This is our last full week of summer before school starts again. It is bitter sweet! Two of my three children will be in school, it is weird to think about, but at the same time exciting! A second grader and a preschooler. The school clothes have been bought, the school supplies are in backpacks awaiting the first day of school, and a schedule is being made for the new school year.
I usually take the month before school starts to get the children on schedule for the year - going to bed earlier, getting up earlier, breakfasts ready before time to leave, etc. Maybe I will start this tomorrow. We decided that 10 am was a good time to get up today, I don't think that is going to fly when school starts. Breakfast was brunch. We napped for three hours today. Maybe we are not ready for school to start yet...but hey that's okay!
This has been a really great summer, I went into it worried that there would be lots of "I'm bored" being said. We chose not to get season passes for our local water park this year, which I am so glad we did as this has been the rainiest summer. Ever. But, we did have an amazingly fun vacation to Universal Studios. We had play dates at least once a week. We had friends over for coffee about once a month. Summer reading program at the library and a week of Vacation Bible School kept us on the go. This has been an adventurous and fun summer. I think I heard "I'm bored" twice, not bad!!
It's fun on summer break, being the adult and not the student. Both of my children going to school this year are super excited. My second grader missed his friends and I am pretty sure he missed the routine of the school day. My preschooler is so excited about starting, every day I answer the question if today is the day. I am looking forward to some one on one time with my youngest child, I see some tea parties and lots of girly play dates in our future!
If your children are starting school soon, enjoy the time with them now. Encourage them to love school. Make it exciting for them! You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Monday, July 29, 2013
Wednesday, July 24, 2013
Play Date Survivial 101
I love having play dates at my home. I also love going to play dates. Play dates are fun...a little mommy sanity saver!
Today I had a play date at my home with three other mommies and their children....seven children and four adults. It was so much fun! It lasted about two and a half hours and we were able to play with the children, snack, let the children play, and have good mommy conversation!
Here are some tips for hosting a fun play date at your home:
1. Have your home clean so you won't be worried or apologizing for a less than clean house.
2. Be mentally prepared that things may get messy, and it is okay.
3. Let the kids play...hence the name play date.
Today's children were mostly ages four and under....three of the children were around the age two. I had age appropriate toys ready for them. Tomorrow, my oldest son is having a play date at our home. There will be a total of five boys ages four and up and one little girl. Tomorrow I will have the big boy toys ready and ready for a house full of ninjas, boxers, and superheroes!
4. Snacks...this is a must. It will be a good way to have the kids settle down for a bit. Have kid friendly and adult friendly snacks.
5. RELAX!!!! You are having a play date to let your kids play and to let yourself be around other mommies. Relax and have fun. It may get loud. It may get messy. There may be some sharing issues. But, just relax and have fun.
Take time to host a play date at your house. Invite your children's friends and their parents. Invite moms new to the area or ones you want to get to know better. Be the mom that is the play date host of the month!!!
You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Today I had a play date at my home with three other mommies and their children....seven children and four adults. It was so much fun! It lasted about two and a half hours and we were able to play with the children, snack, let the children play, and have good mommy conversation!
Here are some tips for hosting a fun play date at your home:
1. Have your home clean so you won't be worried or apologizing for a less than clean house.
2. Be mentally prepared that things may get messy, and it is okay.
3. Let the kids play...hence the name play date.
Today's children were mostly ages four and under....three of the children were around the age two. I had age appropriate toys ready for them. Tomorrow, my oldest son is having a play date at our home. There will be a total of five boys ages four and up and one little girl. Tomorrow I will have the big boy toys ready and ready for a house full of ninjas, boxers, and superheroes!
4. Snacks...this is a must. It will be a good way to have the kids settle down for a bit. Have kid friendly and adult friendly snacks.
5. RELAX!!!! You are having a play date to let your kids play and to let yourself be around other mommies. Relax and have fun. It may get loud. It may get messy. There may be some sharing issues. But, just relax and have fun.
Take time to host a play date at your house. Invite your children's friends and their parents. Invite moms new to the area or ones you want to get to know better. Be the mom that is the play date host of the month!!!
You can do it mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Thursday, July 18, 2013
A Hard Gig
Today was hard. I admit it. It was a difficult day.
