I've caught the Royal Crazies!

For those of you not in K.C. you might not realize all the craziness that is going on right now this city!  

Let me share with you some of what I'm talking about.

Our Royals Baseball team won the World Series 2015!  Schools are closing all over the city tomorrow because we have our celebration parade downtown at noon. Stores are open 24 hours selling Royals clothing, entire business have opened up to selling t-shirts to our city!

This might not seem like a big deal to you, perhaps you aren't a baseball fan.  

Well.... to be honest, I'm not either.  

Let me tell you how much of a non-sports person I am so maybe you can understand how much the Royals have affected our city.  My family were not sports fans.  I didn't grow up watching sports on Sunday.  My hometown of Wichita didn't have any professional sports, and my parents didn't have a "college" team they followed so it just wasn't something I grew up with.  In H.S. (sorry fellow Goddard grads) but we were not known for our sports.  The only touchdown I think we got our senior year was done by our kicker.  Our boys basketball team had the highest G.P.A. in the area.  At least these are the things I remember (it was a while ago), forgive me if I miss-spoke.  In college I went to a small college for the first 2 years and the girls volleyball team made the play-off (I think).  Then I transferred to Kansas City Art Institute.  We were ARTISTS, we don't play sports at least not on a college level.  We played Frisbee - maybe - between classes.

I never have been part of a sports team that did well.  

I've lived in KC since late 1999.  

The Chiefs - well... if you follow football you know there is nothing to really all worked up over.  I mean, I've been to games, it's fun, we have had a glimpse here and there of maybe having a decent year, but nothing like the Super Bowl or anything.  Maybe, MAYBE we might get close to first round play-offs.

Our city was just starving for a team to really rally behind.

The MLS Sporting Soccer Team has done great.  I do not want to over shadow their accomplishments.  But, we are in the mid-west and the fan base for that sport is young and still being established.  They have only been here a short time and simply just doesn't have the history of some "life long fans".   Those living here don't have the memory of growing up seeing these games, our kids will... but time is still needed.

Well... for the 2nd year in a row the Royals have blown us away.  Last year we were not upset we didn't win the World Series... we were grateful we got there!  We were so very proud of our team and players and how hard they worked.

This year, we had hope!  We believed from the beginning it was possible to go all the way.  The tension was there from the first ball thrown.  The suspense has been building all year, trades were watched, players were adopted into our town family, we desperately wanted to relive the excitement we got a taste of last year.

As a mom of 3 kids ages 10-5.  I saw my kid's eyes get wide when our neighbors would launch fireworks after each series won in the play offs.  I saw them go to school wearing their Royals shirts on Blue Friday with pride along side of their friends.  

It's like a club, a club you are automatically a part of just because of the city you live in and it's a fun, exciting, classy, group of wonderful role models for our young kids to watch. 

 I loved seeing them praise God as they got one little hit!  I loved watching my kids see how a team works as a unit and not as a side kick for a show boat.  I liked how my kids were asking about the "rules", and why did that happen, and what does that mean?  It was a chance for our kids to sit with us and cheer as a family, have fun dinner nights, stay up late, and yell in the house because we got a base hit in the 8th inning.  

We are building family memories, while watching a sport.  

I had no idea you could do that.  This was so new to me.
I thank you Royals, for giving me some "childhood memories" in my late thirties!
I'm very exciting to celebrate with our town tomorrow!

Be safe everybody, continue our "safe celebrating", and remember these kids are seeing everything so stay the classy team and fans you have been all year!

Mommy Hacks - Sick Season Preps!

Oh, it's that time of year!  

Colds, stomach bugs, and sore throats!  

Hopefully this list of 10 top tricks all moms should know and do will help!

Are you ready for this??????????

1) Line the bucket!

Yes, this tip came from a friend and I will totally be implementing this one ASAP.  The throw up bucket is not "new" to me but putting a trash liner in it is just something I didn't think of at 2:00 am.  Usually I just grab the hose.  But... now I'm ready. I just lined my empty 5 gallon ice cream bucket and put a few extra's under there on the bottom, for a quick change.

2) Speaking of throw-up...

Peppermint hard candies, and even a strong flavored cough drop can help get that yucky taste out of a little ones mouth.  You could even use a lollipop.  Sometimes candy is ok.

3) The sick prep bag

I'm a bag person.  I really like having bag for every occasion.  During sick season I prep a bag for each of one of my kids.  It's great to have ready for a back pack, or a diaper bag, or my purse. Heading out the door with a less than well child, just grab and be prepared.

Things to include

• purse size Kleenex
• chap stick (for chapped lips or even chapped noses works on both)
• a small tube of Aquaphor (for the hands after sanitation or again, the chapped nose)
• hand sanitizer
• empty Ziploc - for the used Kleenex
• RX - based on the kid 
• nose spray
• Benadryl rapid melts
• Pepto or tums chew-ables
• chew-able Motrin or Tylenol 
• (obviously only if the kids are old enough to manage have access to meds)
• Cough drop or Vitamin C drops
• a fun band-aid - because when you don't feel good a paper cut can end your world.

4) Used Kleenex piles... oh gross!

