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Nine Times A Day: A Priorities Story

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About 4 years ago, Brian came home a little later than to be expected from work. The kids who hadn’t seen their Dad all day were thrilled as he walked in the door. They ran to him in their footie jammies with their damp hair from being just newly bathed and hugged and kissed him.

Meanwhile, I was cleaning the kitchen after having made the fifth meal of the day, a supper of chicken, rice, and a vegetable. I had a warm plate in the oven for my dear husband. Brian watched me sweeping rice up from the floor. For any of you who have had little kids and had to sweep up rice from the floor, it is the worst. THE WORST.

My husband said to my oldest who was just 4 at the time, “Is Mama ok?”

He asked because as I was sweeping that sticky uncooperative rice from my kitchen floor, I was tearing up. Of course, he was the only one who noticed my silent welling of tears, because when you have three kids who are 4, 3, and 2, they don’t notice such things when Dad walks in the door. He sent the kids upstairs and told them to read books until we came up, and sort of tip toed toward me and said, “Sooooo, how was your day?”

I replied curtly, “Well, this is the 9th time today I’ve swept the floor.”

He responded still unsure of my current mood, “Ummm, and this is bad right?”

“YES! This is bad! I cannot keep up with anything!”

He said, “Keep up with what’s important, Erin. How about, tomorrow, just sweep once at the end of the day. Or how about not at all. It really doesn’t matter, just feed the kids from the floor. That is where it all ends up.”

His comments at the time made me laugh, and made me feel a lot better. Thank goodness for Brian making me laugh. When he said, “Keep up with what’s important.” I didn’t really know what that meant at the time.

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I was very much caught up with life with three kids so close together, who were all home with me. Let me tell you, it was utter chaos for so long.

Every day for many years was like sweeping the floor Nine Times times a day.

Sweep up a mess. Someone drops cheerios. Sweep up that mess. Someone drops blueberries. Sweep up that mess. Someone drops noodles.

You get the picture.

It was hard to keep up with these babies and toddlers.

As soon as I would think I was done with a stage, or with a pile of laundry, or cooking a homemade pureed baby food meal (how stupid I was), or a size of clothes from Rubbermaid tub, or bottles, I would be delivering another baby, or potty training someone else, or pulling another tub of hand me downs out from the basement, doing laundry or cooking or cleaning or SWEEPING THE FLOOR FOR THE 9th TIME THAT DAY!

At the time, I thought I was keeping up with what was important.

Last week it happened. My youngest started full day Kindergarten.

I’m home alone, you guys.

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And I’ve kind of noticed a trend. I have a bit more time in the day to myself, but…

Today as I write this, I look around and I have a To Do List a mile long. There are dishes on my counter. I have laundry piled up (clean to be folded and unclean to be washed). I have soccer uniforms that need ordering. A doctor’s appointment to make. Not to mention, now the kids get older there is a whole host of issues and homework and stages and fun(?) that I need to keep up with. Also, we’ve added my full time career to the mix. Not to mention, I probably still should sweep the floor, but I haven’t touched it yet today.

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There were days when I had three little ones crawling/scooting/toddling around and I would be sweeping that floor for the 9th Time That Day and I dreamed of the light at the end of the tunnel. The day all three of my kids were in school all day and I would have all this time to get things done and focus on our home. I would say things like, “I cannot wait until the kids are in school all day and I can clean all day and make our home lovely for them.” or “I cannot wait until the kids go to school so I can focus on making the perfect snacks and when they get home we can blissfully play board games and read stories around the fire place like a magazine.” or “I will never have to sweep the floor 9 Times A Day again.”

I’ve learned a little bit over these last few years. The dishes and the laundry and the Legos and sweeping the floor 9 times a day really doesn’t matter. I have the rest of my life to clean. I wish I could go back and say to myself 4 years ago crying silently as I swept that sticky rice from the floor, “Erin, put down the broom and smell your kids baby shampoo scented heads and snuggle their footie jammied pudgey bodies.”

I’ve lived a little and learned a lot.

This is what I know now:

The light at the end of the tunnel isn’t that the mess is gone. The light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a pretty house. The light at the end of the tunnel isn’t a perfectly laid out snack after school. The light at the end of the tunnel is being ok with the messy kitchen floor. It is not caring about the trivial. Brian was right those years ago, I needed to keep up with what’s important. (That’s right, Brian, you were right.)

