These Are The Days

True Mom Confession #32

I TOTALLY GET Polygamy.

While in KC for 10 days now preparing for my sister's Graduation, having photo shoots and entertaining the kids ... my mom and I have been tag-teaming on everything from laundry to dishes to childcare to grocery shopping to food prep and MORE!  I'm trying to help relieve my mom of as much stress as I can and keep my stuff and KIDS out from underfoot and from making things MORE stressful.  Not an easy task.

As I was cleaning up yesterday and my mom thanked me I responded ... "I'm just trying to be the best wife I can be to you!  I TOTALLY GET Polygamy."  We nodded in agreement!  YAY for a wife to help out around the house!  It totally ROCKS!!!

ten on tuesday, complete randomness.

1. There is one true way to see your kids as they truly are ... take them somewhere for a long period of time.  In your home you have the ability to cope and mend as you normally function.  On the road, true colors shine.  We've arrived at Gaga's and lost our rose colored glasses and it's the real deal up in these parts.  Schedules are wonky, sleeping is hit or miss and attitudes are a plenty. *sigh*
2. My mom has reminded me 3 times that "you are closer to being 40 ..."  This is when I speak of my wrinkle lines, get up to walk and cannot because of Planter's Fasciitis and think about my baby sister graduating.  I've been really kind and have NOT calulated her age back to her.  Insert pat on the back here.
3. Children, when expected to perform, will almost always not meet  your expectation.  I mean that in photo shoots and in life.  I've experienced BOTH this week.
4. I need to spend MORE time away from my children.  When I Ieave, they crumble a tiny bit.  Noah falls to tears, Bella turns on the whine and "but I'll miss you" and soon Luke follows suit.  This is for an hour or so at a time ... I've decided that I need to leave or step away MORE to remedy the problem.  Now, if only childcare were FREE!
5. Problems and hard days CAN be solved with a Bud Lime-A-Rita.  Crack that can and pour it over ice.  Don't call me when you get addicted. YUM.
6. Time is still measured in sleeps, even when we sleep at Gaga's house.  Before we go it is "how many sleeps until we go?"  And while we are here it is "how many more sleeps at Gaga's?"  OH, and don't forget the birthday sleeps ... we are narrowing those down too!
7. Trader Joes' guacamole is good.  And the sweet corn chili salsa.  Tell them I sent you.  OH, and pair it with the Bud Lime-A-Rita!!!
8. I've scrapbooked for my sister's album more in the last few days than I have for myself in all of 2012. :)  Good creative vibes are good, no matter how you get them!  
9. With that said, I am HAPPY to report I've kept up with my 2012 Shutterfly Project Life album. YAY ME!  It really is super simple and I am sometimes jealous of those crafty hand made albums ... but really, I know this is best.  No tactile satisfaction, but yet still so gratifying.
10. Days are becoming longer ... naps are becoming shorter.  Hmph.  Somehow that math doesn't work out for me!

Happy Tuesday friends.  

I'm a mom.

• I see this picture of full hands and happy faces and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I just get settled in a chair to have 4 seconds of solitude and hear "Come WIPE MY BUTT!"  And I think, I'm a Mom.
• I have a conversation with a friend about strollers for 10 minutes and think, I'm a Mom.
• We continue on to have a conversation about saggy boobs and what cup size we are and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I picked a booger out of a friend's nose and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I suddenly understand my OWN mom a thousand times better and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I cut up food into tiny pieces, usher a child to the bathroom and when I get to my own food it is cold and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I see one of the babes take a spill off of a scooter and know they will call for me, no one else and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I plan my day around naptimes and I think, I'm a Mom.
• I have more reason, more purpose, more joy, more love and more chaos in my life than ever before and I think, I'm a Mom.

But I'm not just a Mom, I'm THEIR mom.

Bella, the one that MADE me a Mom and taught me just how deep my heart could be broken and healed again so quickly.

Luke, the one who taught me my TRUE purpose of being a mom.  About being an advocate, about loving unconditionally and about the depth of that love.

And Noah.  The one that taught me to expect the unexpected.  The one that taught me that your plate may seem full, but there is always room for more.  He is a delightful little pistol that makes my heart soar with thankfulness and gratitude.