A great idea is to get the boxes that are cubes, use an empty one as a trash for the used ones.  Either tape, glue, or rubber band them together.

Don't have a empty box.... grab a gallon sized Ziploc.  Fill, zip, and toss all those germs away!

5) Get some rest - but "I'm too achy to sleep".  

If keeping their eyes open to watch a movie keeps them awake when they should be resting.  Try a CD or audio book.  Swing by the library, buy one and keep it on hand or download the free app from your library and just download one.  Close your eyes and listen,  and rest!

6) Body aches, detox bath time!

Might I suggest keeping some Epson Salt on hand.  It's really cheap, and helps a ton.  There are so many "recipes" for the perfect detox bath.  But, I find Epson salt and sleepy time tea bag thrown in a tub helps a ton.

7) Medicine baskets, get 'em prepped now! 

 You need to have 3 major baskets in your medicine cabinet - your 3:00 am self with thank you.

1. wound care
2. cold / allergies / respiratory
3. stomach / flu / digestive

If you want to get fancy and OCD... and a smaller basket for each of your family members.  When the crud starts to take hold, put the correct meds in the correct person's basket on your counter with a list of times etc for doses.  It's helpful when adults play tag-team on care knowing when the last dose of meds were given and how much.  And you won't mix up small children's with older children's meds.

8) Germ barriers, sick beds

Ok, so you should know I am a germ-a-phob.  I mean like really, really bad.  Sick kids on a surface that I can't throw into the washing machine creeps me out.  So, I make a sick bed on the couch.  A king sized fitted sheet over the whole thing, keeps my couch clean and washable.

9) Never run out

This might be obvious, but go out and get what ever medicine, creams, oils, refills, and Epson salt you need.  And get some back ups.  My main tip is have everything on hand at all times.  Here are must list of things to never run out of EVER!

• Benadryl (never know when you have an allergy reaction and need a quick dose)
• Mucinex
• Motrin
• Epson salt
• thermometer (have extra batteries on hand)

10)  I'm bored, and sick, and whinny...Mommy!!!!!!!!!!

So.... I got nothing (other than audio books).  We all struggle with this.   My biggest advise on this one is to remember to get out that hand sanitizer and Clorox wipes out and wipe down that IPad, cell phone, remote control, light switches, door knobs and start on that laundry you have sheets, towels, and pillow cases to wash.  At least YOU won't be bored!

Get Busy Mama, there is no time for you to get sick!

Not a "new mom" any more... now what "middle mom"?

Well.. it has finally happened.  I am purging sippy cups, baby toys and tiny silverware.  

I no longer plan my days around nap times, pack a diaper bag, or buy pull-ups.

I'm not a "new" mom anymore.  

I'm in the "middle" stage.  

It's a weird sensation, a new one at the the very least and I find myself thinking...

"Did I really make it thru the baby stage of motherhood and lived to tell the tale"?

I did... I finally did it.  And I'm not quite sure how I'm suppose to feel about it.

If you just starting out in this journey called motherhood or maybe you haven't quite gotten there yet, let me tell you how the "new" mom life compares to the "middle" mom life.

Your "people" shop for groceries mid-day before or after nap time and before the "work" people get there.  This is good to know because there is something in the fellowship of  yoga pants wearing, barely got enough sleep, where is the caffeine "new mom" group.  These people are your "people" they will not judge you when your baby is hungry and you just feed them in aisle 7 because well... what else are you going to do about a hungry screaming baby.

Now, I grocery shop mid-day because it's habit and because I can do it with out being bombarded for another shop-kins thing, or a minecraft themed yo-yo in the dollar section.  

A new mom might see me and think - wow.... she can shop by herself isn't that nice. 

 The truth is... it's really, really nice and I kinda love it.  

However, I see you too "new mom" 

and I remember the those days like they were yesterday.  I had one baby in front carrier holding in a pacifier with one hand while pushing a cart with two boys, one on each side so they don't "touch each other" and so I don't run over them with my one handed cart driving.  I was bouncing and singing while explaining why we don't eat cheese puffs for breakfast to the 3 year old while scanning for a bathroom because a 4 year old is almost in tears, he has to go right now! 

I've been there, I have soooooo paid my dues and I lived.  I totally made it thru!  And you will too!

My kids are still alive and hopefully not in need of therapy.  I still love them, they still love me and all my hair is still rooted in my head and not pulled about in patches.  I honestly never really thought this day would come.

Now I wonder did I leave something in the car?  Do I have my purse?  Why do I feel so... solitary?  Oh, it's because I don't have babies or toddlers any more right at my side.  They are safely in school and at pick up time a whole different life starts.

My days are now planned around drop off / and pick up times, homework, spellings words, gymnastics, basketball, lunch making and dinner time chats .

One thing has not changed, tucking in my sweet off spring.  This I still hold on to.  This hopefully will not change - well at least not until junior high :).  

Then we will chat again about that stage of motherhood and the changes that age brings.

Here are my "experienced" words of wisdom 

to those "new" moms.

1) If an older mom hands out a piece of advise it's not because we don't think you aren't doing great, or that we know better.... it's because we have been there and we recognize sigh you just released out of exhaustion.  It's meant as encouragement, that there is still rope left to grasp on to, and you can climb that rope and do it.  Chances are we "know that advise" because we were so very bad at the subject ourselves and did massive mom sized research on it.