I literally have seen the light. I know what’s important. Sweeping the floor 9 Times A Day is not Important.

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So, tonight when the kids get home (from soccer and various other things) we will gather around the dining room table (after moving aside my laptop and take home folders) I will put together a dinner (from the slow cooker) and we will eat and talk and clean up together and maybe play a game of cards. Brian and I will do some laundry after the kids go to bed (the bare necessities), then we will quickly order soccer uniforms (before heading to bed ourselves) and perhaps I can sweep the floor one time (tomorrow)… if there’s time after I snuggle my kids.

As Mother’s Day Approaches, Momvice from One Mom to Another

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This shop has been compensated by Collective Bias, Inc. and its advertiser. All opinions are mine alone. #NurseryMusts #CollectiveBias

I have written a few parenting posts with suggestions for new parents. Some of these posts included sleep tactics, cloth diapering, registry suggestions, and even ideas for making your own baby food. However, now that my three kids are a bit older and I am further removed from the baby phase, I have some different perspective on parenting babies than I did all those years ago.

 I have combined the three best pieces of advice I can gift all my expectant Mom friends into a little gift.

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1.) Trust your mother’s intuition (and your nose).

Whether it be through adoption or birth, being a new Mom is tough work. Everyone is trying “to help” with various suggestions and advice. From trusted friends to the stranger waiting in line at the supermarket telling you she didn’t need all these new fangled appliances like teething rings for her babies.

Moms have a sense of intuition when it comes to their children. Sometimes it is there right away, sometimes it develops over time. A mom can usually tell when their baby is overtired, needs to be fed, is bored, or needs a change (that one is pretty obvious). However, you should trust YOUR intuition FIRST! Then, if you need advice ask for it. 

Then, when do you change that diaper you don’t want to smell it again. Trust me on this one. 

Mother's Advice Gift 1

At Target, I found the NEW Diaper Genie Complete with The Ultimate Odor Lock system.

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This Diaper Genie features a 7-layer refill bag with double Air-Tite® CLAMP, built in carbon filter which can help absorb those nasty odors, and can hold up to 270 blow outs! In addition to lots of Target runs, there will be blow outs in your future. So after you trust your nose, trust your instincts.

2.) Follow your baby’s lead (each baby is different). 

All three of my kids are as different as they come. They were born in a span of 33 months, I attempted many of the same parenting techniques, but I can tell you that some of them worked, and some didn’t. My oldest switched back and forth between nursing and bottles pretty easily but was a premie and was kind of a gassy baby and the first bottle we tried wasn’t the best for him, my middle guy preferred nursing and I had a hard time finding a bottle that simulated nursing for him, my youngest preferred a bottle over nursing after awhile. Even now, I can tell you I parent them each a little differently because they are three different individuals who have different needs and require a little bit different care.

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Babies after all are little humans, all with different temperaments, likes, dislikes, DNA, and habits. Let’s face it, what works for one little cutie, isn’t going to work for another. Which is why, I say if you try something a few times and it isn’t working, move on to plan B, C, D… there is a whole alphabet after all. 

This is why I always give a couple different options when it comes to bottles and Playtex has lots of options.

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First, The Playtex Nurser with Drop-Ins Liners is closer to natural breastfeeding and can simulate the same suck, small, and breathing patters as breastfeeding. This would have been a great fit for my middle son who would have, I am sure, appreciated a smoother transition from nursing to bottle feeding. Also, with a Like Mom® NaturaLatch® Nipple it can help with a natural latch.

Second, The Playtex VentAire has a unique anti-colic bottom vent which helps to create fewer air bubbles. This would have been perfect for my oldest. And when baby is happy, Mom is happy. Also, this bottle has the added bonus of having an angled design which helps prevent ear infections because you can then feed baby in a semi-upright position. This bottle also features the Like Mom® NaturaLatch® Nipple for easy switching from nursing to bottle feeding.

3.) Be kind to yourself (with a Target run).

Finally, as a new Mom you need to be kind to yourself. Be gentle and forgiving. It’s ok that you don’t know how to fold down the stroller completely and just put it in the back of the car completely open (me). It is ok if you go to Mom and Me Music Class with your shirt on inside out and backwards (also me). All of us Moms are with you in solidarity.

We see you. I see you.

So, lastly, in my Mom Advice Gift, I put a Target Gift Card.