Between refereeing fights, giving up and deciding to let the kids have it, bites that draw blood, and attitudes that mimic adolescent angst....I am tired.
This being a mommy gig is hard stuff. Being a mommy is hard work. It is not for the faint of heart or weak. It is not for those who give up easily.
Being a mom....you have to be more tenacious than a super-strong willed two year old. You have to be faster than a falling glass. You have to love enough to discipline and hug afterwards.
There's no guide for the specific seasons of each of our mommy journeys. I used to think it was weird when people would say they wished their infant came with a manual....now I think it would be nice. It would be nice to know the stem of the attitudes. If the crying is because of teething, tired, hungry, or just because it is something to do. If the fighting is a cry for attention or a brotherly thing.
Yes, so today was difficult.
I look forward to putting this day behind me. Starting again tomorrow.
I thank God for tomorrows. New beginnings. Hopefully new attitudes.
So, here's to all the moms who want to throw in the towel....don't do it! Tomorrow is another day. Put your darlings to bed, drink some hot tea, and relax. Tomorrow is a new beginning.
XOXO,
Rebecca
Between refereeing fights, giving up and deciding to let the kids have it, bites that draw blood, and attitudes that mimic adolescent angst....I am tired.
This being a mommy gig is hard stuff. Being a mommy is hard work. It is not for the faint of heart or weak. It is not for those who give up easily.
Being a mom....you have to be more tenacious than a super-strong willed two year old. You have to be faster than a falling glass. You have to love enough to discipline and hug afterwards.
There's no guide for the specific seasons of each of our mommy journeys. I used to think it was weird when people would say they wished their infant came with a manual....now I think it would be nice. It would be nice to know the stem of the attitudes. If the crying is because of teething, tired, hungry, or just because it is something to do. If the fighting is a cry for attention or a brotherly thing.
Yes, so today was difficult.
I look forward to putting this day behind me. Starting again tomorrow.
I thank God for tomorrows. New beginnings. Hopefully new attitudes.
So, here's to all the moms who want to throw in the towel....don't do it! Tomorrow is another day. Put your darlings to bed, drink some hot tea, and relax. Tomorrow is a new beginning.
XOXO,
Rebecca
Sunday, July 14, 2013
COFFEE!!!!
So, lets talk about the good stuff....coffee!!! This blog is all about coffee and mommy mentoring, right? I better stay true to the title!
I love coffee. Like really really really love it. Thankfully, I have lots of friends who like coffee as well, maybe not as much as I like it, but they still like it.
One of the things I love to do is to open my home up for coffee on a weekday morning. The kids are off of school on summer vacation, so I let the little darlings come too. I just post on facebook or send a text to let my friends know I am opening my home up for coffee, what morning, and what time. I provide the coffee and usually drinks for the kids. Others bring snacks and goodies. It is a lot of fun to sit around and drink coffee with girlfriends.
There are some staples in my house...
1. Coffee Cups - at my last count I had nineteen coffee cups. Yes, nineteen. But sometimes you need nineteen cups for all the people you have over.
2. Little Mini Coffee Creamers - You can buy packs of 24 flavored creamers at the market. I have three different kinds on hand at one time. It looks really nice displayed in little bowls.
3. COFFEE - A staple. Sam's Club has a big big canister of coffee that I get. It is probably for restaurants, but hey...I am the girl with nineteen coffee cups, remember. I like getting the fun little flavored packs of coffee at TJ Maxx or Marshal's, the kind you can't just find anywhere. It adds a little flavor to the day.
I have a coffee bar in my house. I will admit, it was an idea I saw on Pinterest, and it is lovely. On my coffee bar I have my creamers, sugars, and napkins set out 24/7 and I set out additional items when I have guests over.
Ladies, don't be afraid to open your home up to lots of guests to enjoy coffee. It is really a fun way to make new friends and to strengthen relationships with fellow mommies and ladies.
XOXO,
Rebecca
I love coffee. Like really really really love it. Thankfully, I have lots of friends who like coffee as well, maybe not as much as I like it, but they still like it.
One of the things I love to do is to open my home up for coffee on a weekday morning. The kids are off of school on summer vacation, so I let the little darlings come too. I just post on facebook or send a text to let my friends know I am opening my home up for coffee, what morning, and what time. I provide the coffee and usually drinks for the kids. Others bring snacks and goodies. It is a lot of fun to sit around and drink coffee with girlfriends.