- Still feel free to ignore it and trust your mom heart, it's your best resource!

2) We still love to hold babies.  If you need help... just ask.  We will hold your baby for you while at the park if you need to fix a boo-boo on your toddler.  I know we might be a stranger but since we are out of that stage, we will happily give them back I promise.  But, we understand the need for an extra set of hands every once in a while.  Use our experienced hands to your benefit!

3) We are great sources of hand-me downs and still great toys.  Just say'n - we love to get it out of the house and your kids could use some new distractions that are cheap or free right!

4) Most of all... we are living proof.  

Living breathing proof that you can make it through to the other side.  

• You will get your sleep back.
• You will be able to walk around with out expending your perimeter of safety to a 4 ft bubble.
• You will not have to fear the silence of a toddler.
• Or the enviable poop explosion in public (from the baby).

You too will live to tell the tale  and join the common core math, play ground antics, spelling words, and music recitals group of the "middle mom".  Now, doesn't that sound like fun!

I believe in Santa but....I don't believe in pre-school

I believe in Santa Clause, the Tooth Fairy but I do not believe in 

Pre-school or Full Day Kindergarten!

So... go ahead, roll your eyes.  But, here me out!  There are things in the article for those of you who like funny little remarks and those that like data... if your not a data person then just skip around and have a yourself a good laugh (that would be the blue text), and maybe do some thinking of your own. 

I'm not bashing those that choose to do "pre-school", thats your choice.  I am also not a "homeschooler" so don't lump me in with that crowd.  I'm not a hippy free non-schooler or anything like that either. (no offence just making a joke).

I am however a big proponent of letting kids be kids and not little students at the age of 2-4.

Here is my thought process - It might not be a linear line (I did my best) but it's how my brain works.

• Kindergarten is not even required by the state of KS (which is where I live).
• Kindergarten used to be the "pre" part of getting ready for school.
• Kindergarten is now going full day.

So, how to prep for Kindergarten (if you feel you must)

• Let's do a "pre-school" at age 3-4 to prep for Kindergarten.
• Now, let's do a "mommy day out" so "pre-school" is not a shock at age 1 1/2-3.

• Next up... Sign them up for a baby college ACT prep class - you can do your child's enrollment at the same time you fill out their birth certificate.

Oh, come now.. let's not get crazy... well...
let's see some stats.
(if you don't like serious stats then just skip to the blue text below it)

First the cause of this "crisis"  

(source -http://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Research%20and%20Evaluation/historyofeducationfinal.pdf)

"A Nation At Risk" was published by the U.S. Department of Education's National Commission on Excellence in Education, beginning the current school reform efforts. The Commission advanced the following recommendations: · Graduation requirements should be strengthened so that all students establish a foundation in five new basics: English, mathematics, science, social studies, and computer science. · Schools and colleges should adopt higher and measurable standards for academic performance. · The amount of time students spend engaged in learning should be significantly increased. · The teaching profession should be strengthened through higher standards for preparation and professional growth."

Where it starts

(source -http://www.ksde.org/Portals/0/Research%20and%20Evaluation/historyofeducationfinal.pdf)

"Kindergarten attendance is not required, but almost all Kansas children attend kindergarten. Although the state funds half day kindergarten only, during the 2000-2001 school year, 238 schools in the state used Title I and other school funding to provide allday, every day kindergarten to 9,534 children, giving them more time to gain the skills needed to be successful in first grade. "

Proof 

 source(https://www.census.gov/prod/2013pubs/p20-571.pdf)
"Nursery school enrollment today has become increasingly common for 3- and 4-year olds. According to the CPS, only 10 percent of 3- and 4-year olds were enrolled in nursery school in 1965, while 48 percent of 3- and 4-year olds were enrolled in 2011 (see Figure 3). The rate of nursery school enrollment has been around 48 percent for the past 5 years. "

I concede there is a good reason to consider it....

 source(http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Pre-kindergarten/Pre-Kindergarten/Pre-kindergarten-What-the-research-shows.html)

• "The Early Childhood Longitudinal Study-Kindergarten Cohort, a national study of 14,162 kindergartners, their parents, and teachers, showed that children from extremely poor families had the strongest gains in pre-reading and math after attending a center-based preschool (Loeb, Bridges, Fuller, Rumberger, and Bassok 2005). These children attended a center-based program that was not Head Start but was a child care center, preschool, or pre-k program, as reported by the child’s parents."

- See more at: http://www.centerforpubliceducation.org/Main-Menu/Pre-kindergarten/Pre-Kindergarten/Pre-kindergarten-What-the-research-shows.html#sthash.rTssUC5x.dpuf

• Overall, researchers found an 8–9 percentile point gain for these children, compared with youngsters who were cared for entirely at home. Hispanic children with limited English proficiency achieved twice the gains in language and pre-reading skills compared with white children. Program participation also increased math proficiency among all lower-income children."