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This is just for you. For that rainy day when you cannot walk to the park, but you cannot stand another day in the house. You can wander around with your baby in the stroller sound asleep (don’t stop walking the baby will wake up) and buy yourself some caffeine and a shirt that doesn’t have a stain on it. Because you deserve it!

For more information about Playtex products, follow Playtex on Facebook, YouTube or Twitter @PlaytexBaby.

What advice would you give to a new Mom? What kind of gifts would you include for some #NurseryMusts? Would it be an assortment of Playtex bottles? Share in the comments.

 

 

 

 

One Small Step for Him, One Giant Leap for Mom & Dad

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Its pretty late at night, and I just got finished packing my first school lunch as a parent.

I know this is only the first of thousands that will be packed by me or my kids over the next several years.

Sandwiches and snacks, juice boxes and pretzels, carrot sticks and grapes all packed up in  lunch pails and boxes, coolers and brown bags.

 

This is the start of the school years and kind of the beginning of the end of the baby years. While I am so excited for these years and know that my kids will love this time, it is still change.

My kids haven’t been babies for awhile, (I am practically done with diapers), but there is something about packing up a real lunch for a full day of school that says BIG KID.

 

As I was packing, I got a big blob of jelly on my shirt and I laughed/ugly cried. I didn’t cry because of the jelly. I certainly know this won’t be the last blob of jelly I get on my shirt. I cried because I am feeling such a mix of emotions.

I am happy and sentimental. Excited and nostalgic.

With his one small step on that school bus, Brian and I are taking a leap into the realm of BIG KID.

Why did I laugh? Because let’s be real, this will probably be the last time I have my act together enough to make his lunch the night before.

HAPPY NEW SCHOOL YEAR!!!

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I Was Tired of Being a Taskmaster So I Made a Chore Chart

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My children are at wonderful ages. They are young enough to think helping with chores is fun, and they are old enough to start doing them without a lot of direction or intervention from an adult.

Mostly, because they are still little, the kids just need a subtle reminder of ways they can help around the house. I have been a little tired of repeating myself and feeling like the taskmaster this summer. So, I thought it was time to make a chore chart for each of my kids. 

 

I scoured Pinterest looking for the perfect one. I saw printable ones, sticker charts, pocket charts, magnetic charts, and popsicle stick charts. I was not at all prepared for the options available and to be honest I was a little overwhelmed.
So, I took the best parts of all the ones that I saw around the internet, and made my own magnetic chore chart for each of the kids. 

 

Here is how I did it.SUPPLIES

Metal Board (I found mine at JoAnn Fabrics)
Letter Stickers
Child’s Photo
Glass Beads with Flat Bottoms (JoAnn Fabrics or Michaels)
Mod Podge (Gloss or Matte finish)
Sponge Brush
Heavy Duty Magnets (Michaels)
Double Stick Tape
Hot Glue Gun with Glue
1 inch diameter circle punch (Creative Memories)
Pictures of various chores (Google Images) printed on card stock 

 

Step 1: As Bella Karolyi would say, “Stick it!” 
The first thing I focussed on was making the boards that the magnets would stick to. I found these adorable and colorful boards at JoAnn Fabrics. I liked them because of the small holes all around the edges that would make it easy for hanging them anywhere using some 3M hooks. Using some double stick tape, I secured a photo of my child to the board. Then, I added some large stickers with the kids’ initials and created two columns with the words “to do” and “done” 

 

 

Step 2: Print it out!
This part was the hardest for me, but I did find some cute photos of chores that I liked. Once, I found images I liked, I printed a few trial pages to make sure they were the right size to be punched out. I printed on a medium to heavy weight paper because I thought it might be more durable, but honestly, I think regular paper would be fine. The chores I chose to include (FOR NOW) are Get Dressed, Make Bed, Clean Dishes, Pick Up Toys, Brush Teeth, Read a Book, and Be Kind. I thought they were all good reminders for my kids, and appropriate for their ages.Step 3: Cut and Paste (the old fashioned way)

Yes, I had to use actual scissors, a hole punch, and actual glue (Mod Podge) for this part of making the magnets. I used a one inch diameter hole punch and cut out the images. 

Next, using Mod Podge I brushed the front side of the image with a thin layer.

 

I pressed the flat side of a glass bead to the image.

