Live today as if it is your first, last, and greatest day of your life.
This is pretty interesting, I just had to share. Take a moment to check out the top ten, their blogs, and accomplishments, talk about amazing. I have no doubt that a few of the mommy blogs I follow will be on the list in the future. Mommy Blogs Rock!!
Nice infographic about the continual rise of the ‘Mommy Blogger’ (via http://mashable.com/2012/05/08/mommy-blogger-infographic/#) Are you surprised by any of the stats?
Okay moms, I know it is difficult to believe but the school year is almost over. I know I for one am so excited to get my little soon-to-be first grader home for the summer. I can’t wait to enjoy the long lazy days of summer with all 3 of my kiddos. But I am also very concerned. Our 6-year-old has learned so much this year, making leaps and bounds in both reading and computation skills. I am afraid that a nearly 3 month vacation from academic rhythm of instruction might have her sliding backwards come the start of school in the fall. Reading the following article confirmed and compiled my concerns.
RESEARCH ON SUMMER LEARNING LOSS
A research synthesis conducted by Cooper et al. (1996) integrated 39 studies examining the effects of summer vacation on standardized achievement test scores. The 39 studies included 13 that could be included in a meta-analysis (a statistical integration) of the results. The meta-analysis indicated that summer learning loss equaled at least one month of instruction as measured by grade level equivalents on standardized test scores-on average, children’s tests scores were at least one month lower when they returned to school in fall than scores were when students left in spring.
The meta-analysis also found differences in the effect of summer vacation on different skill areas. Summer loss was more pronounced for math facts and spelling than for other tested skill areas. The explanation of this result was based on the observation that both math computation and spelling skills involve the acquisition of factual and procedural knowledge, whereas other skill areas, especially math concepts, problem solving, and reading comprehension, are conceptually based. Findings in cognitive psychology suggest that without practice, facts and procedural skills are most susceptible to forgetting (e.g., Cooper & Sweller, 1987). Summer loss was more pronounced for math overall than for reading overall. The authors speculated that children’s home environments might provide more opportunities to practice reading skills than to practice mathematics. Parents may be more attuned to the importance of reading, so they pay attention to keeping their children reading over summer.
(source:http://www.ericdigests.org/2003-5/summer.htm)
My plan for combating Summer Brain Drain is to first enroll all 3 of our kiddos in the Summer Reading Program at our local library. As the article addressed, our home environment fosters reading. The children enjoy listening to books on tape and CD, having mommy or daddy read to them, and then lastly, having our little reader read to the entire family. We then keep track of the books we read and go to the library to report what was read for that week and receive a prize. It is a wonderful way to encourage children to read.
So, that leaves Math!! What to do over the summer to encourage and continue our daughters interest in Math? The solution, DreamBox, it helps children become proficient, mathematical thinker with the right learning environment. DreamBox unique intelligent adaptive learning technology goes beyond engagement, with a rigorous math curriculum that builds conceptual understanding and fluency. What I really like is that DreamBox offers interactive math games for first graders. The clip below does a wonderful job of expressing how DreamBox makes math fun, in fact it is so much fun they have no idea that they are actually learning (shh…we’ll just keep that between us parents).
Phew, I can sleep better now knowing that I am prepared to combat the Summer Brain Drain. How about you, are you prepared to combat the Summer Brain Drain?
This weekend was such a fun filled extravaganza. It all started Friday afternoon. We started packing up the car around 3pm for our road trip to Dayton. We would be heading to Dayton to see my baby sister graduate the next day as a Dr. of Physical Therapy. Around 5pm the game of maneuvering the pack-n-play, stroller, diaper bag, 2 suitcases, swim bag, snack bag, and a few odds & ends to keep the kiddos occupied into my hubby’s car was complete. I made careful note of where everything ended up because I would be taking this trip solo since my hubby was ill and I would be the one placing everything back into the car at the culmination of our visit (Tip: take a picture of everything once it is packed into you vehicle you will thank yourself later, it is tricky remembering how you got everything into such a confined space). So by the time everyone had pee twice, we located my son’s preschool Olympic medal (yes, he is still wearing it, 3 weeks and counting), changed diapers, hit the ATM, went through Starbucks drive-thru, and gas station we were finally on the road around 7:30pm. Anyone else spend their first hour of their vacation/trip in their home town /city grabbing last needed items?