However Long term gains.....?????? is it worth it?

source (http://reason.org/files/b7abd1fc30bdf33cd824db3b102c4db0.pdf)

• "We note, however, that the differences researchers observed in the Reading First analysis already begin to fade by the beginning of first grade. At the end of kindergarten, 17 percent more of the full-day students had attained the benchmark than those in the half-day program (59.8 percent compared to 42.6 percent). As the Reading First analysis reported, just a few months later, at the beginning of first grade, that advantage dropped almost in half, to 10 percent (58.7 percent compared to 49 percent). Similarly, at the end of kindergarten, 15 percent more of the half-day students were recommended for intensive support (34.7 percent compared to 19.9 percent), but by the beginning of first grade, the difference had dropped to 10 percent (23.6 percent compared to 13.6 percent)."

• "The ECLS-K research shows the same pattern documented by hundreds of early education studies: children in full-day kindergarten are afforded a modest academic edge over children in half-day kindergarten when measured at the end of the kindergarten year. However, that initial edge completely disappears by third grade. "

I then start asking questions like have learning problems and behavior problems been on the rise since this more schooling at a young age has increased?  Well.. that's a whole different blog.

___________________________________________________________________________________

So, I ask you this... is that time that your child misses out on home time, free play, learning about dirt, and oh yes sleeping!!!! Is it worth it?

For me a stay at home mom, who also runs an internet business at my leisure, it just isn't worth loosing that precious time I get to spend with them.  I miss my kids when they are at school.

Here are a few things I am sick of hearing about why kids should be at pre-school.

Socialization - "I'm a stay at home mom, they need to play with more kids.

• Oh please.  If you are a SAHM and your kid isn't socialized enough, then get up and do something about it.  Join MOPS, join the YMCA, go to a park, make new other SAHM moms.   I have a saying, chances are if your child isn't socialized enough then neither are you!

Learning - "My two year old can read LATIN"!

• So, what your saying is your child is a natural language genius or that's just crap.  I'm might be crazy here but I'm pretty sure I'm qualified to teach my pre-schooler everything they need to know, numbers, shapes, colors, ABC's etc.  As a college graduate I think I can handle that.  I could teach them a foreign language as well, and I did!  Two different ones Sign Language and some Italian.  
• But, here is the kicker.... if you can't speak it as well then they aren't going to hold on to that for very long and your so called multi-language speaking child will be a English speaking child pretty darn soon, because unless you use it with them, they will loss it.

I work - "a center is better than home care".

• I'm just going to have to dis-agree, respectfully.  Notice I did it respectfully :) !  I happen to feel that a home environment with a less structure "center" type feel is better, for the above reasons.  Again, not knocking your choice, I know we are do what we fell is best based on what is available, affordable and possible.

I need some me time - OK... this is honestly the best one out there.  At least it's honest!  

• If you need to catch up on some sleep, have some quiet time, maybe you have a lot of dr apps. you have to do and this is a way to get it done.  I get it!  I truly, truly do!  Trust me I'm used to having 3-5 kids with me, over the past 8 years - I know the feeling.  And I can respect a person that just owns up to needing some help!  And if that's how you do it... then again... your choice.  

I just urge you to not to give into the pressure of "schooling" your precious little one just because you feel like you have to, parent peer presure.  Look into home care, a fellow SAHM who could use some extra income, or heck a grandma (adopt one if you need) that needs a baby to hold once a week.  Find somebody that will simulate and teach but not in a "school setting". 

Debunking Myth's we hear and tell our self's

• Your not a bad mom if you choose to prep your kid for school on your own.  

• Your child is not learning less doing half day vs all day Kindergarten.

• Your not boosting your child's IQ by doing a "Latin Immersion with Montessori inspired International themed curriculum that has all the latest Tek and STEAM" and what else you can spit out.  

• Your just being a pompous elitist and people roll their eyes at you just as much as they do at me for not "believing in pre-school".

other good reads on the subject
the-decline-of-play-in-preschoolers-and-the-rise-in-sensory-issues/

the-real-reason-why-children-fidget

how-schools-ruined-recess-and-four-things-needed-to-fix-it/

8 Tips and Tricks to Cruise Travel... the things I didn't read about when I searched for tips!

OK.. so I have been on one cruise... yep one!  It was the first vacation my husband and I had kid free in 10 years.  To be specific we went on the Royal Caribbean Grandeur of the Seas to Bermuda (these observations are based on that ship and line).
Perhaps a normal person might think that one cruise is not enough to write a tips and tricks blog post about but... I have never been considered normal.  So, here are a list of things that I  did not read about on the massive amounts of research I did before our cruise.

1) The whole pre-booking thing... yea that's a joke.  I was so worried that the spa would be booked up, or the excursion would be full or we would miss out on something if it all wasn't totally planned out and pre-booked.  What a load of nonsense :)

Tip - Let me assure you that the pre-booking best rate for the spa is not the best rate.  Did you know they have daily specials for the spa.. like really great ones!  These specials range from $89 - $135 and they cover a mixture of wonderful things like while getting a facial, you also get a head, neck, hand, and foot massage. They are usually 50  minute appointments and you are able to upgrade them for $20 here and there to add hot stones for an extra 25 minutes to a massage etc.  They have to be booked that day, so yes.. call and book early but I never had a problem getting in.  Just check the daily compass (the little daily newspaper they deliver to your room of all the daily activities).

