and catch up on our lives but that was not going to happen with kiddos in tow. So we decided upon a local indoor playland where the kiddos can bounce in bounce houses and play on indoor playground equipment. It is an establishment our kiddos know well; we have met there for numerous play dates, birthday parties, and random drop-ins to reward good behavior. The only issue I have is the price; it is definitely pricey, for all three of my kiddos to play for an hour cost me $21. So I do try to limit our visits due to the cost however, as I mentioned, I would only have my 18-month-old and she cost $5 for an hour or $8 for all day (which we would not be staying that long because I would have to pick up my preschooler by 11:30am).
Here is our Toddler at this establishment when she was younger.
The day of our visit…
So, I drop off my 6 year-old at school then continue on and drop off my preschooler at school, stop and get a coffee, and then arrive early at the Indoor Playland (this was a shocker, I am hardly ever early). I am thinking sweet I have a few minutes to read my car book (I like to have a book that is solely a book to be read in the car while I wait for pickup in the afternoon, it is a nice incentive to get there early) however my toddler was not liking this idea. We managed to sit in the car for 10 minutes then she started screaming and so did my bladder, darn coffee. So we headed into the establishment. I explained the situation to the woman behind the counter. I was waiting for a friend to arrive in 20 minutes but my toddler was getting restless in the car and I really needed to use the restroom. So, I gave her $6 (extra dollar to cover the extended time), signed in my daughter, she received the necessary stamp, I removed her shoes, put on her socks, and we then took a mad dash to the restroom.
The next hour played out a little something like this: (it should be noted that they have a toddler area but the problem is the Toddlers do not stay contained in it) Toddler ran around the establishment. I ran around the establishment. Toddler looked at the bounce houses. I tried to get her to go in the bounce house. Toddler looks at me like I am nuts. (I am thinking come on kid; I just spent $6 bounce already!! We can swing and run at the park for free). Our friends arrive at the establishment. We say hello. Toddler tries walking up the slides. I stopped her. I try to squeeze out a sentence with my friend as she runs to the restroom. Toddler runs around the establishment. I run around the establishment. Friend waves as she runs after her child. Toddler is actually in the toddler area for 5 minutes (My friend and I start to have a real conversation but wait…) and then Toddler bolts. I ran after her. Toddler wants to swing. I pushed her in the swing. Friend puts her baby in swing. Finally we can talk, but not for long. Toddler wants out of swing. This continues for about 20 more minutes and then I notice the time, it is 11AM, our time is up. I grab the diaper bag, her coat, and shoes. Sit her down take off her socks, put on her skidders, and coat. Then my darn bladder beckons again (3 kiddos destroyed my bladder and the caffeine doesn’t help either). My friend offers to watch her while I pee, again. So, by the time I am done going to the restroom, getting her ready and saying goodbye it is 10 minutes after 11 (mind you she did not play during that time).
Here is our 6 year old.
Phew, what a long long long 1-1/2 hours, no time during that stay would I classify as fun, I did not have fun. In fact I would probably call it the most exhausting 1-1/2 hours of the day and so much for spending time with my friend while the kiddos play (in case anyone is taking notes on how to improve this establishment here is an idea, get higher freaking gate in the toddler area, that would be so much more enjoyable for the parents. Also, have the shoes, coats, and an additional restroom separate from the play area this way the parents aren’t getting charged for putting on winter coats, hats, mitten, boots, shoes, and kiddos and parents peeing, that time adds up. Make it more enjoyable for the parents and the kiddos are likely to stay for longer period and come back more frequently. Give playgroups a discount. Have fun days/week, like pajama week or twin day and have the kiddos dress similar to get a discounted price, etc).
As I walk past the woman who greeted us at the beginning of our visit I smile as I am trying to contain my toddler on my hip and say thank you. In my mind I am thinking here is a woman who can probably relate (she seemed to be older and I assumed at one time probably had a toddler of her own). I honestly thought she was going to say something encouraging like “hang in there the toddler phase goes by fast and have a great day” or “ thanks for visiting us again, hope to see you soon”, or even just “goodbye”. After all, while visiting My Urban Toddler last week we were greeted with nothing but open arms. They were so welcoming and wanted to know if there was anything they could do to make our visit more comfortable, and they thanked us for visiting them. That is an establishment that is not in my community; it is 40+ minutes away, but surprisingly cost less, has food for kiddos, comfy spot for moms to sit and converse over a cup of coffee, and is all around accommodating to the parents. Of course I would receive the same, if not better, hospitality from an establishment within my own community. But instead she said “Next time I am going to need the full payment”. WHAT!