We arrived in Dayton at the Holiday Inn Express & Suites around 10:30pm. As we entered the room the kiddos jumped for joy when they saw what my mom, Nana, had in store for each of them. She had place graduation balloons in the room along with a sand bucket with Legos, coloring books, pool toy, etc. for each kiddo and for my hubby and I she had snacks and beverages, she is amazing. She always manages to make the ordinary extraordinary, that’s my mom! So the kiddos looked though their goodies wide-eyed and eventually the excitement from the day got the best of them and they fell asleep. I am pretty sure my son was dreaming about the pancake machine that would greet him in the morning with the continental breakfast.
Since my hubby had to stay home my brother kindly stayed with me and the 3 kiddos to help out in the morning with breakfast and the festivities the next day. Keep in mind my brother is a now 26, his birthday was yesterday, bachelor who, while excellent with the kiddos doesn’t contain that daddy gene just yet. You know the one that tell Dads that grabbing a paper in the morning and trying to read it at the breakfast table with 3 kiddos 6 and under is not a good idea? Yep, that one! So, while he sipped his coffee and read the paper I played mommy juggler with the diaper bag, bowl of cereal, banana, camera, and toddler. On the up side I think I put on quite a show for the other guest dinning that morning. Then, after picking up cereal from the floor the hundredth time I was lucky enough to visited the restroom, not once but twice! God forbid they both go at the same time, seriously! On the way back to the room I managed to take a sip of my then cold coffee and eat the bruised parts of 3 bananas, and while doing so my son asked why I was still hungry after all that food? Funny, didn’t anyone realize mommy never sat down, mommy never ate breakfast? “Haha…I was a little busy during breakfast” I exclaimed to him. After breakfast we headed to the pool for a swim before going to the graduation ceremony.
My son’s Spiderman bag filled in as the diaper bag for this trip. The diaper bag was at home being washed, some weird unreconizable goo was lurking in the bottom of the bag. I know what you’re thinking, classy!! Right?
After our relaxing swim, what is it about a pool that lowers your blood pressure? We then got ready for the graduation, packed a diaper bag (my toddler was the only kiddo who didn’t have a BM and after swimming I thought for sure she would have a blowout during the graduation. There are few things worse than sitting in a humid arena with a toddler who just had a massive poop). If that happened I needed a plan. Once we were seated in the Arena I noted all possible exits and restrooms, and which route would be the fastest and which would be the most discreet. Yes, moms are also specialist in reconnaissance, we have to be! I was prepared. Then the excitement built as the music began and the students made their way down the aisles with their caps and gowns. I got goose bumps. I was so excited for every one of them. All the hard work, all-nighters, research, disappointments, progress, and emotions that comes with the journey that they had each experienced all to arrive at this point. Then I saw my baby sister and my eyes began to fill with happy tears. She has been working so hard for this degree. She has put the rest of her life on hold and focused solely on her studies. Since she started her graduate work she has attended numerous wedding showers and baby shower, a handful of weddings including 2 family weddings, has become an aunt again, a Godmother, and welcomed a new cousin into the family, all the while hauling books in and out of coffee establishments, looking for free Wi-Fi signs, sneaking in flash cards to movies and church not wasting any free moment to study. And guess what, it paid off!! I am proud to introduce to you my sister, Dr. Kunkle.