There are some staples in my house...
1. Coffee Cups - at my last count I had nineteen coffee cups. Yes, nineteen. But sometimes you need nineteen cups for all the people you have over.
2. Little Mini Coffee Creamers - You can buy packs of 24 flavored creamers at the market. I have three different kinds on hand at one time. It looks really nice displayed in little bowls.
3. COFFEE - A staple. Sam's Club has a big big canister of coffee that I get. It is probably for restaurants, but hey...I am the girl with nineteen coffee cups, remember. I like getting the fun little flavored packs of coffee at TJ Maxx or Marshal's, the kind you can't just find anywhere. It adds a little flavor to the day.
I have a coffee bar in my house. I will admit, it was an idea I saw on Pinterest, and it is lovely. On my coffee bar I have my creamers, sugars, and napkins set out 24/7 and I set out additional items when I have guests over.
Ladies, don't be afraid to open your home up to lots of guests to enjoy coffee. It is really a fun way to make new friends and to strengthen relationships with fellow mommies and ladies.
XOXO,
Rebecca
Tuesday, July 9, 2013
Chores Revamp Number 301
CHORES! I used to think this was just for kids to give them something to do. Some sense of responsibility. I now realize, as a mom of three under seven years old, it is a sanity saver!
I have found my seven year old and four year old copying what I say, I guess I say it often: "There is only one of me and five of us. I need help!" Yes, in my times of exasperation of wiping noses, changing diapers, kissing boo-boos, and answering 5,286,098 questions per day I let my kids know I am not an octopus with eight arms, nor do I have a clone hiding around the corner to jump in and help me out.
I use the Fifteen Minute Clean rule, which you can read about at www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com (click on the above link); the article was published in the current issue. But aside from that I realize that chores are a constant changing tune in my home.
I have spent a couple hours today figuring out the best chore charts for my children, which chores to add, which to take away, and which to split amongst the three. Until this chore revamp, I never put hygiene or getting out of bed a chore; to me it was obvious. Wrong! I was wrong! Now waking up, brushing teeth, and showering are chores on the chart for each child.
Here is a little key I used this time to make my chores for my children. I have took a week to watch them and see what they enjoy doing as far as cleaning. My daughter enjoys wiping things - the floor, her nose, her knee, my knee, etc. I have added dusting to her chore list. Yes, she is two. And no, I don't expect perfection or anything near it. It is a sense of responsibility being added at a young age. My four year old enjoys task oriented activities and pays attention to detail. I added the chore of matching socks to his chore list. My seven year old is pretty easy going, but likes to be organized; I added cleaning out the car to his chore list.
By delegating these tasks to the children, it will leave me more time with the children. Time to make memories. Do crafts, actually sit down with them and do the crafts with them. Time to do something for myself during the day. And time for me to become a better wife and mother with better time management.
Erma Bombeck said "housework can kill you if done right." I think she has a valid point. If we, as mothers, did every single task in the house every single day we would work ourselves to death. And then, we wouldn't be useful at all!
A couple of warnings though as you add chores to your children's activities.
1. Don't expect perfection. Your children are learning to do these things, take time to show them how to do it correctly. If you have a specific way you like the beds made, show them how to do it that way.
2. Make chores a first of the day activity. When school starts make it an activity to do between school and homework.
3. Give positive incentives. If our children do all their chores for a month, we will take them out for ice cream or some other treat to congratulate them and encourage them.
4. Make creative punishments for chores not completed. If their room is not clean, take the items that are not put away and you put them somewhere away from them until they learn to clean up correctly.
You can do this mama! I know society says you have to do it all, have it all, and smile while doing it. Reality says, let your children help you! Don't let the joy of motherhood escape you because of lack of help!!!
XOXO,
Rebecca
I have found my seven year old and four year old copying what I say, I guess I say it often: "There is only one of me and five of us. I need help!" Yes, in my times of exasperation of wiping noses, changing diapers, kissing boo-boos, and answering 5,286,098 questions per day I let my kids know I am not an octopus with eight arms, nor do I have a clone hiding around the corner to jump in and help me out.