Finally, one of our preschooler w/our 6 year-old
I paid $6 to run after my toddler (which is something I can do at home for free) stop her from walking up slides and pushed her in a swing (these are things I can do at the park for free) she has no interest in the gosh darn bounce house (I realize this is a moot point but I still needed to say it). The hourly rate for an 18 month-old is $5 the all day rate is $8. We visited for 1-1/2 hours and paid $6, an extra dollar to cover the “inconvenience period” which entailed me peeing twice and changing my toddler’s shoes, socks, and coat. Are we really having this conversation about the $2?? What about the future visits I will make with all three kiddos that will cost me $21? Or the future kiddo birthday party where we will drop $200+? Are we seriously having a conversation about $2? What about the 100+ members from our local playgroup who I will be divulging this scenario to (in addition to any reader) All because of $2? I walked out to the car. I stood there for a moment trying to process everything.
I am not done….
I turned around, grabbed my wallet with my debit card went back inside and inquired if they accepted a debit card. The same woman stated “yes” and she took my card and swiped it. She began to say something while I signed the receipt but to be totally honest I don’t remember, I was to busy attaining my closure.
Far too often it seems like moms get so caught up in their children’s lives that they forget to live their own. I am sure we have all been witness to the “crazy mom”, you know the one, shoot you might even be her. The mom that is constantly running one child from one activity to the next, making certain each child is on time, with water/snack, bag, change of clothes, etc. but she can’t seem to remember the last time she ate or even had a BM. Or maybe you are familiar with the moms who purchase the high-end clothes for their children yet run around town in glad rags with holes that showcase their granny panties, talk about embarrassing (sad thing is there are mirrors in their homes they just don’t have time to look in them).
Just the other day I had a personal encounter with an “I have invested all my life into my children” mom. She stood there talking to other moms during pick up and she had a towel on her head and the sad thing is I am not sure if she realized there was a bath towel on her head. I wanted to interrupt and share the news with her but she looked frazzled as it was and I didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news.
And I have saved the best for last, the “I live through my child” mom. Thanks to Toddlers in Tiaras this example is effortless to explain. Plain and simply stated, the “I live through my child” moms are the moms on that show. They are the moms who did not have the opportunity to be in pageants, or dance class, or (fill in the activity/class here) when they were children so they are forcing their children to do the activity hoping to live vicariously through their child’s actions. This type of scenario only ends badly, often with an upset mommy (that is putting it mildly), unappreciative child, and years of therapy, but I didn’t have to tell you that.
Whether you suffer from overscheduled children, no time to look in the mirror or living vicariously through your children, I am here to tell you that help is available.
Take your life back, granted you still need to do everything for everyone but include yourself in the mix. Sign up for a cake decorating class, join a book club, take dance lessons, whatever your interest may be, you’re not dead, live your life! Many moms say they will get back to their life once their children are grow. There are two problems with that statement, one, you never know how long we have on this planet so make the moments count, why put off tomorrow what you can do today? And two, we are modeling behaviors and lifestyles for our children, don’t we want them to live their lives to the fullest once they are adults? Be the mom you want your daughter’s to become one day, the inspiration for your sons to look for in future wives, Live YOUR Life!
How I am living MY life …..
Beyond my motherly, wifely, community, etc. duties I enjoy taking classes and reading. I like to always be learning and gaining knowledge, for wisdom is knowing that you don’t know it all. I most recently attended the Wilton Course 1-Cake decorating basics class at Michael’s http://www.michaels.com/wilton_cake_decorating/wilton_cake_decorating,default,pg.html.
Here we are, the moms who took the class with me and me all ready to decorate! It was so much fun.
Like the website states, you don’t have to be a chef or even experienced in the kitchen to decorate a cake, cookie, cupcake or brownie. The Wilton Method of Cake Decorating taught me the techniques to decorate treats that are sure to put a smile on my kiddos faces. I am now prepared for our next birthday party, Valentines party, Christmas celebration, etc.
I learned how to make a cake into a blank canvas. Look closely, no cake crumbs.
I am so excited to put my new-found skills to work and see what amazing characters I can create on a cupcake, cake or cookies. I was amazed at how easy it really is, once you are familiar with the various tips and techniques you can really create anything, your imagination is the limit. (But let’s just keep the fact that it is actually easy between the two of us, shhhh).
This was the first cake I decorated in class. If nothing else, at least it illustrates the progress made from the first cake decorated to the last.