Then it was time to party like my parents had been paying college tuition since 1999!! (Because they had) They decorated the guest apartment where my sister lives and had bubbles at each person’s setting, they had balloons, champagne, and had dinner catered from a local Italian restaurant. Everything was perfect!
The party continued on till 2pm the next day during which we also celebrated my brothers 26th birthday.
It was such a memorable, LEGENDARY weekend. So many emotions filled the weekend, including, excitement, anticipation, sadness, joy, gratitude, and love, there was so much love.
Have you ever experienced a legendary weekend? Please share.
Ever had one of those days? One of those woe is me days? One of those days where nothing is going right, maybe you woke up late which now means that the entire house is running late. The dog puked in the corner, cat missed the litter box, and you forgot to switch around the laundry the night before so those clean clothes you planned on putting the kiddos in are wet. You forgot to have kiddos make lunch the night before and now you are searching the cushion of your couch for any sign of change so they can buy lunch and you can experience mommy guilt for the crap they will be consuming later in the day. You finally get everyone fed, dressed, out the door, in the car, buckled, and find that you are on E!
I know I have experienced days like that and when I do have days like that I tell myself I have two options. One; complain, complain, complain and make everyone else’s life miserable too by spreading my negativity. Or, I can look on the bright side, there is always a bright side, I don’t care what anyone tells you, there is always someone else who is worse off. So, the bright side is that I have a family that depends on me to get the party started, so to speak, in the a.m. I have k-9 and feline friends. I have a washer and dryer to wash my children’s clothes. I am fortunate enough to live in a country where schools do provide a lunch for children (in this rationale beggars can’t be choosy but I do think that the food served at schools needs to be reevaluated) should their parents not be able to provide food. Lastly, I am fortunate to be able to have a vehicle to drive my children to school, activities, and errands.
Another trick that I find that really helps me when I am having a woe is me day, STOP THINKING ABOUT ME. Stop the pity party before it starts, there is a bigger picture out there, it isn’t all about me. “My Own Little World” by Mathew West expresses this quite eloquently.
So, have you had one of those days? How do you cope?
God knows moms have enough to worry about when it comes to the health and wellbeing of their children. That’s why I am thankful for Rudi’s Organic bakery.
The best things in life are free. Free from (anything bad like) synthetic ingredients, chemical pesticides and fertilizers. When we say organic, we mean it. Our products are USDA Certified Organic, which tells you that at least 95% of our ingredients are organic. This is good for you, your family and the environment. (Source:http://www.rudisbakery.com/)
So, you can see why moms don’t have to wonder what’s inside Rudi’s bread. I believe we have an unwritten code as moms, if we have come across an amazing product, technique, or the like we need to share that with other moms. And share we did…..
When you come across a product like Rudi’s, that gives moms peace of mind, a celebration is in order. So we got out our Pom-poms and then headed to Health Foods by Claudia to purchase our Rudi’s organic bread (they offer Rudi’s entire line of bakery products and a slew of other amazing organic products, I highly recommend Health Foods by Claudia. And, good news, if you aren’t local they are launching their e-store soon, check it out) and invited over all our playgroup friends.
We packed the house, literally! We welcomed 14 magnificent moms and 16 amazing little kiddos. We decided to keep it simple and a bit traditional. While Rudi’s offers hot dog buns, hamburger buns, rolls, tortillas, wraps, bagels, English muffins, and sandwich flatz we decided the best way to introduce Rudi’s was the most practical way, the way in which moms often utilize bread, the good old-fashioned peanut butter and jelly sandwich. The PB & J is a staple in most of our moms’ lives. Whether it is packing a lunch for school, meeting up at the zoo, going to the park for a picnic, the easy to prepare, climate controlled, and fan of most kiddos is the PB & Jelly. But we added a twist. The kiddos had the option of making their own sandwich. They could select the Rudi’s bread they wanted, spread the PB and J, and then select a fun cookie cutter shape.