I use the Fifteen Minute Clean rule, which you can read about at www.gulfcoastwomanmagazine.com (click on the above link); the article was published in the current issue. But aside from that I realize that chores are a constant changing tune in my home.
I have spent a couple hours today figuring out the best chore charts for my children, which chores to add, which to take away, and which to split amongst the three. Until this chore revamp, I never put hygiene or getting out of bed a chore; to me it was obvious. Wrong! I was wrong! Now waking up, brushing teeth, and showering are chores on the chart for each child.
Here is a little key I used this time to make my chores for my children. I have took a week to watch them and see what they enjoy doing as far as cleaning. My daughter enjoys wiping things - the floor, her nose, her knee, my knee, etc. I have added dusting to her chore list. Yes, she is two. And no, I don't expect perfection or anything near it. It is a sense of responsibility being added at a young age. My four year old enjoys task oriented activities and pays attention to detail. I added the chore of matching socks to his chore list. My seven year old is pretty easy going, but likes to be organized; I added cleaning out the car to his chore list.
By delegating these tasks to the children, it will leave me more time with the children. Time to make memories. Do crafts, actually sit down with them and do the crafts with them. Time to do something for myself during the day. And time for me to become a better wife and mother with better time management.
Erma Bombeck said "housework can kill you if done right." I think she has a valid point. If we, as mothers, did every single task in the house every single day we would work ourselves to death. And then, we wouldn't be useful at all!
A couple of warnings though as you add chores to your children's activities.
1. Don't expect perfection. Your children are learning to do these things, take time to show them how to do it correctly. If you have a specific way you like the beds made, show them how to do it that way.
2. Make chores a first of the day activity. When school starts make it an activity to do between school and homework.
3. Give positive incentives. If our children do all their chores for a month, we will take them out for ice cream or some other treat to congratulate them and encourage them.
4. Make creative punishments for chores not completed. If their room is not clean, take the items that are not put away and you put them somewhere away from them until they learn to clean up correctly.
You can do this mama! I know society says you have to do it all, have it all, and smile while doing it. Reality says, let your children help you! Don't let the joy of motherhood escape you because of lack of help!!!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Sunday, July 7, 2013
Monday, Monday!
Tomorrow is Monday! I may be an oddity, but I love Mondays. I love how they signify a new chapter, a new time to get things done.
This week, take one room or one area of your house to get cleaned up or organized. Whether it be the spare closet, the extra bedroom, or your kitchen cabinets, get them done. Get your little darlings involved. Have your older children put things together that match. Have your younger children put lids for Tupperware in a certain place. Make it fun and make it a game. Take time to have fun while you do it. If you are cleaning the spare closet, see how many baskets of odds and ends your children can fill up in five minutes. If you are cleaning the spare bedroom, have your children race to put all of the nick-knacks in one corner of the room. If you are cleaning your kitchen cabinets take an impromptu music break and create your own little band using pots and pans.
Instead of begrudgingly loathing Mondays, take a new view of it being something new. Write down one thing you would like to accomplish this week and make it happen. Focus on spending time with your children, take time to sit on the floor with them while they play with their dolls or cars. Read them a book while they snuggle in your lap. Color with them. Make a mess with them and clean it up together.
This is a new week to make a memory. To make a difference in your children's lives. You can do it Mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
This week, take one room or one area of your house to get cleaned up or organized. Whether it be the spare closet, the extra bedroom, or your kitchen cabinets, get them done. Get your little darlings involved. Have your older children put things together that match. Have your younger children put lids for Tupperware in a certain place. Make it fun and make it a game. Take time to have fun while you do it. If you are cleaning the spare closet, see how many baskets of odds and ends your children can fill up in five minutes. If you are cleaning the spare bedroom, have your children race to put all of the nick-knacks in one corner of the room. If you are cleaning your kitchen cabinets take an impromptu music break and create your own little band using pots and pans.
Instead of begrudgingly loathing Mondays, take a new view of it being something new. Write down one thing you would like to accomplish this week and make it happen. Focus on spending time with your children, take time to sit on the floor with them while they play with their dolls or cars. Read them a book while they snuggle in your lap. Color with them. Make a mess with them and clean it up together.
This is a new week to make a memory. To make a difference in your children's lives. You can do it Mama!