2) Internet....... it's crazy expensive on the ship and is very limited.  Royal Caribbean's web-site said for one device it would be around $90 for the week.  Well... it was more like $150 give or take or $39 a day.  It was very slow, and did not allow for Face Time which was what we had planned on using for talking to our kids (you know using the whole Wi-Fi thing on the apple phones to avoid international cell charges).

Tip... just wait until you get to your destination.  Buy a drink, get free wi-fi for an hour, or buy the area service for $20 for 3 days.  The connection was great, we were able to face time all over the harbor, and had zero problems.

Extra Tip... the area service I was even able to use on the ship, as long as I was port side on the deck, so debarking etc, was not necessary.

3) The Soda Drink Package - it's a decent deal.

Here's my tip.  The cup you get is just like every other person who got the package too, so there are like 1379 cups roaming around that look just like yours.  And they haven't been really "washed" all week. So, you do not want to mix up your cups.  My mind went to a hair band or something to put around the actual cup to differentiate it from the others but  my hubby thought of something better, permanent, and doesn't get soggy when rinsed.  Nail Polish on the lid.  Yep, a little dot of nail polish on the lid does a world of good, just use a different color for each person.  Yes.. I travel with nail polish...if you know me in person you know this to be a true statement!  A real reason a Julep addiction comes in handy.  Don't judge.

4) My time dinning - We loved it!

Tip - At first I was totally prepared to have different servers every meal, however.... since we made our reservations at the start of the dinner time hours of when we estimated our arrival, the matradee sat us with the same servers every night!  And they were wonderful!  Cosmina and Dexter, they made our cruise something special!  They remembered what we liked, didn't like, they suggested things that they new we might  not know to order or what have you, and Cosmina made me the best hot coco every night with milk, frothed etc.. all because the first night I asked for creme... it was the best way to end the night!  Loved our servers and we still had the flexibility to eat at different times based on our island adventures and show times.

5) Restaurant Package - it's kinda expensive to add extra nights eating in additional cost restaurants, however there are two ways to do this and not go crazy.

Tip - we signed up for a package get 3 restaurants and get 25% of your total bills at those places. You have to double check our bill and make sure they got that info from the computer that you signed up for it, but  it saved us about $50.

Tip - most of the restaurants have these lunch specials - it's like a buffett so you don't get the extra special stuff.. but for the sushi bar it's a great way to eat there, and not spend a ton, plus free champagne.

6) The Bed.  Ok, so maybe I'm really spoiled, but no bed is equal to the bed at home and spending 7 nights on a bed that's well... less than what I am used to is hard.  I would suggest traveling with a memory foam topper with a down feather topper... not possible..?!?  What.. yeah, well that would be difficult.

Tip - Under our bed was 2 extra down toppers all wrapped up in a trash bag for the turn over day (day you get off and others get on).  Well... I stole those suckers and stripped our bed - laid those things down under our sheets for some added padding.  It wasn't the best ever, but it was a step up.

7) The Shower - it's super small.  I mean like really tiny.  I'm a 5' 6"  - 110 lbs skinny girl and I simply could not shave with out splashing the bathroom into a wet mess.  Image what my 6' 3" - cough, cough sized hubby felt like in that thing.

Tip - the spa, has a locker room were the sauna's are.  And guess what... they have full sized showers in there, totally private with a curtain.  Yep, I visited the sauna daily and I was always the only one in there - each and every day.  I cannot promise  your fellow cruisers will give you the sauna all to your self, but if you are sharing a room, just really need a good shave.... I'd suggest throwing your showering stuff in a beach tote, treating your self to a sauna treatment and just showering there.

8) Excursions - 

Well first I feel like I need to explain what happened to us.  We had 3 days on the island. On the internet (part of the whole pre-booking thing) they had a day at the beach as an option for day 1.  Well we didn't find out until we got on the ship that we arrived at 3:00 pm that day, not really enough time considering the private beach place closed at 5:00.. so they automatically pushed that to the next day. And while that is great, we already had snuba booked for day 2..so we had tickets for two different excursions on the same day.  We took them to the excursion desk, got a refund on the day at the beach and just go the lay of the land that first day.  Our day 2 - our snuba was cancelled due to rough wind, however since they already had us there etc... they let us snorkel for free.  Day 3 we left open because we didn't know what to pre-plan.  What we ended up doing was rending a moped and exploring the island - it was the best day ever!

Tip - Don't over plan, don't be afraid to roll with the changes, and if you are so over schedule you will likely miss the little things and places that didn't get the "featured" stop on the web-site.  We found the best mini golf place with literally breath taking views and locals that were amazing.  Also, the best fudge is found in the Clock Tower mall!  You will thank me for that tip, seriously...  I know fudge... it is the best!  Things are cheaper and have more options once you get out of the "tourist trip areas" and you will never have the time to find those things out.. if you over schedule and rely on the ship to bring it to you.

Side note... on our first day we literally walked like one block to the "private beach on the harbor" it was $5 entry.  This was the exact same place they charged us around $38 a person in advance to have a "day at the beach" plus like $16 for transportation.. it was a block, along a side street with zero traffic, you could see it from the boat... we barely crossed a street... kinda ridiculous.