 

Next, I brushed another thin layer of Mod Podge to the back of the image, and let dry overnight.

 

 

STEP 4: Magnetize!
Once the Mod Podge was dry, I used a hot glue gun to attach the heavy duty magnets to the backs of the glass beads with the images. 

 

Step 5: Admire your genius!
I was so impressed with how these turned out I took a few minutes to enjoy how awesome they are.

 

 

 



Step 6: Hang them up!
Since the magnetic boards I used already had holes, I was able to use two 3M hooks to hang them on the wall.

 

The kids already love them, and so do I! No more taskmaster!

 

If you would like to read more about my craftiness or Gardening, DIY, Cooking, Baking and all other things domestic you can check me out on Facebook or become a follower of Home Everyday here. 
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Linking up at Serenity Now Weekend Bloggy Reading.

Teachable Moments

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A few weeks back, I was at the super market with all three kids. Which as many with kids know can be a hellish interesting experience. While zipping through the store, with my half written list, one child eating Goldfish crackers and the other two letting go of the cart to give me their “sales pitch” on on various unhealthy foods that we must purchase for the mere fact that Lightening McQueen is on the box, I make my way to the frozen foods.

I stop.

There is a woman standing right in front of the frozen waffles. I excuse myself to grab a box, and she says, “Can you help me? My hands are so sore.” I nod my head, and get a box of waffles for her. I notice her hands are resting backside up on the handle of her grocery cart, too weak to grip. I then say, “Miss (I’m not a fan of calling someone Ma’am, as I was near tears when a teenager did it to me once) is everything ok?”

She begins to cry, telling me that she just finished her last round of chemo that morning. That she has a cab waiting outside. That she hopes the cancer is gone. That her grandkids are coming for the weekend and she needs food in the house. That her daughter was supposed to help her at the store today and couldn’t make it. That she thought she could do it herself. That she thinks she is going to just go home.

I reply, “No, we will help you.” The kids by now are listening. Russell and George IMMEDIATELY get to work, when I say the word help. Russell asks the woman, “What else are you going to buy? I will get it.” George says, “Can I push your cart, please?”

We follow the woman around getting our groceries and her groceries, putting anything in her cart that she needs. The boys talking to her, asking her such important questions as “Do you like the Chicago Bears?” and “What’s your favorite color?”

We get to the checkout. The woman thanks us, and tells us that the cab driver can help her from here.

The kids and I checkout. We get to the car. Load everything in. Put everyone in carseats. Buckle up.

I stop.

Russell says, “Mommy, that woman was a stranger.”

“Yes, Russell, she was, but Mommy is here to keep you safe.”

“I don’t like seeing people that are sad. Why was she sad?”

“Because she is sick.”

“I don’t like being sick. I’m glad we helped her.”

George chimes in, “Being sad is not fun.”

I reply, “No, George, being sad is no fun. Thank you for helping.”

That night as I had just told all three munchkins to put their clothes in the hamper for the millionth time.

I stop. I smile. I tear up.

It dawns on me. Even though these kids can drive me insane, they are starting to catch on to the important things in life. Brian and I have done something right. Today my kids helped someone in need. They understand kindness.

As a mother of young kids, it is hard to see the payoff from your labors. Months of, “Say please and thank you.” Hours of setting the timer so they can see the concept of “turn for turn”. Years of trying to lead by example. I finally am getting to see that my kids understand. Even though they are so young, they are starting to understand.

 

Now, excuse me while I go break up a three way screaming match over Secretariat our rocking horse (hey, no one is perfect all the time).

Linking up at Mom of 6 Share Your Life.

Baby Tips: Cloth Diapering

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Since I was one of the first people out of my group of gal pals to have babies, a lot of them ask me for advice regarding all things baby. A few weeks ago, I posted my list of baby must haves, and a lot of my soon to be and new mommy friends thought it was helpful, so here I am again to share a little knowledge. Recently, a friend wrote me and wanted to know about Cloth Diapering. I have cloth diapered three kids, and remember a time when I was cloth diapering three at the same time (my kids are pretty close in age), I thought I would fill her in, and anyone else that needs some advice in this department.

Ok, I admit, I had to be sold on cloth diapering. I try to be green whenever possible, but this seemed… well frankly gross, but after a little coaxing from my friend, Colleen, doing some research, and Brian sharing with me how much money we would save cloth diapering, I jumped with both feet and actually liked it a lot.