To accompany the PB & J moms brought grapes, cheese sticks, yogurt, carrots, apple sauce, juice boxes, milk, etc. to share. The moms in our playgroup are so amazing; they are so kind, compassionate, and considerate of others and this was definitely apparent at our play date. Most moms might think I was nuts to have 14 moms and 16 kiddos in my home especially since it is on the market and there is a chance that a prospective buyer might want to see our home the next day. But not me, the moms in our playgroup are such good moms; it is evident and reflected in their children’s behavior. They are also great friends; they did so much between bringing food to share, helping set out food, and clean-up that I actually got to enjoy the play date too. Thank you Playgroup-in-Toledo moms for being such wonderful moms and great friends; I am truly blessed to have each and every one of you in my life.
After lunch we finished up our play date with a trip down to the park. What better way to conclude a well-balanced meal than with some activity. The kiddos had fun playing on the playground, swinging, and chasing after bubbles until their little bodies couldn’t go any more. Then it was time to head home where I hope all the moms got to have a little bit of a break while their children napped.
As if the bread, cookie cutters, playdate, park, etc. weren’t enough! The kiddos also received a Let’s Doodle Lunch sheet that allows them to create their own masterpiece and then submit that to Rudi’s and they will place that custom designed masterpiece on a sandwich box for the kiddos. AND, and each child has a chance for their custom design to be the Official Rudi’s Sandwich box! Sound like fun? Wish your kiddos could participate? They can!! Click here to get your kiddos art work on a sandwich box for FREE! ( Also, May1-31st, Rudi’s is running Get a dollar, Give a dollar, you can get $1 off coupon and Rudi’s will give a dollar to the celiac organization of your choice)
All of us moms agreed that Rudi’s was delicious and the kiddos seemed to enjoy the bread too! However there is the issue of the price and yes, if we are being totally honest it does cost more than non-organic breads. However those non-organic breads contain preservatives and additives that do not contribute to a healthy well-balanced meal. As moms we know that our children are what they eat. I know I have witness the effect that highly processed food have on my kiddos. They are often lethargic and left craving more highly processed food and that is a road I do not want them going down. I would rather spend a few more dollars today for healthy, organic food for my children then spend thousands years down the road trying to fix organs that processed foods have damaged. My children are worth it! Are yours?
Please share your thoughts. Have you ever tried Rudi’s organic bakery? Would you? What is your take on organic foods?
It is that time of year again, wedding season! I become a kid in a candy store when I see the elegant envelopes in our mail box. I tear them open like a child delving into their gifts Christmas morning eager to see what’s inside. The paper, fonts, and phrases so delicately and gracefully announce the future union of husband and wife. I am an advocate for marriage and I realize the time, energy, disagreements, financial obligations, and work that goes into a wedding. So when I open that envelope and see that I have been invite to witness such a magical, holy, and emotional union I am truly honored. In fact, it rather makes my day; I find it difficult to remove the grin from my face. That is until I finish reading all the wedding ceremony and reception details. I am finding that these days the invitations far too often include the following words, ADULTS ONLY. It is then that the huge grin on my face fades to a frown.
As a child I remember attending weddings, becoming excited when the entire church rose as the gorgeous bride walked down the aisle in her breathtaking gown. I remember the magic that occurred when they exchanged vows and were announced Mr. and Mrs. The experience of attending weddings encouraged a dialog about marriage, why we marry, and the importance of marriage. In fact; children attended so many weddings back then that they could actually pretend to get married and make that pretend wedding look pretty realistic. These days’ children are not welcomed to weddings like they used to be, which I find moronic. Forgive me if I am wrong, but isn’t one of the purposes for the union of husband and wife to bear children, have a family?