Have fun and cruise away!
Although they have a kid area.. I really would not suggest taking kids on this boat, it's more adult friendly and I'm pretty sure my kids would have lost interest in 36 hours.  We however, never lost interest!  Black Jack anybody!

Summer... a SAHM's 2nd chance to enjoy this time of year!

School is almost over, and summer is almost in full swing!  Most people - meaning those that work a full time job don't really get to enjoy that childlike excitement of no more school (like my husband).  

As a Stay At Home Mom (SAHM) I get to relive that excitement every year.   

I am a mom who fully embraces the "lazy summer" directive.  Meaning I say no to organized sports, to wake up calls, and structured days.  At our house we allow our body clock to tell us when we are hungry and tired.  I allow my kids to get bored because when that happens they find the most imaginative way to entertain themselves.  We don't keep a reading chart, but we read like crazy because there is nothing better to do under the patio umbrella while enjoying a snack.  If we want to run, we run.  If we want to nap, we nap.  I find little bodies grow like weeds during these months and they don't always go by schedules.

The "have to's"  that go to  "get-to's" 

NO more packing lunches   YES to pool side snacks and impromptu picnics.
NO more morning alarms   YES to black out curtains and jammies till noon! 
NO more reading log deadlines, weekly or daily math sheets, no more assignment book signatures needed  YES to free time reading, math challenges against mom or dad that get rewarded with afternoon movies, and messy science experiments in the back yard, bike rides, and digging in dirt!


I've learned to to embraces the freedom of summer as an adult.  My children have taught me the magical view that I once had when I was a child.  My goal now is to let them be kids.  Unscheduled, and the freedom to just be.

I'm a firm believer in fun, field trips, and fighting the summer learning slope.  I'm also a firm believer in teaching them how to not be dependent on being entertained, directed, or scheduled.

Take some time to just be, find what makes you smile, to breathe and enjoy the simpleness of clean fresh days, enjoy your alone time, enjoy your sibling time, enjoy the time with your kids as they learn about who they are with out "being molded".

Mommy Hacks - Home Edition

Mommy Hacks - Home Edition

The Mommy Hacks have been some of my most popular posts.  

I truly believe every mom no matter how "together" she might have "it", she is always looking for ways to make it better, make it fun, make it work for everybody in the house not just her.

#1 Problem: NO YELLING IN THE HOUSE!!!!!

Tired of yelling across the house.... "time for dinner"...... "hey, time for dinner".... "guys, turn of the mine craft and get your boo-hinnys up here, now"...."if you don't get up  here by the count of 3 your grounded until your 50".  Sound familiar?

Solution:

Doorbell.  Yes, a simple battery operated door bell (found mine on clearance at Target for $5) and put the noise making part in the playroom, and the button where you are.  Push button, a loud ding dong happens.  A few classical training exercise with your kids and boom!  They come when you call, or ding dong.  No more yelling, threatening, and loosing your totally awesome mommy cool.

#2 Problem: Dinner Time!

Why do they have to eat 3 times a day and have snacks?  And why oh why does dinner have to happen every night?!!  Right?  You know you have thought that!

Solution:

If your like me and you need dinner inspiration you need it like... now.  I don't have time to go through all my cook books or troll the internet for an hour I need to start cooking now.  Here is what I did.  I ripped those cook books up and made my own with the pages.

• A 3 ring binder, a stack of sheet protectors and dividers.  One day I tore my cook books up!  Literally, I took an exact-o-knife and took the pages I wanted, the recipes I actually would use and organized them in a way that works for me.  I cook best by figuring out the ingredients I have first.  If I have sausage, I then go to that section of my binder and see what I have to choose from.  I don't have to go through 15 books, or thumb through a bunch of recipes I won't use or don't have ingredients for.
• Don't be afraid to throw away the recipes you will never use, get rid of those books you never have time to read.  Make one go to book and just add things as you go through life.  Or at least do this for your daily type of meals.  If you have to keep books for your happiness of the written word, then keep them for your fancy cooking days and don't overwhelm yourself on regular days.

#3 Problem: Unexpected Sick kid! 

Well they are all unexpected but at least we can usually figure out when our sick seasons are going to be and be prepared for the "right kind" of treatments.

Solutions:

1) Be bag ready.  What I mean by that is have some pre-made treatment bags to have ready in your medicine cabinet.  I keep a bag in each of my kids cubbies in the winter season.  One usually battles sinus issues and the other ear issues.  So, that's what our "go to bag" has in it along with a few other things.  This bag is to take with me in my purse or their backpack.  It's a great travel item.

Each bag as these items

• Kleenex
• empty zip lock - for used Kleenex's
• hand sanitizer
• chap stick (because chap lips follow every cold)
• Aquaphor lotion (because chap noses follow every cold)
• Nasal spray (our is prescription, I also put in our RX ear drops depending on the kid)
• a band-aid - because every sick thing ever needs a band-aid to truly help the sick :)
• a few cough drops
• I've started adding some chew able Motrin now that my kids are older and I can trust them not to eat them as a treat

2) Have your medicine cabinet grouped into categories.  I have "bins" labels with cold/allergies, flu/stomach, and wound care.  This is helpful replace something. Also, in the middle of the night when most serious sickness rear their awful head you don't have to fumble through a mess of things.  Keep thermometer, otoscope, flashlight for throats and nose sucker in a easy to access bin since that's usually the first thing you need to access.