Here’s my step by step guide to Cloth Diapering. Don’t let this intimidate you, I am just over sharing. As usual.

 

1.) Do some research and choose a brand and kind. The brand we chose is called BumGenius. BumGenius has a few different kinds of cloth diapers, but we chose the One Size 3.0 and later the One Size 4.0. One size diapers, are just that, ONE SIZE. This is nice as you can use the same diapers for the entire time your child is in diapers without having to spend more money every time your kid grows. The diapers have snaps to adjust the size. Also, these diapers come with an option of velcro closures or button closures. In the beginning, we used the velcro closures with the boys, but as time went on and we had washed them a few hundred times, the velcro closures lost their stickiness. The BumGenius website has all kinds of tips on how to regain velcro stickiness, but to be honest I had two kids in diapers, was pregnant with a third, and didn’t really have time to worry about velcro stickiness, so when my daughter came along, we bought the button closures for her and they worked out wonderfully. She is two and the snaps are still working great. I strongly recommend using One Size diapers if you can as they are the most cost effective option.

 

2.) Buy all the accessories. Ok, I know when you have a baby, there are countless expenses, and the last thing you want to do is drop about $300 or more on cloth diapers and THEN purchase everything that comes along with cloth diapering, but honestly, you WILL save money in the long run. Here are some things you will need: wet bags, diaper pail, pail liners, BacOut, detergent, and a diaper sprayer. What are all these things, you ask. Here is the breakdown: Wet Bags – they are zippered waterproof bags to keep in your diaper bag. They are where you put your dirty diapers when you are away from home. Several places sell them, and you can even get them on Etsy. Diaper Pail – There are specially made diaper pails for cloth diapers, but honestly I just use a Rubbermaid tall trash can with a lid. Pail Liners – these are reusable bags to put in your diaper pail. It was always nice to dump the diapers in the washing machine and then throw the pail liner right in with the diapers (this can be done with the wet bags as well). BacOut – This is a specially made all natural stain remover and the only one that is safe to use on cloth diapers. Detergent – depending on the type of cloth diaper you buy, you will have to purchase the detergent that is safe for that particular diaper. BumGenius makes their own detergent so that helped narrow down what we should use. Diaper Sprayer – this is a little contraption that you attach to your toilet tank to spray any waste into the toilet.

 

3.) Come up with a system. I will be the first to admit that using cloth diapers seemed really scary to me at first, but I honestly it isn’t that hard. Here is what we did for a streamlined cloth diapering system in our house. We had about 20 diapers on hand, and because of my crazy personality, I have 16 white and 4 in a color (I will explain why). When I wash and dry the diapers, I always put them together right out of the dryer, just like I do when I fold clothes. Putting diapers together means adjusting the size of the diaper cover and the insert and putting the insert in the diaper. Also, the color diapers always would receive an extra liner and I would designate those to be “overnight” diapers. After changing the baby, I empty any mess into the toilet using the diaper sprayer, spray any stains with BacOut, remove the liner and throw everything into the diaper lined diaper pail. When, it comes time to wash (which you should do every other day or every two days) I dump the whole pail liner into the wash and just throw the pail liner in the wash too.

 

Some things worth mentioning
– If you decide to use cloth diapers, it is probably best to use reusable wipes too. This helps cut down on waste, and you can just throw everything into one pail.
– Some great places to buy cloth diapers and accessories are Cotton Babies, Diaper Daisy, or Buy Buy Baby.
– Cloth diapers help save money, are good for the environment, help prevent diaper rash, and help with potty training. For more information on the benefits of cloth diapering click here.
– If your child needs to use diaper rash cream, you might want to switch to disposable as creams can harm the absorbency of the diapers. Also, you can put a small piece of fabric between baby and diaper at this time too.
– Some brands or cloth diaper stores offer trial packages where you can try out cloth diapers to see if it is for you.

I hope this helps to answer any questions or concerns regarding cloth diapers.