I would highly recommend this course to any and every mom or person planning a party in the near future, like the instructor said, “Lets turn those $.50 cupcakes into $3 cupcakes”, she had a great sense of humor and patience, thank you Laetitia. I did become a little frustrated when it came time to decorate the cupcakes, but I have a tendency of making the simplest things very complicated.
My flowers, they are a work in progress. The key to perfecting the flower is determining where you are going wrong, which the instructor did and helped me correct.
I took the class with two other moms from our playgroup, they actually bought me my cake kit as a birthday present, thanks again ladies. I highly recommend taking a class with a friend, it is a lot of fun (and you have a good chance of having someone else in the class that has supplies that you might have forgotten, like disposable bags, food coloring, and cupcakes, thanks Lilly, I owe you).
This was the final cake, I was so proud, as you can tell by the statement I chose to place on the cake.Lilly, one of the moms I took the class with, this is her cake and it is gorgeous. The flowers were a pretty peach color, the leaves were perfect, and the lettering was amazing.Evangeline was another mom in the class, she rocked the flowers, and her cake turned out beautiful she’s a natural!
Another added bonus to the class, you get time away from the kiddos for a couple of hours, it is important to have time away, it makes you a better mommy (seriously, there are articles and statistics to back up that statement, just Google it). I had so much fun I want to sign up for another, and I think I might since they offer a discount for the next class!
Yep, I will be framing this.
I am also in a book club with other moms that meets every other week. It is so enjoyable to sit down for a couple of hours every other week and catch up with the ladies (because let’s be honest book club is roughly 60% chit-chat about life and 40% about the book, no, maybe it’s more like 30% about the book and 70% the everyday mommyisms, the percentage isn’t important).
Extremely Loud and Incredibly Close is the book we are currently reading. I am having a tough time putting this one down. I have so many questions and thoughts I can’t wait to share with the other ladies tonight! Here is what I am thinking; he is actually on a search for answers regarding GOD since he says he is an atheist. I think he is having a tough time with his father’s death and the whole idea that he just seizes to be (I wonder if I am right?).
Again, it is nice to have a couple hours in the evening away from the family to remember who you are and that you have your own thoughts, questions, and feelings to share, regarding the book of course, Duh!
So, join a book club, or a garden club, or whatever your interest might be or if you can’t find one start one, www.meetup.com offers a great way to meet up with other people who share your same interest and are local (this is not a dating site, they have playgroups, garden clubs, vegan clubs, book clubs, you name it and there is probably a meetup for it and if there isn’t, start one).
What are you doing to live your life and not your children’s? Or what would you be interested in doing? I know if can be tricky thinking about yourself for a change but please do so and share your thoughts.
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?
“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
Hunt down my cell phone (toddler put it somewhere, she probably called a few friends in the process, darn she is sneaky)
Go shopping for eldest daughter’s b-day party -Enchanted Princesses and Knight Party
Make Rice Crispy Balls on a stick for the Bake Sale (I realize that doesn’t sound appropriate for children but they are easy to make and kiddos love them)
Momup! Moment
Get gas
Laundry
Book Club can’t wait!!!
This week’s Momup! Topic: Pregnant mother accused of stealing
Please view the clip.
I was shocked when I heard about this story. I know I personally can’t take a single trip to the grocery store without opening one, if not three, different types of snack foods to occupy my toddler (she likes to play with the teddy bear, fish, and a various shaped snacks). And yes, as moms we do sometimes become distracted while at the store but who could blame us. Half the time one child is constantly inquiring about placing some item in the cart (and often lucks out and sneaks one in unbeknownst to mom), the other has to go to the bathroom (my son always has to have a BM at the grocery store, I don’t understand it), the toddler will not sit still, we are trying to mentally tally the total as each item is placed in the cart in hopes of staying under the budget, and keeping track of the items we still need to place in the cart all at the same time. What mother wouldn’t forget about the coffee or sandwich she had 3 meltdowns, one BM, and 100 “mommy can we get this?” ago when she entered the store?
Also, when I was pregnant, especially towards the end of my pregnancies I would begin to feel faint and almost ill if I did not eat something soon. I am just shocked that the store could not have been more understanding. The woman even offered to pay for the sandwich when they were escorted back into the store. It was obvious they were not trying to steal. My heart goes out to this little girl. Can you even imagine how scared she was? One minute she is safe in the comforts of mom and dad’s care and the next she is with strangers, in a strange place, not knowing what was going on all because of a sandwich!
What are you thoughts? Have you ever opened food in the store and forgotten about it? Do you suffer from the distracted mom syndrome when you enter the grocery store with your kiddos in tow? Please share.
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 