#4 Problem: School Papers Everywhere!

Where are your spelling words?  Mom, I can't find my reading log! I have to sign that permission slip for your field trip.. where did I put that?  I can't do my homework, I can't find a sharp pencil! Sound familiar?

Solution:

Make one place.  I repeat.  1 - just one place.  Not one for this and another for that.  Just 1!  Did I say just 1 place yet?  Well... just one!  Here is our place

there is a power strip hidden behind these sorters for charging cords.

I found these fantastic mail sorters at Home Goods.  I painted the front part with chalk paint.  We keep clip boards in there for spelling words, reading logs etc.  All library books from school go there, along with their charging kindles, and a dry erase board.  Also the very back section is where I put their "keep" things from the school year as it goes along, at the end I will put these in a keepsake file I have for each kid.  Pencils, dry erase markers, erasers, highlighters and rulers are also kept here.  We use a reward system of tickets for spelling tests so that is what the containers are for on the edge.  If it's not in this spot.. then it's not in this house!

Obvious the decoration theme changes as the year goes round!

#5 Problem: Finding joy in the mundane "TO-DO" list.

The bathroom needs cleaned, the dishwasher is full again, and I am not looking forward to that stack of bills.  Yea.. I get that!  It doesn't sound fun, or joyful or how I want to spend my day.

Solution:

 If you have the flexibility to choose, then exercise that right!  What do I mean by that? Well... here is what this thought process looks like in my life (this could be an entire blog post so pardon my quick overview).

This week, I have a to do list. It is not organized by days, priorities or anything so type A as that.  In fact it's not really organized at all other than all those items need to be done.  How do it get through it you ask?  Well.... I wake up and ask myself, "what are you in the mood for".  "Out of all those things, what is the thing (or things) that I can see myself having the most fun with".  Many things come into play with this process.  Such as weather, if it's nice I don't want anything real time consuming because the kids are going to want to be outside.  I have personally found rainy days are great days for me to pay bills, write blog posts :), and do organizing projects.  Maybe today I have a lot of energy and those days are good days to clean!

You might be saying to yourself, I will never clean the bathroom if I wait for a day that I "feel"like it.  My response, I think you would surprise yourself.  I have learned to follow my own rhythms,  identify when is my best time of day, days of weeks, etc to accomplish something on my list.

I've done the whole Monday = dusting, Tuesday = vacuuming and I hated it!  My weeks are not always the same, they fluctuate. My moods are not always the same on Monday and neither are my kids attention spans to allow the same activities on a set schedule.  I realized when I made myself do things on a schedule I dread doing them. It took way longer, and I don't go the extra little tid-bit to make it great!  This way, all my stuff gets done, quicker, and usually more fun.

Now the day you pay your bills.... well.. I got nothing for you there other than reward yourself when your done!

How to make a giraffe costume.

Oh the things we do for school music programs :)

Here is how I made a giraffe costume for my son.

A few quick notes....

• I used a hat because my son did not like the idea of wearing a head band like a girl.
• I used a shirt we already had and was almost to small.. and since my material didn't really stretch like t-shirt material I would suggest using a larger shirt rather than smaller.  Lesson learned.  

Items needed...

• hat
• chenille "pipe cleaners" large fuzzy ones
• 1 yard of giraffe material
• giraffe ribbon (if desired)
• plastic solo cup
• hot glue gun
• tassel (found in clearance isle in drapery section) for tail

Here's how to make it in a photo story line...

gather supplies

for the chenille horns I had to cut a small hole

and glue the horns from the bottom side to stay put

start with a curved cut out of the solo cup for the ears

hot glue fabric on one side

then hot glue from the other side

after this I edged it with giraffe ribbon

the horns are also glued to the ears at the base to keep them from flopping around

I used an old t-shirt and just flipped inside out so we didn't see the design.  I drew with a sharpie the shape I wanted, then hot glued the fabric on, I also trimmed the edges with the ribbon.

Here is the final look.

I wanted to add a bow tie...but the giraffe said no :(

The tail is his most favorite part!

Have I told you about my addiction? Fingernail selfies. Julep

First of all.. if you don't know me personally.  I'm pretty "low maintenance" in the whole "looks" department.  I don't really wear make-up, I rarely "do" my hair, a hair clip is usually my go to and I wear SAHM clothes.  It's just who I am and the stage of my life right now.

My name is Mommy and I take fingernail selfies... I can't help it! I also post them to my Facebook!  It's just something I do.  I'm completely GUILTY of this!

I have one girly thing that I enjoy doing. Painting my nails for these reasons.

1) It's the only thing I really do for my "girl self" on a regular basis.

2) A pretty nail helps me with my obsessive nail biting and picking.  I'm told this is a sign of perfection - I'm also told it's part self cannibalism.  So... obviously I need to control this. 