 

Eating Bon Bons: Being a Stay at Home Mom

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I don’t normally write posts like this. I pretty much like to keep it lighthearted here, but I just kind of felt that with school starting, us parents needed a little encouragement. Just to give you some background: I had my first child in 2007 and worked outside the home until my second child was born in 2009. Then in 2010 I had my third child. I have seen both sides of the coin.
Last week, I checked my email, and there was a note from my husband with a link to a blog post about a woman, who when asked what she did for a living, she felt kind of ashamed to say she was a Stay at Home Mom. She wasn’t ashamed of staying home with her kids every day, she was more embarrassed of what other people would think. Like being a stay at home parent wasn’t enough.
This was my response:
“Do I feel inferior to hardworking professionals? Yes, occasionally, but not because I’m not hardworking. It is an exterior pressure that I sometimes feel. If I got paid for what I do at home, I think that there would be less sense of inferiority. I also think this is mostly a phenomenon in the U.S. I’m pretty sure that being a stay at home parent is the hardest work I’ve ever done, and will ever do. The total sacrifice of self is what makes it so hard. In my professional life, I could leave my desk at any time to use the rest room, I could listen to whatever I wanted on the radio, I had ½ hour commute to myself in the car, I could eat whatever I wanted for lunch, I could talk to adults, I could put on make up, and shower on my own schedule. These simple tasks to me almost seem lavish and selfish to me now. As a stay at home parent, I am a teacher, mediator, laundry service, psychiatrist, nurse, event planner, personal assistant, chef, accountant, maintenance woman, janitorial service, chauffeur, and that is not even scratching the surface of all I do for my family. I have learned all these jobs without any formal education or on the job training. Parents who work outside the home, do all of this AND earn money for their family, however, they also get to use the bathroom in peace. There are arguments to both sides, but the implication that a stay at home parent is less of a person or should feel shame because they are home with their children drives me insane. I think families make the choices that are right for them, there shouldn’t be any shame in taking care of your family, no matter how you want to do it, whether it be earning money outside the home or being a stay at home parent. We should all be supporting each other in raising happy, healthy, independent and well mannered members of our society.”
I wrote this response to the woman’s post in the hopes that she knew A.) she was not alone B.) I think a lot of stay at home parents feel this way and C.) that being a stay at home parent is hard work.
I totally felt for this woman. Brian knows how I feel about stay at home parents. I think it is a very honorable job, but an extremely thankless one. I also feel that there is a stereotype that comes with being a stay at home parent.
When I was a kid, there was always that notion that Stay at Home Moms did nothing but lie around, watch soap operas, and eat bon bons all day. Oh! How I wish that were true! More days than not, I wish I could just stay in my jammies, not because I cannot find two minutes to myself to shower and get dressed, but because I am actually making the conscience choice to stay in my pajamas.
I was surprised to see that I was not the only person who felt this way. That while we all know we are doing something honorable for our family and we are making serious sacrifices, we also feel like we are fighting an image.
For the past three years, I have stayed home full time with my kids. It was the right decision for OUR family at the time, and continues to be for the time being. Here is what I have found out in that time:
  • Those who have children are parents. Period. Whether you stay at home, work outside the home, work part time, have a nanny, or send your kid to day care. We are all doing our best for our kids.
  • Fact of the matter is, kids (little kids that is) cannot be left alone. So, whether mom or dad stays home to care for the kids or Grandma, Grandpa, neighbor, friend, nanny, day care provider is helping to take care of a child, the reality is, there are different jobs to raising kids. Someone has to be with the kids, and someone has to pay for it all. So, who cares who does what job, as long as the job is being done.
  • Being a stay at home parent is probably the hardest job I will ever have. It is a 24/7, 365 grueling marathon. No, I’m not sitting around eating bon bons all day. I’m not even sitting most days. And forget bon bons. There are some days feeding myself doesn’t fit into my day until nap time.
So why the judgement? Why the criticism? Why do stay at home parents feel guilty about not earning money (even though they help save their families thousands of dollars in child care costs)? For that matter, why do working parents feel guilty for having to work outside the home for their children? Aren’t we all “there” for our kids? Whether you are the emotional support, general caregiver, or financial supporter (or all three)?
I don’t know why there is judgement, but I’m going to do my part and just be grateful for the happy, healthy, well mannered and loved kids I know. Because I know first hand how much work goes into having just that.

 

Six Week Round Up: Busy Busy

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Monday marked the start of my 6th week blogging, and I have to say I am enjoying it way more than I ever thought. It is definitely a way for me to “talk” to adults as well as showcase some of the things we do with the kids, our home, and in the kitchen.