Marriage is already getting a bad rap. A considerable amount of people prefer to “shack up” instead of proclaim a commitment before God, family, friends, and future generations. Apparently, at least based upon one television show, Whitney, the reason they prefer to “shack up” is because it is nice to know your partner is there because they love you, not because of a piece of paper. Funny, I wonder how that “love” will hold up when you are deathly ill, when you lose your job and are caught up in financial woes, when you have to care for an ailing parent, when you are up 5 times in one night with a sick child, when you are so exhausted that you can’t give one more ounce to another individual. It is in those moments that the union, bond, promise, COMMITMENT comes into play. That euphoric love feeling does fade but COMMITMENT, UNION, PROMISE and VOWS are what maintain the relationship through the tough times and make the good times that much more enjoyable.
Thus, with society portraying that it is okay to live with a person, that marriage isn’t necessary, it disheartened me that much more when I glance down at a Wedding invitation and see ADULTS ONLY. It seems like the New Age or, sadly, what has become a rather unorthodox thing to do these days is to invite children to a wedding, which is why I would like to give praise to my cousin and his wife for going against the grain and inviting children to attend their wedding.
Our kiddos can’t stop talking about their wedding; they had such a wonderful time and will remember it always. In fact, that was the first wedding 2 of our kiddos had ever attended and only the second that our eldest had attended. Our son was very excited for the entire process, he felt so special to be a part of something so monumental. He had so many wonderful questions that would have otherwise never been brought up without the experience of attending a wedding. The highlights of the evening, from a child’s perspective was, the beautiful bride (I agree, her dress was gorgeous, it looked vintage and her makeup and hair complemented the dress perfectly), trolley, bubbles (hello, a child’s dream come true, bubbles at church, AWESOME!), the Wedding Day Fun activities packet & crayons, the chocolate covered mint Oreos, the photo booth (they had a blast with the hats, glasses, etc.), cake, and dancing! I have to admit, I think those were my favorites too, in addition to the amazing itinerary provided that included various local destinations to pass time between the ceremony and reception. Those included fun family destinations such as, Firehouse Museum, Ypsilanti Automotive Heritage Museum, Curtis Park, Ypsilanti Riverside Parke, and more. I also really enjoyed the venue, Wellers Inc. was gorgeous, a wonderful backdrop for pictures outside and inviting décor inside.
Five minutes after we left the reception….and yes, our little man is still wearing his medal from the Olympics held at his preschool two weeks ago.
Congratulations to Rob and Desiree!!
May God be with you and bless you. May you see your children’s children. May you be poor in misfortunes and rich in blessings. May you know nothing but happiness from this day forward.
What are your thoughts regarding children at weddings? For it….against it…..indifferent?
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
Toledo, OH
419-270-8232
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….
On this date 9 years ago my husband and I stood before our friends, family, Priest, and God and proclaimed our love, trust, bond, and commitment to one another in Holy Matrimony. I remember walking down the aisle with such joy in my heart. I had made a considerable amount of important decisions in my life but when I said “Yes, I will marry you” that was by far the most important! Two years and much planning later, I walked down that aisle stood before everyone, and confidently proclaimed “I do”.
I was nominated for the Versatile Blogger Award by Susartandfood Blog. It is such an honor to be nominated especially by such a creative and respected blogger. Susartandfood Blog contains examples of their gorgeous art work and many delicious recipes that are easy for me, a more culinary challenged individual (there are also great photos so that you know if you followed the recipe correctly and exactly what your food should resemble) to follow, and more. Thank you Susartandfood Blog!! And thank you to all of you for taking a moment out of your day to visit this Mom on the go, it means a lot to me.
Now, onto the rules for accepting this award, which are as follows:
1. Thank the award-givers and link back to them in your post.
2. Share 7 things about yourself.
3. Pass this award along to 7 or 8 Bloggers.
4. Contact your chosen bloggers to let them know about the award.
Here are 7 random things about me….
So, without further ado, the list…..
I hope you enjoy reading what these moms have to say as much as I do. If you know of a great blog I didn’t mention please share, I am always on the lookout for funny, versatile, mommy bloggers.
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?
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 