I'm a MOM.  And I say that is the very best very most awesome way.  Some days I can hardly believe I am a Mom ... but quickly a reminder presents itself. ;)  Happy Mother's Day friends and family.  It has been a wonderfully wonderful day spending it in KC with my mom and children.  We missed the Daddy but he and the kids sent flowers and spoiled me from afar.  Most of all I'm relishing the fact that yes, in fact, I AM A MOM.

Managing the Chaos.

I'm going to guess that to know me know now, you'd never guess that I nearly didn't make it through my first semester of college.  I was put on Academic Probation and cried in my moms bed for two days when my grades (and threatening letter) arrived at my doorstep.  

The source of my problem?  I mean, other than the usual HOLY COW I'M OVERWHELMED WITH FREEDOM and MY NEWFOUND LOVE OF INDEPENDENCE.  And oh, I joined a Sorority.  But really it was because I wasn't truly prepared.  I didn't even KNOW what a syllabus was.  SERIOUS.  I threw them out after being given them on the first days of classes.  What a moron.

To say a learned a lot from that experience is a massive understatment.  I think I've taken it to the other extreme is MANY ways.  I'm a crazy list maker, a great direction follower and a much better calendar manager these days.  I've come a long way baby!

Manging myself is one thing, but managing these little people and all their STUFF, is an entirely new ballgame.  Medical issues and paperwork; dietary needs; family budget; managing the MASSIVE preschool paperwork; Luke's IEP papers; kids artwork; bills; to-do lists and MORE.  It gets pretty cumbersome!

I'm sure I'm not alone if my quest for finding the perfect way to stay on top of everything.  I'm not the first, or last, mom to many.  AND, I've come to realize there is no one perfect method and most likely -- it is an ever moving evolution of organizing when it comes to kids.  Why?  They grow up and their needs and stuff changes.  You can quote me on that! ;)

But here is what works for me NOW.  A few of my tricks, just in case it might work for you too.  OR if it inspires you to share what works for you, PLEASE DO!

The Command Center.

This is where the magic happens.  No, no magic.  Just lots of keeping track.  This is in the kitchen and I HATE that it is in the kitchen taking up counter space but let's face it -- I spend a LOT of time in the kitchen.  We all do.  After many years I've learned that the kitchen is in fact the heart of the home ... so why wouldn't this stuff be in the heart?  You get my point.  Next house, a proper command center will be established in a nook of its own -- in the kitchen.  For those of you that already have that nook, I envy you.  For now, this is mine.

That basket is ancient.  It is from Pier 1 from the days of oh, 10 years ago, when I worked there.  I have 2.  They have floated around my home in many ways and found their home here for the last few years.  In them I store school info (names/numbers etc; registration info for schools; medical paperwork for Luke: and various other paperwork items like that)  This basket holds folders and files really well so it's nice for that sort of thing.  In the front part I put upcoming bills due; coupons that I need to look at or remember to use; a calculator; misc checkbook items and stamps.

Those metal baskets are all acquired from TJ Maxx.  I'm a Maxxinista, are you? ;)  I love them.  I like the ones that are magnets for the fridge for pens/pencils/scissors/etc.  I also have a return address stamp (thanks Ashley!) and other bits in those.  The one on the counter is holding magazines I've yet to read.  At this point ... I have no idea if and when I will get to those magazines.

My next and most precious piece of organizing is My Binder.

This typically sits open in front of the command center all week as I check mark things off.  I'm a list maker and checker-offer.  I've tried other methods and THIS is the one I like best.  I keep notebook paper inside this for my lists usually divided into PG (photogazelle) and Home for things I need to do and accomplish.  I write down the mundane to the extremely important.  The list evolves all week long and usually by the end is chicken scratch with lots of things crossed off.  The things not crossed off revole to the next week.  I don't like that to happen, but it does! :)

Inside this notebook is my Motivated Moms chore list.  I OVE this list.  I've said it before and will say it again, it's been a wonderful thing for me.  It is my daily list of chores to get done.  Some days are easy and others are more intense.  For me, this 8 dollar tool has been a life saver.  And guess what?!?!?  In honor of Mother's Day you too can order this for a discount!  Also the App is on sale with this code too!  To order yours simple click on THIS LINK HERE and when you order enter the code:  MOTHER

Also inside of the binder I keep all of the Feingold Diet info; home project ideas; budget tracking and ideas or thoughts for future blog posts.  A lot of things live in this binder!  And on the front ...