What started as a way to quit a bad habit has morphed into a an obsession.  Let me introduce you to my 43 little friends.

Yes I own all of these... soon 4 more will arrive at my door.

I LOVE NAIL POLISH.  

SPECIFICALLY JULEP NAIL POLISH.

It's the only one I have found that will last 5 days with out chipping.

Sorry to text yell, but I get really excited.

For those of you who don't know what Julep is it's a monthly subscription service that sends you product.  There are many of these out there.

I personally have decided these services are the best thing ever and wonder why it took so long for them to be so available?  Currently I subscribe to two, the Dollar Shave Club which saves me a ton of money and Julep Maven (which doesn't save me money but makes me happy with spending money).

The reason I am writing this blog post today, is I just got my notification of what is going to be sent to me in my next box.  I then changed out one product for another (the freedom to personalize your box is truly genius), because I can :).   

I like the option to make sure I don't get doubles or triples of the same color (although that rarely happens), but I try not to alter it too much.  I have found the colors I enjoy the most are not the ones I would have picked out  I have learned to trust who ever is on the other side of that choosing process and they are usually right.  I have loved almost every single one of their picks over my own.

Let me show you just a few of the things I have done recently.  

Are you inspired?

If you live close... you have an open invitation to come paint your nails with me! 

Want to join?  

My "dealer" would be happy to help you out!

click the link above :)

Show your love as a family for Valentines.. the whole month!

A few years ago I wanted to get my kids (then toddlers) involved in showing the Valentines Love.  I have come up with a few ways of doing this based on their ages as they grow.

1) Toddlers - a showing love chart!

Every time I caught them saying something nice, doing something sweet, going out of their way to be helpful.. they got a heart by their name.  Let's  just say love is contagious, and by the end of the first week we had to add another chart because the first one was full!

2) Early writers..... write love notes!

Kaden was not a big "hugger" or public shower of affection, this is what he is referring to.  My hugs and kisses even when other people saw :)

Blank love notes available, and write away!  Again.... we had to clear of the frig every few days to make room for more! This is a really great way to hear those things they rarely say out loud!

3) Wall of Valentine Mail! Great for all ages!

Set up a mail station to receive and give special notes, drawings, treats, and other gifts of love.  I even received a rock that looked like a heart!.

Found the felt envelopes at Target's dollar spot, hot glued hangers to the back, and made a "creation station" full of blank cards, stickers, stamps, pretty pens, and other crafty things.  Every day at dinner we open our envelopes for a small love surprise :)

Mommy Hacks - Easy Peasy ways to save money in less time on stuff you have to buy.

Yes, I use coupons, and Cartwheel, but that's not what I'm talking about.  

All that stuff requires time, newspapers, or printers, or forethought.  

These simple things do not.

1) Buy (or put) things in pumps!  Yes.. switch to pumps!  Use generic empty pumps and fill them with things like shampoo, body wash, and dish soap.  

First it started as an experiment, my boys were going through twice as much body wash as the rest of us.  So I put it in an empty soap dispenser I had under the sink, I told them how many pumps would be enough, and BAM it worked. Then I realized my 4 year old was just opening the shampoo bottle and pouring it in the water to make bubbles like every night while I was getting her clothes ready.  So.. I this time I bought a shampoo that came in a pump and it was wonderful!  Now, my whole family is switched over to pumps for all shower products and it's easier to stocked, cleaned, and I buy about 50% less now because they aren't over using and wasting it.

 

(hint - even if you don't like the brand these pumps are great find on a a clearance isle and put your own product in it, it will save you time from shopping less and money from wasting it)

I now use my dish soap that I buy in a "regular" bottle and put in in a "pretty" pump bottle.  Again, less waste and it looks pretty!

image source

2) Laundry Soap (and dish soap) Packs -  not liquid or powder.  No matter how many "loads" the package always says I don't feel like I ever that much out of the package.  It might say 105 loads but it still only lasted me 2 months and with the average 10 loads a week... that just doesn't add up.  These new Packs are great.  They really do last 105 loads.  It's way awesome... another very cool thing.. it takes up less space, and it's way lighter!  I hate carrying heavy detergent up stairs to the laundry room.  Yep.. I'm that lazy.

3) Reusable Lunch containers - save the earth, and save buying baggies, plastic forks, and snack sized everything.  Just buy regular packaged things and put what you need into divided boxes.  It cost more for less when you buy snacked sized things, and most times they are more "processed".  Personally love this product and this mom entrepreneur who created them!  You can buy it through the link below.  

Buy with this link

EASYLUNCHBOXES.COM

As for drinks... we use a thermos with chocolate milk (just like the ones they get at school) but I buy it by the half gallon or gallon.

4) Use a cloth towel instead - Paper towels get expensive.  Good back to the "good ole' days" and use a hand towel instead.  Yes, you have a bit more laundry, but hey your saving money on detergent now so that helps :)  Plus less paper towels, means less $, also less trash, which in turns means less trash bags and trips taking it out.  All around a good idea!   I have put an extra (well ventilated) trash can in my pantry that we put towels that need washing so it's easy to grab a clean one and keep germs to a minimum.  I also use wash clothes (old rags) to clean with instead of "cleaning wipes".