Thank you so much to those of you that read. I have only received positive feedback, and I totally appreciate it. It makes me want to share more with you. So stay tuned for more kids crazy antics, home projects, and cooking adventures. Please keep reading because my to do list is forever long, and your reading gives me the motivation to keep going.

Blogging also has the added bonus of being a scrapbook for us to look back. So, here is a round up of our last six weeks. Crazy huh?
We have definitely been enjoying summer with the kids and getting to try some new things in our neighborhood like the fishing derby, soccer camp, and the new gelato place.
We’ve also been enjoying some relaxing time at home enjoying some impromptu play time or the fake Olympics.
Let’s not forget time spent with family.
And the projects Brian and I have been working on around here like our vegetable garden that I talked about here and here.
Not to mention the painting projects that I’m constantly doing in Brian’s parking spot of the garage. So far, I’ve fixed up our mailbox, refinished some chairs, painted an old bookshelf, and painted some nightstands. By the looks of things around here, maybe I should open a furniture refinishing shop.
There have been some smaller projects we’ve tackled like the kids’ art display, my ticket stub art, or replacing the kitchen light fixture as well as the HUGE project of hosting a garage sale.
But let us not forget la piece de resistance, the gorgeous plank table Brian built and I stained.
So far this summer too, I’ve been cooking and baking up a storm (too bad it isn’t storming for real around here; the drought has wrecked havoc on my garden). Here are links to all the amazing recipes that I’ve tried. Luckily, they all have been winners, but trust me I’m sure there are several mishaps to come, and I can share those too.
As you can see we are busy around here. Thank you again for reading and the positive feedback! It really does brighten a gal’s day.

Something Seems Fishy Around Here

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We have lived in this town for seventeen months, and we
could not be happier with everything here. We love the small downtown area, the businesses (Mariano’s Fall 2013 WOOT!), the
park district, and the library. We enjoy the Sunday Farmers’ Market, concerts
on the town green, and summer movie series.  So far, we have been a part of several events too, such as
the 5K Run and the huge end of summer fest. I used to joke that I wish I could
find a town like Stars Hollow in Gilmore Girls, and I think I found it.
One of the events that we took part in this past weekend,
was the Youth Fishing Derby. Brian has always wanted to teach the kids how to
fish, and this was the perfect event for them to learn. It was totally geared
toward kids, and the volunteers were extremely helpful. For a small fee, the
park district provided each participant with a t-shirt and bait, and for 45
minutes the kids, with the help of an adult could cast their line as many times
at they wanted. When a child caught a fish, a volunteer would measure the fish,
take the hook out (which is the part I’m always squeamish about) and throw the
fish back. At the end of the 45 minutes, there was an award ceremony with
snacks (Goldfish crackers of course) and juice for the kids. Prizes were given to the participant who caught
the biggest fish, and the participant who caught the most fish.
The boys (all three) had a ball! Caroline was too young to
register this year, but she had a great time watching. Russell and George with
the help of Daddy and Peepa EACH caught six fish. Pretty impressive for the
first time out.
Bait ready.
What a beautiful (and hot) morning!
Running to get more bait!
Russell thought it was too hot to stand.
George smiling ear to ear after his first catch.
Russell’s 7 1/2 inch catch.

 

Caroline waiting in the shade.
Time to go in and cool off!
What is your favorite thing/event/business in your town?

Caught Red… I mean Chocolate Handed

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It’s moments like this that I feel need to be documented because the older the kids get the less things like this will happen.

When I feed Caroline, I often feel like this is the boys chance to get into mischief. For the most part they stay out of trouble, but it is like they know I am distracted. Caroline was pretty upset, so my focus was on feeding her, and I ask the boys to please stay where I can see them, which usually isn’t a problem. Except for this particular day.

George sits on the other side of the counter, out of my sight, but I can definitely hear him playing with his cars. I also figured, if he got into anything I would hear him or have the “informant” aka Russell report back. Soon, Russell goes out of my line of sight, but I hear him and George playing demolition derby and giggling, so I figure everything is ok. Then suddenly silence. This is when I know they are into something. I stop feeding Caroline, which for anyone who is feeding a baby, to interrupt them is a nightmare. I round the corner, and both boys are elbow deep in an Entemmenn’s chocolate doughnut box. I asked what they were doing, and Russell said they were hungry. Oh well. Doughnuts for dinner never hurt anyone, right? Happy Weekend, Everyone!