My Monthly Menu:

This month looks slim because the kids and I are traveling.  However, for the last three months in an effort to try and save money I've been planning our meals by the month.  I shop for all things at the beginning of the month and then have all of the things I need on hand.  I usually ahve to shop again for fresh fruits/veggies and milk but for the most part this is working well for me.  I'm not rigid in sticking to the days as listed on the calendar and can easily shift meals around as needed.  I used some of the planning guides found at Money Saving Mom.  She has a LOT of great resources.

And finally, the paperwork that the kids bring home is OVERWHELMING to say the least.  We often get doubles of things since the kids are in the same school and we always have MANY art projects.  To help me figure this out I added this wire basket and Mike put it up on the wall.  I labeled each for each school-aged child and then I'm able to use these as partial "dumping ground" for the kids stuff and partial "spot to save" for future.

In each child's box I keep in front their monthly school calendar to easily reference before school days.  I stash artwork in there and then go through it later. I trash some and save some.  At the end of each year (sometime in the summer) I go through and store and save what I decide to keep for each kid.  

I stumbled upon a great suggestion one time to get some of those Priority Mail boxes from the post office -- the 13 x 10ish size ones -- and stash things you want to save inside those.  Seal, label and store.  I thought this seemed like an easy, affordable and quick solution to saving school years stuff.

And that is about it.  Like I said -- ever evolving, growing and changing.  This is what works for now.  Dont' even ask to look in my purse or wallet -- those are a MESS that I've yet to be able to completely master! :)

Happy organizing!!

Wordless Wednesday -- bowling!

Our first time bowling!  You too can bowl for free (well, almost since you have to pay for shoe rental) by signing up at Kids Bowl Free!  It was perfect for all of my kids, ages 4, 3 and 1! :)

 

And my favorite ...

Rockin' the bowling shoes!  Grandma P, you would have been SO PROUD of these kids!  When you come to visit this summer we'll be sure to go bowling! :)  Happy Wednesday!

Craft: Coffee Filter flowers

I mentioned our May Day project last week but I wanted to share this QUICK, EASY and FUN project in case you wanted to try it at home too.

What do you need?  Coffee filters, markers, spray bottle of water and pipe cleaners or something else to fashion stems (I used popsicle sticks b/c that is all I had on hand!).

I had vague memories of dyeing coffee filters in my young days ... images of folding them and dipping them were popping into my head.  So I set out for a google search and found all sorts of things.  But the BEST ADVICE I stumbled upon was SKIP THE DYE, use markers!  Woot woot!

Bella and I each colored coffee filters using Crayola washable markers.  We did any design we wanted.  I did a lot of single color experimenting with that look and she did multi-colors that were bold and pretty.

This was EASY and fun.  Then after you color your filter how you desire, you spray with water.  We had to experiment with how many sprays ... somewhere between 5-8 seemed to be perfect.  Then I tented them up on newsprint to dry and for us to admire them!

We let the filters dry for a couple of hours.  Then I piled them up, gathered our materials together for the final product and again, enjoyed the pretty display!

We decided to make two bouquets for the kids teachers.  I had two glass jars (upcycled jelly jars) and some ribbon and figured we could make it all work.  Some directions say to use pipe cleaners for your flowers which is great, if you have them.  I wandered around my kitchen brainstorming then remembered I had sticks from dipped marshmallows I made last year!  I ended up grabbing the middle of each coffee filter and swirling it to create a flower -- similar to how you'd grab tissue paper to stuff into a gift bag.  Then I simply used tape to secure it to the popsicle stick -- VOILA.

Wrap with a ribbon and present to your favorite recipient! :)  The kids were thrilled to give these to their teachers and I will say a few parents heads turned to see our pretty May Day flowers entering the school!  I declare it a HIT!

I highly recommend this cheap, EASY and very toddler friendly craft.  If you want to get a little crazier with your coffee filters ... just Google it, there is a wealth of information!  Happy crafting!

The week of no TV.

I learned a TON last week.  About myself, my kids and how our home runs.  The challenge for me, to cut out TV for a week, was taken because I felt like we were getting in a big rut and becoming WAY too dependent on the TV babysitter.  It had become too easy to just flip on a show ... and that turns into another show ... and so on and so forth.

You know there is a problem when your 20 month old baby clamors for the remote first thing every morning and pretty much "demands" Buzz or Balloons.  It didn't sit well with mama and I knew I had to take it back.