XOXO,
Rebecca
Thursday, July 4, 2013
Happy 4th of July!
Happy 4th of July!
Thank you to each of our military personnel who so sacrificially and readily protect our precious and beautiful country! Today would not be a day of America's Independence if it were not for the past military personnel as well, thank you for your sacrifices! To the military spouses; you are amazing, you keep everything at home running smoothly and peacefully as your spouse serves our country; thank you!
I hope everyone has a wonderful day with their friends and family! Be safe!
God Bless America,
Rebecca
Tuesday, July 2, 2013
Strong Like Hulk!
Yesterday, I decided I would be an uber-healthy mom and make my children smoothies as an afternoon snack. I found a good recipe, went and bought all the ingredients, in bulk, and hyped up the smoothie to my children all day!
The recipe called for:
- 2 packed cups chopped kale leaves
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
I added all of the ingredients together and blended it until it made a nice green "Hulkish" color.
I told my sons that it would make them strong like Hulk! We were doing "Hulk Smash" and my daughter was just excited about all of the excitement.
I gave my sons their smoothies and excitedly told them to drink it! I waited for what I knew was going to be their Olvatine commercial faces....you know the faces that light up and the ask for more! I was already mentally writing my blog and raves about how well my children loved it. My four year old son took one big gulp and immediately declared "I don't want to be strong!!" and left the table and smoothie. My seven year old son politely gagged it down amidst promises of ice cream if he would drink it all. He decided ice cream was overrated. However, my daughter, whom will throw vegetables at you if you try to give them to her took several big gulps before she threw the cup down.
After my children's reactions I made my smoothie and took a big gulp. I smiled and said how delicious it was while holding my breath and trying not to taste the smoothie. I said I was full, a little fib, and poured the rest of the smoothie in the sink.
It was a hard reality that I am not a kale-smoothie mom. Today, we are going to try strawberry, blueberry, and a little hidden kale smoothie and see how that goes over!
Mamas, if you're trying something new and it doesn't work the first time, revamp it and try, try, again! You may be kale-smoothie mom or you may not be. The deal is you are the best mom you can be. It is fun to incorporate new ideas and recipes that other moms have tried and their children loved. If you tried one and your children had a "I don't want to be strong" moment, it is okay. Try something else. Not every recipe works for every family and that's okay! Have fun being a mommy and have fun trying new things. Today's flops will be tomorrow's laughs! You can do it mamas!
XOXO,
Rebecca
The recipe called for:
- 2 packed cups chopped kale leaves
- 1 cup fresh or frozen pineapple
- 1/2 cup pineapple juice
- 1 cup unsweetened almond milk
I added all of the ingredients together and blended it until it made a nice green "Hulkish" color.
I told my sons that it would make them strong like Hulk! We were doing "Hulk Smash" and my daughter was just excited about all of the excitement.
I gave my sons their smoothies and excitedly told them to drink it! I waited for what I knew was going to be their Olvatine commercial faces....you know the faces that light up and the ask for more! I was already mentally writing my blog and raves about how well my children loved it. My four year old son took one big gulp and immediately declared "I don't want to be strong!!" and left the table and smoothie. My seven year old son politely gagged it down amidst promises of ice cream if he would drink it all. He decided ice cream was overrated. However, my daughter, whom will throw vegetables at you if you try to give them to her took several big gulps before she threw the cup down.
After my children's reactions I made my smoothie and took a big gulp. I smiled and said how delicious it was while holding my breath and trying not to taste the smoothie. I said I was full, a little fib, and poured the rest of the smoothie in the sink.
It was a hard reality that I am not a kale-smoothie mom. Today, we are going to try strawberry, blueberry, and a little hidden kale smoothie and see how that goes over!
Mamas, if you're trying something new and it doesn't work the first time, revamp it and try, try, again! You may be kale-smoothie mom or you may not be. The deal is you are the best mom you can be. It is fun to incorporate new ideas and recipes that other moms have tried and their children loved. If you tried one and your children had a "I don't want to be strong" moment, it is okay. Try something else. Not every recipe works for every family and that's okay! Have fun being a mommy and have fun trying new things. Today's flops will be tomorrow's laughs! You can do it mamas!
XOXO,
Rebecca
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