Cake in a Cup – Mom on the go in Holy Toledo

How I Survived the Umpteenth Snow Day

January 25, 2014momonthegoinholytoledo

The kiddos had yet another snow day today! That means that with Monday being Martin Luther King Day, Tuesday a Teachers Work Day, and Wednesday a delay start day, the children have gone to school for a grand total of 10 hours this week. That paired with the fact that today was the 24^th of January and as of today they have only attended 7 days of school has me longing for Spring. Don’t get me wrong, I love hanging out with my children. But the activities we do on these frigid snow days have to be indoors; it is just way too cold for them to play outdoors and the wind-chill only exasperates the situation. So what’s a mom to do?

How I survived the Umpteenth Snow Day

Started it off by saying a little prayer….

Prayed for patience. A LOT OF PATIENCE

No Mother Left behind….

No mother should have to survive a snow day alone. Haha! Called a friend and made plans to do something (it wasn’t a level 3 so it was legal for us to be on the road) we normally wouldn’t do, something indoors of course. Like visit the local cupcake shop. Cake in a Cup Baby!! Mmmm…

Surprised my mom…

Why not drop in for a visit and bring a few friends? Nothing like a surprise visit!! My mom is the best. We did just that, we totally surprised her by stopping by. She is a school counselor and her district had a snow day too. So, on her snow day, when she didn’t have to see the 500+ kids in her school building she received a surprise visits from 2 mommas and 5 kiddos. Did I mention my mom is the best!?!

Know thy limits…..

Initially my 3 year old and I were excited to attend a birthday gathering at Chuck E Cheese for lunch. Well, once school was cancelled I knew that I would be pushing my limits with my already fleeting patience at Chuck E Cheese. Let’s just say I am almost certain that my crazy would have officially shown had we gone to Chuck E Cheese. I can do one 3 year old at Chuck E Cheese by myself. I cannot do 3 kiddos in 3 different directions asking me a magnitude of questions while other kids climb on things, scream, and big animals perform catchy, yet annoying, songs in the background.

Never underestimate the power of Costco…

I don’t know what it is, maybe the samples, the anticipation of what‘s around the next isle, or maybe it is just being bestowed the privilege of holding onto the receipt as you exit in hopes of receiving a smiley face? But Costco is an exciting trip for the kids. My kids love it! And today was no exception. They discussed who would hold the card on the way in, rushed to each sample, begged for all the sugary processed crap, visited the restroom twice, and we even managed to buy a few items to get us by these next couple of weeks (Yes, we got the bread and the milk. Haha!) So all-in-all it was a very successful trip!

Costco continued…side note…

I have to be honest, since we started shopping at Costco I have a hard time going out to eat. In fact in the last month I have been out to 3 different restaurants and ordered the salads. I was disappointed in the quality, quantity, and price of each one of them. Why go out when I can make 5 of these fabulous salads for only $9.99 (the price of one salad at a restaurant)?

Just Dance….

Looking for a great indoor activity that will have kiddos burning off some of that bottled up energy? Want the kiddos to sleep great at night? Looking for something fun to do on a Friday night? Just Dance!

After dinner we had a blast taking turns with the newest version of Just Dance! This version is much better than the last. The variety of songs is superb and the kiddos get a kick out of the different characters…including those from the popular Disney movie Aladdin. Which just so happened to be our 3 year olds pick every time. Haha!

Yes, even Momma got in on the action…the dog clearly thinks I am nuts. lol!

After dancing for a couple hours the kiddos were tired and asked to go to bed. Score! Haha!
All in all it was a good day. We filled it nicely. I think the key to survival is having a variety of activities, keeping in touch with family and friends, and Just dancing!

Were you stuck at home today? How do you survive snow days? Please share…I could use some ideas, looks like we might have one or two more in the near future.

Happy Birthday Celebration

June 21, 2012June 21, 2012momonthegoinholytoledo

Happy Birthday to our little Power Ranger! We had so much fun I didn’t get a chance to post this yesterday, we partied ALL Day!

The day started off with our birthday boy entering the kitchen and being greeted by his new set of golf clubs and a brand-spanking-new Red Power Ranger Costume!

Followed by a Family favorite tradition, doughnut BIRTHDAY BREAKFAST!! We only purchase donuts for birthday breakfasts that way they are a real special treat for the family to enjoy together.

Then we were off to story time at the library and yes, since it was his birthday I allowed him to wear his Power Ranger costume. Mind you it got up to like 93 degrees and I am sure that costume adds at least 5 more, that material does not breathe, but he didn’t care, in his mind he was a Power Ranger for his birthday! Notice the power ranger in the crowd of kids?….

After story time we met up with my family at the Docks for lunch. And yes, he was still wearing his Power Ranger costume and by now I made certain he rehydrated every half hour or so.

We ended up eating at El Vaquero, a Mexican restaurant. As luck would have it, on your birthday they place a Sombrero on your head and sing to you. Cool, right!?! That’s what I thoughts. But no, he was not in the least bit excited. He sat there with a look of disgust as his cheeks turned as red as the Sombrero on his head and the tears began to well within his eyes. Not the reaction I had anticipated. When I asked why he was not happy he explained, “They sang the whole song in Spanish. It is my birthday and I want them to see in American”.

So after walking along the water for a few minutes we headed to the pool where our now sweat doused Power Ranger needed to cool off. Then a quick birthday snack thanks to Nana, Cake in a Cup, YUM!!! And yes, we finally made his little 5 year-old wish come true we sang Happy Birthday in French, lol! Just kidding we sang it in American or, as us adults commonly refer to, English, we sang the English version.

Then it was time to head home for pizza and another birthday celebration with my hubby’s side of the family. He was pretty excited because this year, instead of mommy baking a cake and spending hours decorating it; I spent my time more wisely. My son and I made the cake together and then he shared the decorating process with his sisters, it was so much fun and really added to the birthday memories bank. Granted there were a few bites of nothing but sprinkles but what a small sacrifice for such a wonderful experience.

Last night as I gazed into our little man’s room and he lay grasping his Power Ranger mask in bed I started to tear up. And as the tears rolled down my face I was reminded of my mother and how she used to do the same when he children were little. At the time I never understood why she would cry but I get it now. The days just go by way to fast and we do not get them back. And yet, when we halt our rapid thoughts and embrace the moment, it can become too overwhelming for us moms. Because if we stop and truly inhale the moment we become immersed with the memories of yesterday and the wonder and awe of the future and it is in that moment that immortality hits and we find ourselves drowning with emotions.

For yesterday was a beautiful memory that will forever be cherished, today is a gift to be treasured, and tomorrow….well, that is not promised.

Happy Birthday Little Power Ranger and I thank God for entrusting me as your mommy, for it is us, mommy and daddy who have been blessed by your presence.

Do you have any birthday traditions in your household? Do you have any hilarious birthday stories? Perhaps your child has or had a costume they wanted to wear everywhere (please say they did, it would be nice to know I am not alone)? Please share, I so enjoy reading your personal experiences.