And guess what?  It was pretty awesome!  Here are my findings ...

• The kids easily adapted to this.  We laid out the plan to the kids on Sunday night, made our poster of ideas and fun things to do and they were immediately on board.  They ESPECIALLY liked the reward piece of the deal.  If they got 10 positive check marks through the week (no whining, finding fun things to do, not complaining when reminded about no TV, etc) I'd take them bowling.  They LOVED the mere thought of this.  Honestly, there was very little to NO whining or complaining.
• Except Noah.  My little couch potato did NOT like the no TV rule and let me know by hitting, spitting and grunting at me.  This went on for nearly 2.5 days before he got used to it.
• The first 2 days were hard for me.  I was/am conditioned to start my day with television.  I just have for so long. I watch the news, get the weather, hear the headlines.  Really about 30 minutes just to get a feel for the day ahead.  I missed that.  I also missed that chance to slowly wake up verses hitting the ground running.
• However, I liked hitting the ground running!  We got dressed sooner, we got moving quicker and the day started with less friction.  The TV was not on to hold everyone behind and distract everyone.
• I was super duper proud of Bella and Luke.  They so embraced this and ran with it.  They told everyone "we get to go bowling if we earn 10 check marks!"  People would ask why and they'd say "we watch too much TV!"  It was hilarious!  But, they were understanding and good about the whole thing.  They played together more and got along better all week long.  
• Bella found a lot of things to do.  We did a fair amount of crafts, we did a lot of coloring, we did play outside when we could (it was a rainy week) and we listened to a lot of music.  We memorized our address, phone number, prayers and more.  We played games, danced and talked a lot too.  I got Bella's Tag reader up and running and she adored that!  Luke got out the Tag Junior and enjoyed that too!  We found LOTS to do!
• In the evenings we also had fun.  Daddy played cards with the kids, tried new games and enjoyed walks and books.  It was nice and very enjoyable!
• I had a hard time finding a time to shower this week.  I'm just gonna say it.  The TV is a good chance to catch a shower.  I often try to catch a shower at the Y but my schedule was  bit off this week so I needed to shower at home more ... and it was a dilemma.
• The house was quieter and there was less drama.  I think that the frenetic background noise of the TV can charge up the house in a bad way as much as it can also calm the kids down.
• I was SO HAPPY to not hear Buzz Lightyear or Woody for a week of my life.  HONEST.
• I didn't miss any programming.  I cannot say that I missed anything.  Mike and I did watch two DVR'd programs but that was it during the week.  We stayed so busy we crashed hard each night!  However, I'm not die hard for any shows right now ... talk to me when Bachelorette starts next week! ;)

While it started as a challenge, it ended as a huge reward for everyone.  We all enjoyed it and learned a ton.  So what are we doing now that the week of no TV has ended?  Well, now we have limits.  Bella will get to pick 1 program (in the morning) and 2 programs(in the afternoon) then we turn the TV off.  She has easily adapted to this.  Luke?  He doesn't care about the TV too much (truth be told, the boy doesn't sit still for all that long to really ENJOY television!).  Noah, well, he doesn't understand.  However, I will say that when we turned the TV back on he requested Balloons (Up) and watched it in our bed from start to finish in our covers and had a smile on his face the whole time.  

We love our resident couch potato. ;)

This was a good week with a lot of key learning from us.  We are going to continue to monitor and modify how much screen time the kids have AND implement "no technology Tuesday" in our house to continue with limiting the screen consumption in our home.  The "no tech Tues" was a suggestion from a friend of Ashley's that I thought was brilliant!  Simple and easy!

Did anyone else participate?  How did it go for you?!?!?!?

The wind beneath his wisps ... i swoon.

A few weeks ago Noah's hair started to have a bit of a curl to it.  And of late, it's a wee bit long and the curl (+ humidity) is creating the CUTEST head of hair.  And I'm swooning.  I find myself rubbing my hands through it, admiring it and altogether vowing not to cut his precious locks.  I'm smitten.

ps.  it was THIS week that Mike (you know, that guy I've been married to for nearly 9 years and have known for, oh, 12.)  Says to me ... "did you have curly hair?"  And I reply ... "I HAVE curly hair now.  ARE YOU KIDDING ME?"  He says, "oh, I though you just did that with stuff." 9 years people.  I think my blog readers probably knew I had natural curl ... hubby? Not so much.